Badger Stone
📍 Keighley Rd, Ilkley LS29 9QZ, UK
About Badger Stone
Badger Stone is a captivating prehistoric rock formation nestled on the iconic Ilkley Moor in Yorkshire. This large, earthfast boulder is celebrated for its distinctive cup and ring markings, ancient symbols carved thousands of years ago during the late Neolithic or Bronze Age. It offers a unique window into the past, inviting visitors to ponder the mysteries of our ancestors and their enduring artistry amidst the stunning moorland landscape.
Highly regarded by visitors, Badger Stone boasts a Google rating of 4.4/5 stars. Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional preservation of the ancient carvings and the peaceful, untroubled atmosphere of its exposed location. Many appreciate the thoughtful addition of a solitary bench, providing a tranquil spot to rest, absorb the dramatic views, and reflect on the millennia of history etched into the stone. It's noted as one of the more accessible examples of rock art on the moors, conveniently located just off the beaten track.
Visiting Information
Badger Stone is located on Ilkley Moor and can be accessed at any time. Please note that there are no specific opening hours as it is an outdoor natural feature. Accessibility is limited, with no wheelchair accessible parking or entrance. Payment options are not applicable for this outdoor attraction.
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📍 Keighley Rd, Ilkley LS29 9QZ, UK
from 43 reviews
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Showing 5 of 43 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
A large rock with a couple of cup and ring markings. These date from 4000-5000 years old. It’s quite a barren spot so you’ll be untroubled by tourists. There’s a solitary bench to sit on and admire the view. There are plenty better spots to see ancient rock art on the moors but this is one of the easiest to find.
Badger Stone, Ilkley Moor, Yorkshire A large earthfast prominent boulder. It has cups, rings, and grooves cut into it. Dates from either the late Neolithic or the Bronze Age. Unknown as to what the symbols represented. Possible theories include worship, navigation aid or trading posts across the pathway networks over the Moors. Great atmosphere on the Moor tops today though I'm sure these bloody rocks move about. Also copped a few large burrows, one with a cracked blue probably pheasant egg and another with a cracked brown probably grouse egg. Unsure if Badger or foxes, not too far away from each other so could be openings for one larger burrow. Stick to the moor paths was today's lesson, nearly broke my ankle and brought back half the grass in my boots!
A fine example of "cup and ring" markings on a stone just by the beaten track. These markings have remained for thousands of years despite how open and exposed to the elements this particular stone is - so good job there, Badger. Plus, there's a bench!
Badger Stone. Goodness me. Some of the best cup and ring marks I've seen- if you're looking for netholithic 'graffiti'/ art, then you're in for a treat. I love this thing- it's got neighboring stones if you're looking to go scouting for them. Definitely worth a look if you're on the moor anyways and want to impress your friends with the mystery of this rock!
doesnt look remotely like a badger nor does a cosmic/mystical badger live under or around the rock itself. It's just a large rock with a bench next to it. Who named this? Is this some kind of sick joke? I walked 2 hours to get to this stone thinking the badger would give me some kind of quest or maybe trade rare items but instead all i got was disappointment. The highlight of the entire journey was making friends with a bee that crawled up my leg whilst i ate crisps sat on this stupid rock.