Explore the Druid’s Temple

One of Yorkshire’s most interesting follies

The Druid’s Temple is located in the woods at Swinton Bivouac, near Leighton Reservoir with the surrounding moorland and Yorkshire Dales landscape.

Within the woodland there are a number of other standing stones, and the site is of particular appeal to walkers, families and bird watchers. The “temple” is just a short walk from Swinton Bivouac’s reception, and easy to find with a public footpath that leads from the road to the main site of the folly.

There are a number of walking trails within the woodland which Swinton Estate allows walkers to use on a permissive use basis, by kind permission of the Swinton Estate.

The standing stones of the Druid's Temple in the woodland at Swinton Bivouac in North Yorkshire.

History

The woodland at Bivouac is home to the Druid’s Temple which is steeped in history and intrigue. Not a great deal is known about the construction of the folly, but it is believed to have been built in the late 1700s by William Danby.

It is rumoured that a hermit lived there for many years, but its mystical connections are probably fairly tenuous, as it was built at a time when there was a great deal of interest in Druidism as part of the emerging Romantic period.

The site contains a main temple along with numerous stone formations dotted around the woodland for eager walkers to find as they explore.

FAQs

No. The Druid’s Temple is a folly that was created in the woodland at Swinton Bivouac. 
Yes, dogs are welcome in the area around the Druid’s Temple. 

The activity takes place at Swinton Bivouac.

Swinton Bivouac
Masham
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 4JZ
United Kingdom