10 Magical Winter Solstice Celebrations in the UK and Ireland

The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, has long been celebrated at various sites across the UK and Ireland. While Stonehenge is the most famous, there are numerous other locations where people gather to mark the return of the light.

1. Newgrange, County Meath, Ireland: Dating back to 3200 BC, this Neolithic passage tomb aligns with the sunrise on the winter solstice. The light enters the tomb for 17 minutes, a spectacle recreated on tours if you miss the real event.
2. Glastonbury Tor, Somerset: Every year, pagans and druids gather on this hill to celebrate the solstice. The celebration includes fires, drumming, and poetry, and everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.
3. Burning the Clocks, Brighton: In Brighton, the shortest day is marked by a parade of lanterns made from paper and willow, culminating in a bonfire to symbolize the burning away of materialism and the welcoming of a new year.
4. Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland: This historic Roman site was once the backdrop for the Saturnalia festival. Today, it’s a great place to see the winter sunrise and reflect on the past.
5. Bryn Celli Ddu, Anglesey: A Neolithic burial chamber, this site hosts solstice celebrations, including music and ceremonies, as the sun sets and the longer days begin.
6. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Orkney: A Neolithic tomb where, during winter, the setting sun illuminates the central chamber, creating a magical light display. It’s an awe-inspiring place to reflect on the season.
7. Clava Cairns, Inverness: This 4,000-year-old site is known for its alignment with the solstice, where the sun illuminates the tombs. Visitors can enjoy music, stories, and moments of spiritual reflection during this time.
8. Kenidjack Holed Stones, Cornwall: A lesser-known site where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the holes in the stones, creating a stunning natural spectacle.
9. Druid’s Temple, North Yorkshire: Though not ancient, this 18th-century folly has become a place for solstice rituals, where visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and celebrate the return of the light.
10. Castell Henllys, Pembrokeshire: This Iron Age village reconstruction hosts a solstice celebration with bonfires, crafts, and storytelling, offering a unique way to experience the season’s traditions.

These locations, each with their own history and significance, offer a variety of ways to connect with the winter solstice and the timeless human tradition of welcoming the return of the sun.