We have been made aware that a dog with Canine Parvovirus has recently visited this site. Dog owners will be aware that this virus can be extremely serious for their pets. For this reason, we suggest you don’t walk your dog on the Central Henge at this time. You may prefer to keep to the Southern Henge but, as always, please ensure that your dog is kept on a lead and any mess is cleared up.
Free Entry
This unique and important cluster of Neolithic monuments lies on a raised plateau above the river Ure. Three huge circular henges – sometimes described as the ‘Stonehenge of the North’ – were built here about 4,500 years ago over an earlier monument.
They remained important into the early Bronze Age, when burial mounds were constructed nearby. Like other henges across Britain, the Thornborough henges are each surrounded by an earthen bank. The banks at Thornborough originally stood up to 4 metres high and were broken by two opposing entrances.
People have gathered, many traveling some distance, at the henges for ceremonies and funeral rituals for at least 2,000 years. The earthworks are thought to have been part of a ‘ritual landscape’ and form part of the most important concentration of Neolithic monuments in the North of England.
Click the link below to find out more about the history of the henges.
Before You Go
Parking: A small amount of layby parking is available at the entrance gates to the Central and Southern Henge. What3words location: ///guards.remission.star (Grid Reference: SE 28635 79363). Please park respectfully and safely.
Access: The Central and Southern henges are accessed through gates. Footpaths around the site are relatively flat, but uneven and grassy. There is no public access to the Northern Henge, which is in private ownership.
Dogs: Dogs on short leads are welcome. Please ensure you clean up after them.
Please be aware: Farm livestock is likely to be present.
Conservation: There are currently conservation works happening at Thornborough Henges, so please take extra care when exploring the site. You may find when you visit that there are some parts of the site that are cordoned-off or closed for safety while works are carried out. Please do not climb up the banks of the henges.
Drone flying: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions. Please see our drone filming guidelines for more details, or email our Filming team.
Plan a Great Day Out
North Yorkshire has a fantastic array of historic places to explore, so why not add a couple more to your itinerary?
Less than half an hour away from Thornborough Henges and on the edge of the Yorkshire dales sits Middleham Castle, an extensive fortified palace which was once the childhood home of Richard III.
Head a little bit further into the Dales and you’ll reach Richmond. Discover impressive Richmond Castle and walk along the river to the beautiful Easby Abbey.
Or go towards the North York Moors and explore Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens, just 30 minutes from the Henges, where you can treat yourself to a hot drink and a slice of cake in the café!
