Landmark

The Merry Maidens

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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 see The Merry Maidens on your own. A tour is worth it for the story behind it, for transport, or for combining nearby sights into one day.

Cheapest way inLa Maddalena by Sailboat Daily Group Tours4.6★ · 25 travelers7-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$163 per personSee dates →

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Getting there

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