Heath Wood barrow cemetery
Cemetery Anglo-Saxon barrow cemetery, England's only Viking cremation site
Heath Wood near Repton contains an Anglo‑Saxon barrow cemetery notable for cremation burials associated with Viking activity. Archaeological trails and interpretation panels draw visitors interested in early medieval Britain.
Heath Wood barrow cemetery is a group of burial mounds on heathland in Derbyshire, England, noted for its Viking-age cremation burials. It is regarded as the only confirmed Viking cremation cemetery in the country.
The site consists of multiple low barrows and visible earthworks set in open woodland and heath. A footpath runs through the area and the mounds are visible at close range from public routes.
Excavations and archaeological work have identified cremation burials that date to the Viking period, associating the cemetery with Norse activity in the late 9th century. Finds and radiocarbon dates have been used to link the site to Viking funeral practice rather than contemporary Anglo-Saxon burial rites.
Heath Wood sits near the village of Repton in south Derbyshire, close to the River Trent valley. The site is on a rise of mixed heath and woodland a short distance from the village and public roads.
- Significance: Located on a ridge of heathland close to the village of Repton in Derbyshire, the site is the only known Viking cremation cemetery identified in England.
Tips for Visiting Heath Wood barrow cemetery #
- Heath Wood is the UK's known Viking barrow cemetery near Repton - visit in low sun (early morning or late afternoon) to make the low earthworks more visible and photogenic.
- Approach on the marked public footpaths from Repton and follow on‑site signage; the barrows sit in woodland and can be easy to miss if you stray off the trail.
- Go on a weekday or outside busier recreational periods for a quieter visit and to better appreciate the layout of the barrows without heavy dog‑walker or family‑park activity.
Best Time to Visit Heath Wood barrow cemetery #
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) is best for comfortable walking and seeing the barrow cemetery in good conditions.
Weather & Climate near Heath Wood barrow cemetery #
Heath Wood barrow cemetery's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (693 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.