If you like Stone Henge then you may also find the following sites of interest:

Avebury Ring, Wiltshire

This stone circle, located west of Marlborough in the county of Wiltshire, was perhaps made even more famous by the 1970’s TV programme ‘Children of The Stones’. Since then it has become a mecca for history enthusiasts and Druids alike. Although it is the largest known stone circle in the world, the site is actually made up of circles within circles which distinguishes it from other megaliths. The larger outer earth bank is a massive 427m in diameter. In the centre of the larger stone circle are two smaller stone circles. Of the 154 original stones, 36 are still in place.

Avebury Rings, Wiltshire, England, UK by Phillip Capper

This stone circle (or collection of) is estimated to have been constructed anywhere between 2600 and 3000 BC and, like many, is thought to have been built for ceremonial purposes. However, the reason for its construction still remains unclear even to this day.

Knocknarea and Carrowmore, North West Coast of Ireland

For the more intrepid traveler, Knocknarea Cairn near Sligo, which dates back to around 3000 BC may be of interest. Although the stone circle here is small, it is none the less intriguing for it. Once you have climbed the main cairn you will find the final resting place of Maeve, queen of Connacht, known as Maeve’s Cairn. About 150 metres north of the cairn one can locate a small passage tomb. It is between this and the cairn that you can find the remains of a stone circle.

The impressive Carrowmore lies about a mile east of Knocknarea and is the largest megalithic stone cemetery in Ireland. These Dolmens, approximately 65 in total cover an area of one and a half square miles. A small cottage in the village of Carromore acts as a point of information and visitor centre.

Photo of Knocknarea, Ireland by Rowan of Ravara

Swinside (Sunkenkirk) Stone Circle, Cumbria

This charming stone circle, 28.7 m in diameter, is located in a peaceful location below Black Coombe in Cumbria and has many of its stones still standing. It is a curiosity that the stones that have fallen down, have fallen inward. The stones themselves form almost a perfect circle and legend has it that you cannot count the stones. Furthermore it is claimed that the ancients tried to erect a church in this location, but of an evening the devil would come along and pull down the stones. Also known as ‘Sunkerkirk’ which means that the devil sunk the stones.

Swinside, Cumbria by Jocelyn

Machrie Moor, Isle of Arran

The standing stones of Machrie Moor,located on the west of the Isle of Arran, are thought to have been constructed toward the end of the Neolithic period. There are six stone circles here which are all located within walking distance of the other. Therefore, these monuments are viewed as one site as opposed to six separate ones.

What is interesting is that there is evidence that timber circles were originally in place where the stone circles are now located. Clearly this was a site of great significant importance to the ancients.

Again, it is not known why these stones were erected, but it is safe to assume that they were for some form of ceremonial purpose.

Photo of Machrie Moor, Isle of Arran by Saskia Heijltjes

Moel ty Uchaf, Corwen, Wales

This stone circle made up of approximately 40 stones in North Wales is located on top of a hill in Denbighshire. ‘Moel ty Uchaf’ means ‘the High Bare Hill’ and the steep walk to reach the stone circle bears witness to its name. Many visitors come to Moel ty Uchaf to meditate and take in the beauty of the area, and many claim that it has healing powers. A favourite with healers and walkers alike, this small circle which is off the beaten track boasts stunning panoramic views in a spectacular setting. The circle itself is small, measuring only 11 metres across, and appears to consist of a burial cist in the centre along with a possible opening or entrance to the south east.

Photo of Moel Ty Uchaf, Corwen, Wales by Espresso Addict

Will Kerr writes on a wide range of travel topics, from the world’s most under-rated attractions, to more mundane issues such as car hire.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Arturo R Montesinos

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, as is its full name, is situated at an altitude of 1028 meters above sea level. It lies at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, where the stone has been mined and used for its construction, which started in 1563 by order of King Philip II of Spain. This pious monarch decided to commemorate his victory over French troops by founding of the Augustinian monastery, part of which would become the royal residence. The monastery should also serve as a center of education and final resting place of the Spanish aristocracy. And so, over the next 21 years, grew up into a large unique complex in the area of ​​207×161 meters. Two prominent Spanish architects were working on its construction – Juan Bautista de Toledo, who created the plans and Juan de Herrera, who completed a building in 1584.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial features a rich interior decoration, which was assigned to the hands of the greatest artists of that time. Therfore we can admire the beautiful works of Tiziano Vecelli, El Greco or Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez. In El Escorial you can also find about one and a half thousand of preserved rare paintings and about five hundred frescos that adorn the ceilings of most of the interior. In 1984, San Lorenzo de El Escorial was just for its unique decoration included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Igor González Martín

In the former times was El Escorial a symbol of secular and religious power of the king and its monumentality is amazing until today. The whole complex is crossed with 24 kilometres of tunnels, which connect individual rooms and buildings. Right in the center is a beautiful basilica, which is a main dominant of El Escorial. In its vicinity is situated Augustinian monastery with three hundred monastic cells and the Panteon de los Reyes, where are the remains of eleven Spanish kings and their wives, starting with Charles V, a father of Philip II. Do not miss a visit to the historical library, which is considered to be the most valuable in the world. Holds almost 45 thousand volumes from the 15th and 16th century and more than five thousand valuable manuscripts in Arabic, Latin and Spanish.

From Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the most convenient to travel by bus (line 661 or 664) or by train from the main railway station Atocha and then continue on foot for approximately 20 minutes. The way takes less than one hour in both cases. El Escorial is open every day from 10′o clock except for Mondays. Be prepared for numerous groups of tourists that come here especially in the summer and on weekends.

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