Visit Cerne Abbas

Cerne Abbas and Its Giant

Located in the heart of Dorset, Cerne Abbas certainly has a great deal to offer any traveller who has an interest in history. The town itself is quite small, with less than a thousand people according to the last census, but it is a thriving tourist community with a great deal to do and to see.

Historically, the village itself grew up around the Cerne Abbey, which was a Benedictine monastery, founded in 987 AD. While it did suffer from attack during King Canute's reign, the king later became a great supporter of the abbey itself. The abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII in 1539 with the Dissolution of the Monasteries and was largely destroyed in 1539. Today, the gatehouse and the stone vaulted porch survive as popular destinations for people who are interested in ancient history.

Of course the most prominent feature of the village is the Cerne Abbas Giant, a figure standing roughly 55 metres high and 51 metres wide. The “Rude Giant” as he is sometimes referred to, is a figure that has been carved into the side of the hill and was formed by the creation of trenches that are cut deep into the grass to the chalk bed that lies below.

To some the Cerne Abbas Giant is a menacing figure holding a club in one hand and with the other outstretched. But looking across from the view point on the A352 Dorchester to Sherborne road the white chalk outline looks rather magnificent and simply epitomises the heritage of this beautiful English village. In recent years, geological surveys have suggested that there were lines representing a hide draped over the empty arm that have since been obliterated.

There are many theories that speak about the creation of the Cerne Abbas Giant. In some cases, people believe that the figure dates back to prehistoric times, citing the giant's large phallus as placing it as part of ancient fertility rituals. However, as there is no mention of the Giant in medieval texts, there is some doubt as to the ancient nature of the figure. Another theory places the creation of the giant during the English Civil War, meant to mock Oliver Cromwell; given the fact that the first mention of the giant occurs during the 17th century, this is perhaps more credible. Whatever the truth, he is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the care of The National Trust.

Unfortunately, you cannot walk on the Giant itself but the best place to view him is a short walk just outside the village below the hillside where he stands.

See how the Giant appears on Google Maps below.

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Cerne Abbas is easily accessible from Dorchester and Sherborne. It is only a short distance by car and bus from the Sherborne train station, and there is a limited bus service that runs between Dorchester and Sherborne that stops in Cerne Abbas.

The village and the surrounding Cerne Valley area have many fascinating old buildings and beautiful walks. The traditional pubs and tea shops are the icing on the cake making it a fascinating place to explore.

Why not visit Cerne Abbas and the Giant as part of your visit to Dorchester and Dorset.

Google route to Cerne Abbas from Dorchester