Boscawen-Un, Prehistoric stone circle in Cornwall, England
Boscawen-Un is a stone circle made of nineteen granite blocks arranged in an elliptical shape measuring about 25 meters by 22 meters. A leaning stone stands at the center of the formation.
The site dates to around 2000 BC and shows evidence of Bronze Age burial practices. An adjacent burial mound contains urns from this ancient period.
The name comes from Cornish and refers to an old settlement in the area. People gather here today for traditional ceremonies and experience the site as a connection to ancient traditions.
The stone circle sits on farmland and is reached via a marked path from the main road between Penzance and Land's End. It is best to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable weather.
The central stone bears rare carvings that depict axes. Such engravings appear at only a handful of other locations in the area.
Location: Cornwall
GPS coordinates: 50.08983,-5.61932
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Stone circles stand among humanity's earliest architectural accomplishments, constructed by prehistoric communities across Europe and beyond over thousands of years. These circular arrangements of standing stones served multiple purposes, functioning as astronomical observatories where ancient peoples tracked celestial movements, seasonal changes, and solar events. The monuments also acted as communal gathering spaces for ceremonies, trade, and social activities. The engineering skills required to transport, raise, and position these massive stones—some weighing several tons—reveal the sophisticated organizational capabilities and technical knowledge of Neolithic and Bronze Age societies. This collection spans numerous locations throughout Europe. In England, Stonehenge features precisely arranged upright stones forming a 98-foot (30-meter) circle built between 3000 and 2000 BC, while the Avebury complex measures 1,086 feet (331 meters) across and dates to 2850 BC. Scotland hosts several significant sites, including the Callanish Stones with a central monolith standing 16 feet (4.8 meters) tall, and the Ring of Brodgar, which originally contained 60 stones encircled by a 30-foot (9-meter) wide ditch. The Castlerigg Stone Circle sits surrounded by Lake District peaks, constructed around 3000 BC. Beyond the British Isles, Germany's Goseck Circle demonstrates astronomical alignment dating to 4900 BC, making it one of the oldest known structures of its kind. Ireland's Drombeg Stone Circle uses 17 stones to mark solstice positions. Each site provides insight into how prehistoric communities observed the heavens, marked time, and organized their societies around these enduring monuments.
Carn Euny
1.8 km
Drift Reservoir
2.9 km
St Buryan's Church
1.6 km
Caer Bran
1.7 km
Church of Saint Credan
2.2 km
Bartinney Castle
2.6 km
Sancreed Beacon
2.1 km
Brane Barrow
1.4 km
Standing stone known as the 'Blind Fiddler', 405m south east of Lesbew Farm
1.6 km
Two standing stones known as the Long Stones, 280m south east of Higher Drift Farm
2.7 km
Chapel Carn Brea Tomb
2.7 km
Wayside cross in Sancreed churchyard, 10m east of the church
2.2 km
Cross (At Sw 395276) (The Witches' Cross)
1.7 km
Milestone Approximately 135M Se Of The Firs
813 m
Cross at approximately 10 metres south of Church of St Credan
2.1 km
Milestone At Sw 43110 28029, 87M North-East Of Lower Hendra Cottages
2 km
Churchyard Walls And Adjoining War Memorial
1.7 km
Guide Post At Sw 401248
2.7 km
Brane Cross
1.4 km
Wayside cross-head in Sancreed churchyard on churchyard wall by west gate
2.1 km
Guide Post (At Sw395276)
1.7 km
Milestone At Sw402275
1 km
Round, courtyard house settlement and field system 140m WNW of Goldherring
820 m
Churchyard cross in St Buryan churchyard
1.7 km
Crows-an-wra medieval wayside cross and a turnpike milestone.
1.7 km
Trevorgans Cross
1.2 km
St Buryan churchtown cross
1.7 km
Sancreed War Memorial
2.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes