Stanton Drew is one of those places you’ve likely never heard of even if you live in Bristol or Bath. The village is in the heart of the Chew Valley south of Bristol, easily accessible from Bath as well. It is a bit of a hidden gem, boasting the second biggest Neolithic stone circle formation in the UK, after its more famous sibling Avebury. If that is not a reason to visit then I don’t know what is.
There are walks a-plenty around the village; one good route is going down Sandy Lane where the road turns into a track that leads to Chew Magna. You can also walk to Stanton Drew from nearby Pensford, under the famous viaduct. For more information on walks check this useful link.
History
The stone circles date back to between 2000 and 3000 BC, making them a Neolithic monument. It is understood to have been used as a funerary monument, and also for other community events such as weddings, religious ceremonies and rituals. The alignment of the stones is thought to have been related to astrological positioning.
Appearing in the doomsday book as early as 1086 under the name Stantone, the Drew suffix was later added to make Stanton Drew – historians believe it was a reference to it’s manorial tenant, Drogo, and was used to differentiate it from the other Stanton’s in the area like Stanton Wick and Stanton Prior.
Why visit?
- Looking for a walk near Bath and Bristol
- Quiet and undisturbed
- Interested in historical sites
- Enjoy the beautiful countryside
- Visit a traditional pub
- A lesser known place
A great pub
The Druid’s Arms is the beating heart of life in the village. It has a selection of real ales and very reasonably priced food. In addition it is the proud owner of its very own stone circles in the spacious beer garden, known as The Cove. A stop here is a must if you are going for a walk in Stanton Drew.
Interesting facts
There were once three pubs in Stanton Drew.
The Black Cow, which closed in 1923 (see Closed Pubs) would have been found in the area called Old Tarnwell.
Legend has it there was once a pub at Auden House at the top end of the village near The Drive and Highfields, and a post office / shop on School Lane.
Like many areas in Somerset, its history is linked with coal mining. Up until the Bromley Pit closure in 1963, the coal industry was a core part of the community and local economy. The main road going through Stanton is called Bromley Road in reference to this, and the former mine is now home to Kelston Sparkes and other businesses.
It is home to a small, thatched house called the Roundhouse (despite it actually being hexagonal) that once served as a Toll house, where they collected a toll for travelling between Chew Magna and Pensford. You can follow the owner’s instagram as they document their experiences living in this unique place.
Places to stay in Stanton Drew
Why not stay at one of the best locations in the village at Valley Farm
Alternatively right next to the pub at this small traditional house
A little further afield is the Carpenter’s Arms in Stanton Wick which has accommodation and is a great atmosphere and good food.
