Step back thousands of years and explore the mysterious landscapes left behind by ancient Britain.
Long before castles and cathedrals, people were shaping England's landscape with stone circles, burial mounds and enormous earthworks.
These ancient places connect modern visitors with thousands of years of human history.
Image: garethwiscombe (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Wiltshire
England's most famous ancient monument, Stonehenge has stood on Salisbury Plain for more than 4,000 years.
Its enormous stones, mysterious purpose and astronomical connections make it one of the world's greatest archaeological sites.
Best for: The world's most famous stone circle.
Image: MikPeach (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Wiltshire
Larger in area than Stonehenge, Avebury is one of Europe's greatest prehistoric landscapes.
The huge stone circle, ancient avenues and surrounding monuments create a remarkable glimpse into Neolithic Britain.
Best for: Walking among the stones — and the village within the circle.
Image: Major George Allen (1891–1940) (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons
Dorset
One of Britain's largest Iron Age hillforts, Maiden Castle covers an enormous area above the Dorset countryside.
Its impressive earthworks reveal how communities defended themselves thousands of years ago.
Best for: Iron Age earthworks and Dorset views.
Image: USGS (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons
Oxfordshire
Carved into the hillside over 3,000 years ago, the Uffington White Horse is Britain's oldest known chalk hill figure.
The surrounding landscape contains prehistoric burial mounds and ancient pathways.
Nearby: The Ridgeway national trail and ancient burial mounds.
Image: Immanuel Giel (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Wiltshire
The largest prehistoric artificial mound in Europe, Silbury Hill remains one of Britain's greatest archaeological mysteries.
Built around the same period as Stonehenge, its purpose is still unknown.
Nearby: Avebury and the wider Neolithic landscape.
Image: Mike Bishop (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Northumberland
Located near Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda reveals everyday life on the Roman frontier.
The discovery of thousands of ancient writing tablets has provided an extraordinary insight into Roman Britain.
Best for: Active excavations and the famous writing tablets.
Image: AdamMIbbotson (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Cumbria
Set against the dramatic Lake District mountains, Castlerigg is one of England's most beautiful stone circles.
Its landscape setting makes it a favourite destination for walkers and history lovers.
Nearby: Keswick and the northern Lake District.
Image: Gary Dickson (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Northern England
This Roman frontier stretched across northern England and represents one of the greatest surviving monuments of the Roman Empire.
Its forts, museums and walking routes create one of Britain's greatest heritage adventures.
Best for: Long-distance walking along the Roman frontier.
Image: MARKEDWARDS (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Wiltshire
An Iron Age hillfort that later became a Norman settlement, Old Sarum contains layers of English history spanning thousands of years.
Nearby: The city of Salisbury and its cathedral.
Image: The original uploader was Kev747 at English Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Cambridgeshire
A Bronze Age archaeological site built around wooden structures preserved in the wetlands.
It provides a fascinating insight into life in prehistoric England.
Best for: Rare preserved Bronze Age timber.
Find campsites near England's ancient sites and explore the landscapes where Britain's story began.
Find campsites in England →Looking for more? See more of England's historic sites →