Windmill Tump Long Barrow, Rodmarton
Explore Windmill Tump, a 5,500-year-old Neolithic long barrow with a mysterious false entrance nestled in the scenic Cotswolds countryside.
Windmill Tump Long Barrow, also known as Rodmarton Long Barrow, is a Neolithic chambered tomb located in the Cotswolds near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Dating back over 5,500 years, this ancient burial mound features a large earthen mound covering stone burial chambers and a distinctive false entrance. It served as a communal burial site for early farming communities and holds significant archaeological and cultural importance in the region.
A brief summary to Rodmarton Long Barrow
- Tetbury, Trull, GB
- +443703331181
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the expansive views across the Cotswolds and into Wales.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the site is on uneven grassy terrain and the surrounding paths can be steep.
- Bring a guidebook or download an audio guide to understand the significance of the false entrance and burial chambers.
- Combine your visit with nearby prehistoric sites in Gloucestershire for a deeper exploration of Neolithic Britain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Tetbury town center to Windmill Tump takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Parking is limited near the site, so plan to park in designated areas nearby and walk the remaining distance. No parking fees apply.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Tetbury to nearby villages; from Tetbury, a 30 to 40-minute walk or taxi ride is needed to reach Windmill Tump. Bus frequency varies, so check schedules in advance. Walking routes include some steep slopes.
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Walking
For active visitors, walking from Rodmarton village to Windmill Tump is a scenic 20 to 30-minute hike over uneven terrain. Suitable footwear is recommended, and the route offers views of the Cotswold countryside.
Rodmarton Long Barrow location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Rodmarton Long Barrow
Origins and Archaeological Significance
Windmill Tump Long Barrow is a remarkable Neolithic burial monument constructed around 3800 BC by the first farming communities in the Cotswolds. This long barrow is an earthen mound approximately 60 meters long and 21 meters wide, originally built from an estimated 5,000 tons of stone now hidden beneath its grassy covering. Excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries revealed stone chambers beneath the mound that once housed the remains of around 35 to 40 individuals, representing communal burial practices of early agrarian societies.Architectural Features and Symbolism
One of the most intriguing aspects of Windmill Tump is its enigmatic false entrance on the eastern side. Unlike other long barrows with accessible entrances, this false portal consists of large standing stones arranged to resemble a gateway but leads nowhere, suggesting symbolic or ritualistic significance rather than practical use. The barrow’s chambers were accessed via short passages from the sides, typical of Cotswold long barrows, and the forecourt area likely served as a ceremonial space for funerary rites.Historical Context and Landscape
Situated amidst the rolling hills of the Cotswolds near the village of Rodmarton, the barrow offers expansive views over the surrounding countryside, including vistas towards Wales. The site’s location reflects its dual role as both a burial place and a territorial marker for Neolithic communities. Nearby, other prehistoric sites and ancient field systems enrich the archaeological landscape, underscoring the area’s long-standing human significance.Cultural Legacy and Interpretations
Windmill Tump’s construction and use span several centuries, with burials continuing well after its initial creation. The arrangement of upright stones found during excavations recalls cromlech structures in Ireland and Cornwall, hinting at shared ceremonial traditions or influences across regions. The barrow’s mysterious false entrance has sparked various interpretations, from symbolic gateways to ancestral portals, reflecting the spiritual beliefs of its builders.Preservation and Visitor Experience
After archaeological excavations, the chambers were carefully refilled, preserving the site’s integrity while limiting direct access. Visitors today can explore the grassy mound and its forecourt, imagining the ancient ceremonies once held here. The surrounding Cotswold landscape adds to the site’s tranquil and contemplative atmosphere, making it a compelling destination for those interested in prehistoric heritage.Connection to Wider Prehistoric Britain
Windmill Tump is part of a network of Neolithic long barrows across southern Britain, representing some of the earliest monumental architecture by farming communities. These sites collectively illuminate early ritual practices, social structures, and territorial claims in prehistoric Britain, contributing to our understanding of Neolithic life and death.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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Location Audience
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- Vegan Friendly
