Love history? Fascinated by Neolithic stone circles, Iron Age hillforts, and mysterious burial mounds? This prehistoric England train itinerary takes you on a journey through time, visiting some of the most important ancient sites—all while using public transport! While some locations require a short walk or taxi ride, this route proves you don’t need a car to discover England’s rich prehistoric heritage.
We have been lucky enough to explore many towns in England, including York, Oxford, the Cotswolds, and beyond. While we usually travel by car as a family, we also enjoy the occasional train journey, especially when it offers a scenic, relaxing, and sustainable alternative.
Travelling in England by Train
Traveling by train in England is efficient and scenic, but it can be expensive if you book last minute. However, there are cheaper ticket options available if you plan ahead—such as Advance Fares, Railcards, and Split Ticketing. The rail network is well-connected, especially between major cities, though reaching remote sites may require buses, taxis, or some walking. This route proves you don’t need a car to discover England’s rich prehistoric heritage, while also enjoying a more sustainable way to travel.
Total Distance: Approx. 455 miles
Best For: History lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, eco-conscious travelers.
Stop 1: Carn Euny Ancient Village (Cornwall)
Why Visit?
One of the best-preserved Iron Age villages in Cornwall, Carn Euny features stone hut foundations and a mysterious fogou—an underground passage whose purpose remains unknown. Some believe it was used for rituals, storage, or even shelter. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient life and is surrounded by beautiful Cornish countryside.
How to Get There:
- Train: London Paddington → Penzance (5 hours)
- Bus: Number 8A to Sancreed
- Walk: 1.5 miles
Stop 2: Hurlers Stone Circles (Cornwall)
Why Visit?
Located on Bodmin Moor, the Hurlers are a rare set of three Neolithic stone circles, aligned in a unique formation. According to legend, they were once men turned to stone for playing hurling on a Sunday. The surrounding rugged moorland adds to the site’s mystical atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history lovers and photographers alike.
How to Get There:
- Train: Penzance → Liskeard (35 min)
- Taxi: 3 miles to Minions village
Stop 3: Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement (Dartmoor, Devon)
Why Visit?
Set in the dramatic landscape of Dartmoor National Park, Merrivale is a remarkable Bronze Age site featuring stone rows, standing stones, and hut circles. The site offers a glimpse into ancient rituals and daily life, with its mystical alignment of stones believed to have had astronomical or ceremonial significance. The wild moorland surroundings make it an atmospheric and unforgettable place to explore.
How to Get There:
- Train: Liskeard → Plymouth (45 min)
- Bus or Taxi: To Princetown, then a 2-mile walk
Stop 4: Blackbury Camp (Devon)
Why Visit?
Hidden in a tranquil woodland, Blackbury Camp is a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort with earthwork ramparts still visible today. Once a thriving defensive settlement, it now offers a peaceful escape into history, where you can walk among ancient fortifications and imagine life in the Iron Age. In spring, the site is particularly stunning with bluebells carpeting the forest floor.
How to Get There:
- Train: Plymouth → Exeter (1 hour)
- Bus: To Sidmouth, then a short taxi ride
Stop 5: Stonehenge (Wiltshire)
Why Visit?
One of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for history lovers. This mysterious Neolithic stone circle, built over 4,500 years ago, continues to puzzle archaeologists. Was it a temple, a burial site, or an astronomical calendar? No one knows for sure! A visit includes access to the visitor center and exhibition, where you can learn about its construction and significance.
How to Get There:
- Train: Exeter → Salisbury (1.5 hours)
- Bus: Stonehenge Tour Bus from Salisbury station
Stop 6: Bratton Camp & White Horse (Wiltshire)
Why Visit?
Perched high on the Salisbury Plain, Bratton Camp is a remarkable Iron Age hillfort offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Next to it lies the Westbury White Horse, a striking chalk figure carved into the hillside over 300 years ago, though some believe it may have ancient origins. This site is perfect for hiking, photography, and soaking in England’s prehistoric past.
How to Get There:
- Train: Salisbury → Westbury (20 min)
- Walk: 2 miles or taxi
Stop 7: The Sanctuary & Avebury (Wiltshire)
Why Visit?
Part of the larger Avebury Neolithic complex, The Sanctuary once consisted of timber and stone circles, believed to have been used for rituals and ceremonies over 4,000 years ago. Though only marker stones remain today, the site offers a fascinating insight into prehistoric beliefs and is a great addition to an exploration of Avebury’s standing stones and Silbury Hill.
Also nearby, you’ll find Old Sarum, an ancient hillfort with Roman, Saxon, and medieval heritage. Wander through the ruins of an Iron Age settlement, a Norman castle, and the Salisbury Cathedral’s precursor. The site provides a deep dive into England’s layered history, from prehistoric times to the medieval era.
How to Get There:
- Train: Westbury → Swindon (30 min)
- Bus: 49 to Avebury
Stop 8: Uffington Castle & White Horse (Oxfordshire)
Why Visit?
