Landmark

The Merry Maidens

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The Merry Maidens, also known as the Dancing Stones, is a remarkably complete stone circle dating from around 2500–1500 BC. Nineteen evenly spaced granite megaliths form a near-perfect circle on a gentle slope near Penzance. Legend claims they were maidens petrified for dancing on a Sunday. Visitors can walk among the stones, feel their ancient presence, and enjoy panoramic views of Mount's Bay. The site is freely accessible and rarely crowded.

Don't miss

Count the 19 stones and note their uniform spacing.
Listen for the 'pipers' – two outlying stones said to be the musicians.
Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic shadows through the circle.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit The Merry Maidens

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

Cheapest way inLa Maddalena by Sailboat Daily Group Tours4.7★ · 24 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$163 per personSee dates →

Prefer another site?Compare on Klook →Compare on GetYourGuide →

More attractions in Penzance

Landmark

Chûn Castle

An Iron Age hillfort with massive stone ramparts, later crowned by a medieval castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Museum

Chysauster Ancient Village

An Iron Age village with well-preserved stone courtyard houses, offering a glimpse into ancient Cornish life.

Museum

Carn Euny

An Iron Age settlement with a remarkably intact fogou – an underground passage of unknown purpose.

Planning your trip to Penzance? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Penzance itinerary.