The Merry Maidens Stone Circle

Nineteen standing stones arranged in a perfect circle on the Cornish moors - that's the Merry Maidens, and it's one of those places that stops you mid-walk. Located a short drive from Penzance, this Bronze Age circle sits in farmland between the villages of Mousehole and Newlyn, and honestly, it's worth the diversion.

What you get is straightforward but oddly moving. The stones themselves aren't massive - maybe eight feet tall at most - but there's something about their arrangement that draws you in. You can walk right around them, touch them if you fancy it. The moorland setting means the light changes dramatically depending on the time of day and weather, so don't expect the same mood twice.

Historians reckon it's around 3,500 years old, though the name 'Merry Maidens' came later from a local legend about dancing girls turned to stone. The story's better than the etymology, but that's folklore for you.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round. Allow thirty minutes minimum if you're just passing through, longer if you're the type to sit with a packed lunch and watch the clouds. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so plan accordingly.

If you're staying at Roselands Caravan Camping Park or Lands End Camping & Glamping nearby, this makes a proper morning outing before heading to the beaches. It's quiet, it's real, and it won't take the shine off your holiday - just add to it.