Uffington Castle is an impressive Iron Age hillfort offering expansive views over the Vale of the White Horse. The site features earthwork ramparts and is also home to the famous Uffington White Horse, a giant chalk figure carved into the hillside. The hillfort once served as a strategic settlement, and its stunning location makes it a great spot for both history buffs and those seeking a bit of adventure in nature.
How to Get There:
- Train: Swindon → Didcot Parkway (20 min)
- Bus: To Woolstone, then a 2-mile walk
Stop 9: Belas Knap Long Barrow (Gloucestershire)
Why Visit?
Belas Knap is a Neolithic long barrow—a burial mound that dates back around 5,000 years. This well-preserved site offers a fascinating insight into ancient burial practices, with its stone chamber tombs still visible today. Surrounded by stunning Cotswold countryside, it’s a peaceful and atmospheric spot, perfect for anyone interested in prehistoric archaeology and ancient rituals. It you have time, consider a visit to the Cotswolds too.
How to Get There:
- Train: Didcot Parkway → Cheltenham (1 hour)
- Bus: To Winchcombe, then a 1-mile walk
Stop 10: Arbor Low Stone Circle & Gib Hill Barrow (Derbyshire)
Why Visit?
Arbor Low is an ancient stone circle set in the high moorland of the Peak District, dating back to the Neolithic era. The circle consists of large stones arranged in a near-perfect ring, and nearby is Gib Hill Barrow, a Neolithic burial mound. This dramatic site offers a sense of isolation and tranquility, providing a perfect setting to connect with the ancient past and explore one of England’s most atmospheric prehistoric sites.
How to Get There:
- Train: Cheltenham → Buxton (2 hours)
- Taxi: 8 miles
Stop 11: Thornborough Henges (North Yorkshire)
Why Visit?
Thornborough Henges is one of England’s most significant Neolithic monument complexes, comprising three massive henges aligned in a straight line. These ancient earthworks are believed to have been used for rituals and ceremonial gatherings, possibly linked to the astronomical calendar. The site provides a tranquil and incredible opportunity to imagine life in the Neolithic period, surrounded by stunning Yorkshire countryside.
How to Get There:
- Train: Buxton → York (2 hours)
- Taxi: 10 miles
Stop 12: Stanwick Iron Age Fortifications (North Yorkshire)
Why Visit?
Stanwick is home to one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in England, once a thriving settlement surrounded by vast defensive earthworks. The site features a complex network of ditches, ramparts, and entrance ways that provide an insight into the military and social organization of Iron Age communities. Walking through this immense site gives you a sense of the scale and strategic importance of these ancient fortifications.
How to Get There:
- Train: York → Darlington (30 min)
- Bus: To Aldbrough St John, then a short walk
Stop 13: King Arthur’s Round Table (Cumbria)
Why Visit?
Located in Long Meg and Her Daughters stone circle, King Arthur’s Round Table is a Neolithic henge monument that has long been associated with legendary tales of King Arthur and his knights. The ancient stone circle, with its large central stone, offers a mysterious and atmospheric setting for exploring Arthurian myths, as well as the prehistoric rituals that may have taken place here. The site is steeped in legend, surrounded by stunning Cumbrian countryside.
How to Get There:
- Train: Darlington → Penrith (1 hour)
- Taxi: Short ride from Penrith
Stop 14: Castlerigg Stone Circle (Cumbria)
Why Visit?
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District, Castlerigg is one of the oldest and most beautiful stone circles in Britain, dating back to the Neolithic era. The well-preserved site features 38 standing stones arranged in a circular formation, possibly used for rituals or as an astronomical observatory. The panoramic views of the surrounding fells and valleys make it a picturesque and peaceful spot, perfect for reflection and exploration.
How to Get There:
- Train: Penrith → Keswick (30 min)
- Walk: 1.5 miles
Final Stop: Back to London
After exploring some of England’s most fascinating prehistoric sites, take the train back to London from Penrith. The journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes, and once you’re back in the capital, you can explore some of London’s rich history and modern attractions. If you have time, consider visiting iconic sites like the Tower of London, British Museum, and Westminster Abbey, which will give you a deeper dive into England’s historic and cultural heritage.
Is This Trip Worth Doing by Train?
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and great for slow travel
- Access to some of England’s most fascinating prehistoric sites
- Stunning countryside walks along the way
Challenges:
- Some sites require long walks or short taxi rides
- Train and bus schedules don’t always align perfectly
Final Tip: Be flexible and enjoy the adventure—this journey is about exploring history at a slower pace!
Best Time to Do This Trip
The best time to embark on this prehistoric journey by train is late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning natural beauty in the surrounding countryside, particularly as the landscape comes alive with wildflowers in spring or transforms with golden autumn leaves. These seasons allow you to fully appreciate the mysterious atmosphere of these ancient sites without the distractions of high summer tourist numbers.
Would you take this prehistoric train trip? Let me know in the comments!
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
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