Bant's Carn

Isles of Scilly


One of the best-preserved Neolithic chamber tombs in the Scilly Islands, on the northwest side of the island on the edge of Halangy Down. It's still largely in its original form, covered with a grassy mound, with a hobbit-sized entrance – and an interesting comparison to the exposed tombs you'll find on the mainland around the Penwith Peninsula. It dates from between 3000 BC and 4500 BC, and was probably the burial site of an important chieftain or notable family.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Isles of Scilly attractions

1. Halangy Down

0.01 MILES

While Neolithic settlers probably only visited Scilly sporadically, by the Iron Age settlers had arrived and made a life here, eking out a living by…

2. Porthloo

0.7 MILES

A small west-facing beach within easy walking distance of Hugh Town, with good soft sand and a couple of offshore islands. It's backed by a working…

3. Holy Vale Winery

0.85 MILES

This dynamic little winery specialises in tutored wine tastings, but it's working on its own vines too (it produced its first vintage in 2014). The 'wine…

4. Watermill Cove

0.89 MILES

There's not much space at this minuscule cove, but it's a good destination if you're planning on sunbathing in solitude. A minor road leads fairly close…

5. Isles of Scilly Museum

1.17 MILES

The small Isles of Scilly Museum explores the islands' history, with an eclectic mix of archaeological finds and artefacts from shipwrecks. Among the…

6. Buzza Hill

1.25 MILES

Climb the hill behind Hugh Town for a great sunset spot. There's also a small chamber tomb here.

7. Porthcressa

1.26 MILES

For many day-trippers to St Mary's, Hugh Town's big, sandy, south-facing beach is as far as they ever explore – and it's hard to blame them. It's a fine…

8. Pelistry Bay

1.29 MILES

A secluded beach on the east side of St Mary's, accessible from the coast path. It's generally quieter than the island's other beaches, and has a mix of…