Druid's Temple
Folly In Ripon, North Yorkshire
A folly based on Stonehenge with two large stone circles, an altar, sacrificial stone and a tomb area.
In modern times if you wanted to show off a bit you might turn up in a fancy car, or show someone how many TikTok likes your video has, or simply asking them to pull your finger.
But a few hundred years ago, the best way to demonstrate your affluence was to build a folly. There are some splendid examples of follies in the north including Sharp's Folly and the newly discovered (to us) Sorrelsykes Follies, but the Druid's Temple is a little different.
A chap called William Danby, who was a former Sheriff of Yorkshire owned some land called Swinton Park, near Masham and had a huge fascination with Stonehenge.
Like Sharp's Folly in Rothbury, sometimes the follies weren't just built for grandstanding, but were also constructed to provide employment to local builders. Druid's Temple was assembled for the same reason to help local unemployed workmen.
Heading through the doorway we have a small stone altar followed by a central column surround by four monolithic standing stones.
Behind this central area are 3 stones which act as a screen to an antechamber.
The antechamber has a flat sacrificial stone surround by lower stones although it does resemble a nice picnic table.
Then finally we have the tomb, but the mood is softened with a cute pair of red paw prints on the wall.
Then heading up the bank behind the temple there is another stone column.
Turn around and you will probably get the best view of the Druid's Temple.
If you have further mooch around there are more standing stones and columns in the forest area.
Follow the path beyond the temple and you will come to the Druid's Viewpoint with beautiful views over Leighton Reservoir.
Loop around and the path will take you past two huge structures in the forest known as the Druid's Seats.
Get 3 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 67 VIPs.
Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.
How To Find Druid's Temple
Where To Park For Druid's Temple?
Lat / Long
54.203819, 54.203819
What three words
There is a large parking area near the cafe with an honesty box. If you don't have cash on you, you can pay for parking in the cafe. All helps to the up keep of the temple.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue pele tower up a remote hill, a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
More Places from SimonMore Places In Ripon
Find more fabulous places in Ripon, North Yorkshire and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Hackfall
Folly Ripon North YorkshireAn ancient woodland containing five follies and lots of routes to wander.
Marmion Tower
Tower Ripon North YorkshireMarmion Tower is a Garde I listed, 15th-century gatehouse in West Tanfield, North Yorkshire.
Jervaulx Abbey
Religious Place Ripon North YorkshireA beautiful ruined abbey on the estate of Jervaulx Hall was the original home of Wensleydale cheese.
More Follies
So this folly wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Sorrelsykes Follies
Folly Aysgarth North YorkshireA trio of curious follies located behind Sorrelsykes House near Aysgarth.
Thomas Wright Observatory
Folly Bishop Auckland County DurhamObservatory dating from 1765, built by local astronomer Thomas Wright.
Jenny’s Lantern Folly
Folly Alnwick NorthumberlandA ruin of a folly shaped like a shepherd's hut on the Alnwick moors.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To AlertsFind Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupDruid's Temple was listed in Folly // North Yorkshire // Ripon