Top Ancient Pagan Sites in Cornwall (with James Alistair Henry)
Fascinated by the history behind some of the best Pagan places to visit in Cornwall? These should be at the top of your list…
With no cities or large settlements in Dumnonia (the ancient name for the Cornwall region) Roman religion never seemed to have got much of a foothold in the far Southwest.
Growing up in Cornwall, I always had a sense of something far older just below the surface, which later found its way into my novel ‘Pagans,’ an alternative history in which Christianity is unknown while ancient practices are alive and well in 21st century Britain.
One problem with vising Pagan sites in Cornwall is that it’s quite hard to pin down what ‘Pagan’ actually means. Pagan and specifically Celtic religious sites were often based in sacred groves or wells, which don’t leave a great deal of useful archaeological evidence, leaving a lot of room for, let’s say ‘personal interpretation’. Still, there are incredible pre-Christian sites still in Cornwall, which are well worth a visit.
The Merry Maidens, Newlyn
Nineteen standing granite stones, or megaliths, dating back to the Neolithic (although a few of the stones are thought to have been moved or added in the nineteenth century). Popular legend has it that these were once young women, turned into stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday, in defiance of Christian tradition.
Visit Merry Maidens: cornishancientsites.com/ancient-sites/merry-maidens-stone-circle
Tregeseal Stone Circle, St Just
A mile northeast of St Just situated on Truthwall Common, dominated by the natural outcrop of Carn Kenidjack (itself rumoured to be the source of strange lights, false paths and mysterious strangers), this stone circle is thought to have been part of a ritual complex of three such circles, dating back to late Neolithic times. Their alignment suggests they were built to mark the equinox sunrises, while to the east there are five holed stones, the whole area thought to be once covered with prehistoric barrows and burial mounds.
Visit Tregeseal Stone Circle: https://cornishancientsites.com/ancient-sites/tregeseal-stone-circle/
Carn Euny Fogou & Village, Penwith peninsula, Cornwall
The remains of an Iron Age village, thought to be in continual use from the Neolithic right up until the late Roman period, when it was abandoned. Discovered in early nineteenth century by tin prospectors and further excavated in the eighteen sixties by the antiquarian and Liberal politician William Copeland Borlase, who discovered and restored the impressive fogou, or artificial cave, sixty-five feet in diameter!
Visit Carn Euny ancient village: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carn-euny-ancient-village/
St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall
A spiritual place for Pagans, known to be amongst some of the most significant spiritual sites across the country. St Nectan’s Glen, with its exquisite naturally formed waterfalls and surrounding nature is a haven of peace and tranquillity in the hidden Cornish valley. Legend states that, St Nectan rang a silver bell to warn ships of the rocky valley. He believed that plunderous Romans were ravaging his faith, so he hurled his bell into the stream and vowed that non-believers would never be able to hear it.
Visit St Nectan’s Glen: www.st-nectansglen.co.uk
Gurnard’s Head Cliff Castle, Zennor
The remains of a promontory fort dating back to the Iron Age can be found on this rugged, narrow headland on the north face of the Penwith peninsula. The fort is named after the head of the fish it resembles in shape, and the remains of two sixty-metre-long stone ramparts enclose what were once sixteen roundhouses. The Cornish name for the headland is ‘Ynyal,’ meaning ‘desolate,’ and there isn’t a great deal to see, but the original inhabitants aren’t hard to imagine.
Visit Gunnard’s Head: https://heritagerecords.nationaltrust.org.uk/HBSMR/MonRecord.aspx?uid=MNA101333
Bosiliack Barrow, Penzance
The remains of a single burial chamber, dating back to the Early Bronze Age situated just beyond the eastern extent of a prehistoric field system. The barrow is a unique Scillonian entrance grave which can be found on the Isles of Scilly and in West Cornwall. The roofing stones have gone, leaving it exposed, but the entrance faces the rising of the winter solstice sun just after the shortest day of the year.
Visit Bosilack Barrow: https://cornishancientsites.com/ancient-sites/1851/
Coming 27th Feb 2025
Read ‘Pagans’ by James Alistair Henry
This urban fantasy debut novel by James Alistair Henry reimagines a modern Britain where we are still Pagans, exploring religious & political turmoil, serial killer murders and more. Available to buy from all good bookshops from 27.2.25!
This is a guest post written by James Alistair Henry.
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This sounds absolutely fascinating! I love learning about ancient sites, especially where Roman influence was minimal. Definitely adding these to my travel list.
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This sounds like a fantastic post! I’m really intrigued by the historical context you set, especially how Roman religion never quite gained a foothold in Dumnonia. It makes perfect sense that Cornwall would be rich in ancient Pagan sites. Can’t wait to read the full list!
This sounds like a fantastic post!
This sounds like a fascinating read! I’m really intrigued by the focus on ancient Pagan sites in Cornwall, especially the detail about Dumnonia. It’s so interesting to learn why Roman religion didn’t gain much ground there due to the lack of large settlements. Can’t wait to dive in!
It sounds like a really great post! The historical background you provided greatly piques my interest, particularly the fact that Roman religion never really took root in Dumnonia. Cornwall’s abundance of old Pagan sites makes logical sense. I’m eager to read the entire list!
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Top Ancient Pagan Sites in Cornwall It’s truly amazing.
What a fascinating article about the rich history and spiritual heritage of Cornwall’s pagan sites. The detailed insights into these ancient locations make the post both educational and inspiring for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. Exploring the stories and traditions connected to these remarkable places adds a deeper appreciation for Cornwall’s unique cultural landscape. Thank you for sharing this wonderful guide. Greetings from OfferMaids, your trusted provider of professional home cleaning and maid services in Dubai.
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I love how this ties Cornwall’s ancient sites back to Dumnonia and the whole pre-Roman feel — makes the landscape seem way more alive. Weirdly, it reminds me of how *mega man x regenesis* takes old ideas and gives them a new layer, which is kind of what these pagan places do with history.