The Nine Stones — A Small Bronze Age Stone Circle

A Compact Stone Circle Hidden in a Woodland Clearing

Near Winterbourne Abbas, The Nine Stones is Dorset’s most complete stone circle.
Set in a sheltered clearing beside the A35, this small Bronze Age monument offers a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
Today, visitors can stand among the stones and experience one of Dorset’s oldest ritual sites.

It’s a simple but well-preserved prehistoric circle.

A Bronze Age Ritual Monument

The circle was built around 2000–1500 BC.
Its size and form suggest local ritual or ceremonial use.
Therefore, it likely served a small community living in the surrounding valleys.

Key features include:

Nine upright stones

A compact diameter of around 10 metres

Mixed stone types

A natural spring flowing nearby

In addition, the stones’ positions remain largely unchanged.

Exploring The Nine Stones
1. The Stone Circle

The stones stand close together, creating an enclosed feel.
Some lean slightly, but most remain upright and stable.
In addition, the low height of the stones adds to the circle’s subtle character.

2. Woodland Surroundings

Tall trees surround the clearing, giving the site a sheltered, quiet atmosphere.
Birdsong and natural sounds fill the space.
Moreover, the setting contrasts with the openness of larger Dorset monuments.

3. A Neighbouring Spring

A natural spring flows just outside the circle.
This water source may have influenced the circle’s location.
Furthermore, its presence adds to the sense of long-term settlement and ritual use.

(Learn more at the English Heritage listing for The Nine Stones.)

Visiting Kingston Russell Stone Circle
How to Get There

Location: Near Littlebredy, Dorset

Parking: Roadside parking; short walk to the site

Train: Dorchester South or West

Bus: Limited local services

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily

Free access

Facilities

No toilets or café

Rural footpaths

Interpretation information online only

Walks and Nearby Sites

Visitors often combine The Nine Stones with other Dorset prehistoric sites.
Nearby options include:

Walks along the South Dorset Ridgeway

Visits to Kingston Russell Stone Circle

Paths toward Bronkham Hill and its barrows

Short routes around Winterbourne Abbas village

For more prehistoric landscapes, see our guides to Maiden Castle and Kingston Russell Stone Circle.

Visiting The Nine Stones
How to Get There

Location: Near Winterbourne Abbas, Dorset

Parking: Small lay-by nearby

Train: Dorchester South or West

Bus: Services along the A35

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily

Free access

Facilities

No toilets or café

Short woodland path to the circle

Interpretation information available online

Nearby Attractions

Kingston Russell Stone Circle — Larger Bronze Age circle

Grey Mare and Her Colts — Neolithic long barrow

Abbotsbury — Village, gardens, and swannery

Maiden Castle — Massive Iron Age hillfort

Together, these create the Dorset Ridgeway Prehistoric Trail.

Why Visit The Nine Stones?

The Nine Stones experience offers:

Dorset’s most complete stone circle

A quiet, sheltered woodland setting

Easy access from the A35

Atmospheric prehistoric remains

Whether you enjoy ancient sites, peaceful clearings, or short heritage stops, The Nine Stones offers an intimate glimpse of Bronze Age Dorset.
It’s not just a circle — it’s a small but striking monument preserved in a woodland sanctuary.