‘Stones & Bones’: part one

Explore a very different side of Cornwall on this fascinating six-hour journey through some of West Cornwall’s most remarkable ancient landscapes. ‘Stones & Bones’ is designed for those with a curiosity about the people, beliefs and stories that have shaped Cornwall for thousands of years.

Travel beyond the better-known tourist routes and discover a landscape filled with prehistoric monuments, ancient settlements, sacred places and traces of the communities who lived here long before modern Cornwall took shape. Along the way, your local guide will explain the history, folklore and archaeology behind the landscape, bringing these atmospheric and often mysterious places to life.

This is a tour for those who enjoy getting out of the vehicle and exploring. Some of the sites require a walk of around 15 minutes each way, but the extra effort is rewarded with the chance to experience some genuinely special locations away from the crowds.

As well as the main sites, there are countless reminders of Cornwall’s past along the route – from ancient crosses and burial places to standing stones, mining remains and other features hidden within the landscape. Your guide will point these out and explain their significance, giving you a much deeper understanding of the history around you.

If you want to go beyond Cornwall’s beaches and postcard views and uncover the ancient, mysterious and often overlooked side of the county, ‘Stones & Bones’ offers a memorable journey into Cornwall’s deep past.

A look at some of our favourite spots

Men-an-Tol
Men-An-Tol

Mysterious prehistoric stone formation featuring a distinctive holed stone, surrounded by ancient monuments and rich with local folklore and legend.

Lanyon Quoit
Lanyon Quoit

Impressive Neolithic dolmen and burial chamber, offering a striking glimpse into Cornwall’s prehistoric past and ancient ceremonial landscape.

Carn Euny
Carn Euny

Remarkably preserved ancient settlement revealing the remains of Iron Age dwellings, a fogou and centuries of Cornish community life.

tregiffian-barrow
Tregiffian Barrow

Ancient prehistoric burial chamber set within a landscape rich in archaeological remains, offering an insight into Cornwall’s distant past.

boscawen-un
Boscawen-Un

Atmospheric Bronze Age stone circle set in peaceful countryside, with a distinctive central stone and strong connections to Cornwall’s ancient landscape.

Botallack
Botallack

Spectacular former mining landscape where historic engine houses cling to cliffs above the Atlantic, creating one of Cornwall’s most iconic views.

Itinerary

  • Men-An-Tol – bronze age holed stone.
  • Lanyon Quoit Neolithic portal tomb.
  • Botallack Mine and Iconic engine houses.
  • St Just – most Westerly village in Britain.
  • Ballowal Barrow – ancient funerary mound.
  • Cape Cornwall.
  • Medieval Churches and ancient Celtic crosses.
  • Boscawen-un neolithic stone circle.
  • Carn Euny Iron age village, ‘fogou’ & holy well.
  • Sancreed Beacon archaeological area.

 

Plus many points of interest en-route – some visible from vehicle, others just moments from the car. Wayside crosses, burial mounds, landmarks, mining setts and engine houses, menhirs, barrows and even fogou are all pointed out and key historical information given. Your very own ancient sites tour of Cornwall!

**please note that dependent on the season and time of year some of the above itinerary may be subject to change and alternative stops and experiences provided. Please note further that any food or drink are not included within the tour fee.**

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