The winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, has long been a time of celebration and reflection. While Stonehenge is the most famous site for solstice celebrations, the UK and Ireland boast many other atmospheric locations that welcome the return of the light. Here are 10 places to visit during the winter solstice:
- Newgrange, County Meath, Ireland
Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb older than the Egyptian pyramids, built around 3,200 BC. Its most remarkable feature is the roof box that allows sunlight to penetrate the tomb’s inner chamber on the winter solstice, illuminating it for 17 minutes. While an annual lottery selects the lucky few to witness this natural phenomenon, visitors can still join in the celebrations outside or experience a recreation of the event on tours. - Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
Known as the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury Tor is a place of spiritual significance, particularly during the winter solstice. Every year, pagans and druids gather on this hill to celebrate the return of the sun. The festivities include drumming, singing, fire ceremonies, and meditations. The town also hosts a variety of events, including poetry, storytelling, and choral performances, all free to the public. - Burning the Clocks, Brighton
Brighton’s Burning the Clocks parade is a spectacular annual event marking the winter solstice. Participants carry handmade paper and willow lanterns, walking through the city to the bonfire in Kemptown, where the lanterns are burned as a symbol of letting go of the old year. Fireworks mark the start of the new year, and the event is free to attend, with donations welcomed. - Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Hadrian’s Wall, a Roman fortification stretching across northern England, is steeped in history and tradition. Although Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival, wasn’t directly linked to the solstice, it was celebrated around the same time. Visitors can experience the winter solstice by walking along the wall, watching the sunrise, and reflecting on the historical significance of this ancient boundary. - Bryn Celli Ddu, Anglesey
This 4,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber on Anglesey is similar to Stonehenge in that it aligns with the sun during the solstice. The Anglesey Druid Order gathers here every year to mark the returning of the light. The event includes a celebration of the land, sea, and sky, as well as offerings to mythical Welsh figures from the Mabinogion. - Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Orkney
Located on Orkney, Maeshowe is a Neolithic tomb that aligns with the setting sun during the winter months. From late November to mid-January, the sun shines directly into the tomb, casting light across the back wall of the chamber. Visitors can book tours to witness this extraordinary phenomenon, with the best view offered during the 2pm tour. - Clava Cairns, Inverness
Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site, is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric locations. The site features a series of stone circles and passage graves, and on the winter solstice, the sun aligns with the internal passageways, casting a golden glow. The site hosts solstice celebrations with music, stories, and moments of quiet reflection, making it a peaceful place to mark the shortest day. - Kenidjack Holed Stones, Cornwall
Situated on the slopes of Carn Kenidjack near Tregeseal, the Kenidjack Holed Stones are a mysterious cluster of stones with circular holes. While their purpose remains uncertain, many believe they may function as a celestial calendar. On the winter solstice, the setting sun perfectly aligns with one of the holes, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The site is relatively quiet, offering a peaceful place to enjoy the sunset. - Druid’s Temple, North Yorkshire
The Druid’s Temple, a folly built in the early 1800s by landowner William Danby, is an intriguing place to visit on the winter solstice. The site features stone circles, sarsens, and dolmens, and is often used for modern rituals. Visitors can explore the area and take part in the celebrations, which include walking trails and a chance to enjoy a coffee at the nearby Swinton Bivouac. - Castell Henllys, Pembrokeshire
Castell Henllys is a reconstruction of an Iron Age village located on the site of a real Iron Age settlement. On the winter solstice, the site hosts a variety of activities, including a bonfire, festive crafts, and storytelling. Visitors can also meet Mari Lwyd, a mischievous white horse from Welsh mythology. The event is family-friendly, with activities running from 11am to 3pm.
These 10 locations across the UK and Ireland offer a mix of ancient sites, modern celebrations, and natural wonders to mark the winter solstice, each providing a unique way to experience the longest night and the return of the light.
