Thornborough Henges — The Stonehenge of the North

A Monumental Mystery in the Yorkshire Countryside

Set in the fields near Ripon, the Thornborough Henges form one of Britain’s most remarkable prehistoric landscapes.
Dating back over 5,000 years, this ancient complex of circular earthworks is part of a vast ritual network built long before Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt.

Known as the “Stonehenge of the North,” Thornborough’s scale and precision reveal the extraordinary skill and spirituality of Neolithic communities.

The Story of Thornborough

The site consists of three massive henges, each about 240 metres (787 feet) in diameter, aligned in a straight line stretching nearly a mile across the landscape.

Archaeologists believe the henges were built between 3500 and 2500 BC and once formed part of a ceremonial centre used for gatherings, trade, and religious rituals.

Intriguingly, their layout mirrors the pattern of Orion’s Belt, suggesting astronomical knowledge and spiritual symbolism guided their construction.

In addition, excavations have uncovered evidence of timber structures, cremation burials, and pottery, hinting at centuries of ritual activity.

Exploring Thornborough Henges
1. The Earthworks

The three henges — Central, North, and South — are surrounded by ditches and raised banks, still visible as broad green rings.
Visitors can walk along the banks and pathways, gaining a sense of the site’s immense scale and the labour involved in its creation.

2. The Landscape

The surrounding landscape, part of the Thornborough Moor area, once included avenues, smaller enclosures, and ancient trackways.
Therefore, this site offers not just one monument but an entire prehistoric world waiting to be explored.

3. The Conservation Effort

Now protected by English Heritage and Historic England, Thornborough is undergoing conservation to preserve its fragile earthworks. The site forms a key part of the Thornborough and Nosterfield Archaeological Landscape, open to the public for free year-round.

Learn more at the English Heritage page

Visiting Thornborough Henges
How to Get There

By Car: Thornborough, near Ripon DL8 2RA. Free parking available near the Central Henge.

By Train: Nearest station: Thirsk (25-minute drive).

By Bus: Local services from Ripon to West Tanfield (short walk from there).

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, all year round. Entry is free.

Facilities

Information panels on site

Public footpaths connecting all three henges

Picnic spots nearby

No toilets or café — amenities in West Tanfield village

Nearby Attractions

Marmion Tower: A medieval gatehouse in nearby West Tanfield.

Ripon Cathedral: A historic centre of worship dating to the 7th century.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal: A UNESCO World Heritage site close by.

Nosterfield Nature Reserve: A haven for wildlife beside the henges.

Together, these form an outstanding heritage and landscape trail in North Yorkshire.

Why Visit Thornborough Henges?

Standing on the green banks of Thornborough Henges, you step back into a world of mystery and imagination. Built millennia before written history, these monuments remind us how deeply connected our ancestors were to the land and the stars.

Whether you’re a history lover, walker, or photographer, this hauntingly beautiful site invites reflection on human creativity and endurance.