Nestled off the busy A35 between Bridport and Dorchester is a mysterious and historical stone circle.
One of four surviving stone circles in Dorset dating back to around 4000 years ago. The stones are irregular shapes and sizes, placed in an 8-metre diameter.
Seven of the stones are under one metre tall and partially buried, whilst the remaining two are around 1.5 metres tall.
The stones are made from a type of sandstone, and much like Stone Henge, it remains a mystery as to why the stones are there.
Although it is believed the stones were used for rituals and religious ceremonies, with some evidence of burials at the site.
There is a lot of folklore linked to The Nine Stones, such as the stones being the devil, his wife and their children or the stones being children that had been turned to stone by the devil. Another tale is that it was nine petrified ladies dancing.
Other spooky stories include engines failing when driving past or headlights turning off and flickering back on once past the historical stones.
Other names associated with the stones are The Nine Ladies and The Devils Stones.
Whatever the reason for the stones being there, it is a beautiful landmark full of magic, mystery and intrigue.
Many visit the site to explore the surroundings or celebrate spiritual rituals such as Solstice celebrations.
💡 Related: Explore more about the fascinating culture and history of Dorset to understand the region’s deep-rooted heritage.
Visiting The Nine Stones can be a tricky experience as a very busy road is located close by, with very little parking.
When visiting, beware of uneven surfaces, traffic and livestock. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
To find out more about The Nine Stones, visit here.
📍 Winterbourne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9LX
