STONEHENGE is arguably the UK’s most popular tourist attraction.
However, another version of the famous structure can be found hidden away in a woodland much further north – and some say that it’s even better.
GettyThe temple was created by an eccentric land owner to reduce unemployment[/caption]
GettySome people believe it is better than actually visiting Stonehenge[/caption]
The Swinton Druids Temple is actually a modern folly, with a fascinating history.
It was constructed between the late 1700s and the 1820s on the orders of William Danby, the eccentric owner of the Swinton Estate.
The area had high local unemployment rates and so he created the temple as a means to improve the situation.
He paid workers a shilling a day to assemble the stones and, in doing so, created his own personal Stonehenge.
Rumour has it that he also offered a substantial salary to anyone who could live at the site as a hermit for seven years.
No one managed it, although one person is alleged to have lasted the best part of five years before throwing in the towel.
Either way, the results of Danby’s project are still standing proudly today 200 years later and are visited by tourists and pagans alike, with the latter making a pilgrimage on the summer solstice.
It is located in the woods at Swinton Bivouac, not far from the Leighton Reservoir, surrounded by moorland and Yorkshire Dales, making a wonderfully scenic backdrop.
Although it was built by local men with no religious or ceremonial plans in mind, there is still reportedly some mysticism about the site.
According to Visit Harrogate: “Myths and rumours of mystic practices have sprung up over its lifetime with tales of Devil worship and harrowing frights experienced by those who have spent the night.
“At less than 200 years old, it is nonetheless an atmospheric and intriguing location.”
While some people have been spooked out by their visits, others have simply been impressed, with some people saying it’s an even better tourist attraction than the one that inspired it.
One wrote on TripAdvisor: “Stunning place and beautiful woodland walk. The temple is very interesting.”
Another said: “Stumbled across this extraordinary place while driving around the countryside and it is fascinating.”
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A third added: “Follow the path into the woods, pass the stone guardians and into a clearing to find this mini Stonehenge but better. This is a great place to explore with some wonderful views.”
It’s not the only attraction that has been compared to Stonehenge either.
Avebury
The Avebury stone circle is another attraction in the UK that comprises of stones placed in a pattern by people thousands of years ago.
According to English Heritage it’s “part of an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites that seemingly formed a vast sacred landscape”.
Some prefer visiting Avebury to nearby Stonehenge because it’s much quieter and far few tourists visit.
There’s also a pub right next to the stone circle.
Newgrange
Located in the Boyne Valley in County Meath, Ireland, the Neolithic monument has been described as the “jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East”.
Despite being older than Stonehenge, Newgrange is less well-known than the English monument.
It comprises of a large circular mound, with an inner stone passageway, that attracts holidaymakers during the winter solstice.
Meanwhile, this new coastal attraction is opening in the UK’s most underrated city this year.
And Brits compare this underrated UK attraction to one in New York City.
AlamyThe Swinton Druids Temple is actually a modern folly with a fascinating history.[/caption]