Rollright Stones
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Overview
The Cotswolds only has one stone circle of note, but it’s a pretty good one, not to mention a sneaky beast. It’s one of three distinct ancient monuments on the side of the A3400 road between Shipston-on-Stour and Chipping Norton, near Long Compton. The monuments are believed to have been built at different times for different purposes. The names of the megaliths, the King’s Men, the Whispering Knights and the King Stone, derive from a legend explaining their origins. Long ago a band of soldiers met a witch. She told them that their leader might take seven long strides, and then ‘if Long Compton thou canst see, King of England thou shall be’. The aspiring monarch risked all, saw nothing and was, along with his followers, turned to stone. The Whispering Knights, clustered together off in their own tight circle, were traitors who planned to overthrow the king once he became ruler of all England. There’s a more banal origin story for the Stones too. The three monuments are said to date from 3000–2000 bc, during the Bronze Age. Scholars believe that there were originally 105 King’s Men, but there are now only 77, each 100 feet in diameter. The remaining 77 are mysteriously difficult to count. If you can count them three times in a row and get the same total, it’s said you will receive a wish. The Whispering Knights are believed to be all that remains of a Neolithic long barrow. The Stones are open to the public, but note that parking is limited.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, any reasonable time during daylight hours by permission of the Rollright Trust
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
About the area
Located at the heart of England, Oxfordshire enjoys a rich heritage and varied scenery, with Oxford’s elegant streets a highlight for visitors. The landscape encompasses open chalk downland, picturesque rivers and attractive villages, while northwest of Oxfordshire is home to the sleepy backwaters of Abingdon, Wallingford, Wantage, Watlington and Witney that reveal how Oxfordshire’s old towns evolved over the centuries.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Cherry Orchard 1
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Cherry Orchard 2
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Cherry Orchard Cottages
Just up the road from the Rollright Stones, Cherry Orchard Cottages are ideal for a peaceful countryside break. Anglers may be particularly interested, as there are well-stocked fishing...
The Red Lion
Located in the pretty rural village of Long Compton in the Cotswold, The Red Lion is a mid 18th-century posting house retaining many original features which are complemented by rustic f...
The Lodges at Feldon Valley
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The Kingham Plough
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The Wild Rabbit
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The Fox at Oddington
The Fox at Oddington is a delightful country inn that combines tradition with modern comforts. Bedrooms and bathrooms offer a range of shapes and sizes and are decorated and furnished t...
