Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.
Address:
West Tanfield, North Yorkshire, DL8 2RA
The northern henge is now open: We are delighted to have secured the northern henge on behalf of the nation, ensuring that visitors can now enjoy all three Thornborough henges and that their stories and significance can be shared with everyone.
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 travelling 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.
Follow the link at the bottom of this page to download Bloomberg Connects, a free app that allows you to explore Thornborough Henges and hundreds of other cultural spaces.
History of Thornborough Henges
To book onto one of our Volunteer Led Tours, please clink the link below:
Before You Go
Parking:
Northern Henge
The closest parking available for the Northern Henge is at the Nosterfield Nature Reserve Car Park, off Moor Lane. What3words location: ///livid.caps.sailing . The entrance to the Northern Henge is approximately a 10min walk, heading North via the public footpath from the nature reserve car park. Parking is prohibited on the roadside. Please park respectfully and safely.
Central & Southern Henge
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 Northern Henge is accessed via the main entrance gate off Nosterfield Lane, or via the pedestrian gate along the public footpath which runs between Nosterfield Lane up to the B6267 (Please take extra care to check for oncoming vehicles when crossing main roads). Footpaths around the site are relatively flat, but uneven and grassy.
The Central and Southern henges are accessed through gates. Footpaths around the site are relatively flat, but uneven and grassy.
Dogs: Livestock present. Dogs must be kept on short leads at all times and please keep to footpaths and desire lines. Please ensure you clean up after them.
Please be aware: The henge fields are currently being used for sheep grazing and will hold in-lamb ewes in their gestation period for the coming weeks. We kindly ask all visitors and local dog walkers to keep dogs on leads at all times and please keep to footpaths and desire lines.
Thank you for your care and cooperation.
Conservation: There are currently conservation works happening at Thornborough Henges, so please take extra care when exploring the site. Please do not climb up the banks of the henges. 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.
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!
Bloomberg Connects
Explore Thornorough Henges with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app. Download the digital guide, featuring an audio trail and interesting historical facts.
Download the app