Brutus Stone

Standing beside a quiet Devon lane, this weathered granite boulder marks one of Britain's most intriguing historical mysteries. The Brutus Stone supposedly commemorates where Brutus of Troy first set foot on British soil around 1100 BC, establishing the legendary foundation of Britain itself. Whether you buy into the mythology or not, there's something rather moving about this ancient marker just sitting there in the countryside.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the connection to Geoffrey of Monmouth's medieval chronicles, though modern historians treat the Brutus legend with considerable scepticism. The stone itself is genuinely old - a proper chunk of Dartmoor granite that's been here for centuries, even if the story attached to it might be more folklore than fact.

It's a brief stop rather than a destination. You'll find it easily enough on the road between Totnes and the coast, taking perhaps ten minutes to read the information and snap a photo. Families might struggle to keep younger children interested, but it makes a decent pit stop if you're exploring this corner of Devon.

The location works well with a holiday at nearby parks like Ramslade or Whitehill Country Park. Combine it with a trip to Totnes Castle or a walk along the River Dart for a proper day out. Free to visit, always accessible, and genuinely atmospheric on a misty morning when the Devon countryside feels properly ancient.