The dolmen is of the Severn-Cotswold tomb type,[3][4] and consists of a large capstone on top, with smaller upright stones supporting it.

The limestone capstone at Tinkinswood weighs approximately 40 long tons and measures 24 feet (7.3 m) x 14 ft (4.3 m);[3] it is thought to be the largest in Britain, and also in Europe.

This showed that at least forty people of all ages and sexes were buried there during the Neolithic period; it would appear to be a burial chamber used by the whole settlement.

[4] The site is managed by Cadw,[5] a Welsh Government body responsible for the protection, conservation and promotion of the built heritage of Wales.

The group of boulders to the south east of the monument are said to be women who were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath day, another legend which is associated with dolmens.