Arbor Low
Known as the Stonehenge of the North, this Neolithic henge monument is haunted by phantom ritual processions and mysterious lights among the fallen stones.
Arbor Low is a magnificent Neolithic henge monument in Derbyshire’s Peak District, constructed around 2500 BCE and often called the “Stonehenge of the North.” The site consists of approximately 50 large limestone slabs lying flat within a circular earthwork bank and ditch, measuring about 85 meters in diameter. While archaeologists debate whether the stones ever stood upright or always lay recumbent, the site’s dramatic elevated location and clear astronomical alignments indicate it was a significant ceremonial and ritual center. This ancient power has left a paranormal legacy that continues to manifest in striking ways.
The most frequently reported phenomena at Arbor Low involve phantom ritual processions. Witnesses describe seeing groups of robed figures—sometimes described as druids, other times as prehistoric shamans—processing around the stone circle or standing among the stones in ceremonial formations. These apparitions are most commonly seen during twilight, mist, or during significant astronomical events like solstices and equinoxes. Some witnesses report hearing chanting, drumming, or strange harmonic tones emanating from the circle when it appears empty. The sounds are sometimes described as coming from beneath the earth, leading to speculation about underground chambers or acoustic properties of the site. Several visitors have reported capturing strange audio phenomena on recording devices that wasn’t audible at the time.
Beyond the phantom rituals, Arbor Low is known for mysterious light phenomena. Witnesses regularly report seeing unexplained glowing orbs, balls of light, or luminous mists moving among the stones, particularly after dark. These lights sometimes appear to emerge from the stones themselves or from gaps in the earthwork banks. The site also produces powerful physical and emotional effects on visitors. Many people report feeling dizzy, disoriented, or experiencing altered states of consciousness when standing in the center of the circle. Some describe tingling sensations or feelings of energy when touching the stones, while others report overwhelming emotions—sometimes peaceful, sometimes disturbing. Photographers frequently capture orbs and light anomalies in their images. Dowsers detect powerful energy lines or earth energies converging at Arbor Low, and the site’s proximity to several burial mounds and other prehistoric monuments suggests it may sit at a significant spiritual nexus. Whether the hauntings stem from residual energy of ancient ceremonies, genuine spirit activity, or the site’s natural energetic properties, Arbor Low remains one of the Peak District’s most mysteriously active prehistoric monuments.