Brimham Rocks is a cluster of magnificent sandstone outcrops overlooking the dramatic Yorkshire moorland just a 30-minute drive from both The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa and The Devonshire Fell at Burnsall.
The site is fantastic for families, but everyone will find the rock formations and natural beauty of the heathland interesting and inspiring.
How the rocks were formed
400 million years ago, a mountain range of Himalayan scale covered a large part of what is now northern England. The sea level rose and the mountains eroded to become a huge river delta that deposited the sand from the worn-down rocks over the area which, in time, was compacted. This sandstone became exposed and subjected to hundreds of thousands of years of ice, rain, and wind, shaping it into the distinctive and bizarre shapes you can see today.
Brimham Rocks today
The rocks have wonderfully descriptive names, some of which go back many years, such as the Great Cannon. There are some more recent — and entertaining — names too, like the Smarties Tube. You will also find the gravity-defying Idol Rock perched upon its tiny pedestal and the grand Turtle Rock.
The surrounding moors are classified as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) due to their rare heather varieties and protected animal species. With over 70 bird boxes on-site, there are plenty of bird-spotting opportunities.
Visitor information
Brimham Rocks and the precious moorland are carefully managed by the National Trust, who operate a visitor centre and wonderful second-hand bookshop there. Admission is free, and the large car park is priced at £6.50 for 4 hours and £10 for the whole day. Please note that only coins are accepted in the meters.