The historic village of Cerne Abbass can be found along the A352 road between Dorchester and Sherborne, in the heart of the rural English county of Dorset. Cerne Abbass was founded around the Benedictine monastery that was built there in AD 987. The village is most famous, however, for a figure that is believed by many to date from the Iron Age. The Cerne Giant is a huge figure of a man cut into the hillside, famous for its huge phallus. Many believe that this figure is an ancient fertility symbol where Iron Age settlers would have performed their rituals. Whilst it is true that there is evidence of Iron Age settlers in the area, it is less certain that the Cerne Giant is genuinely from the Iron Age itself. There is no evidence of the Giant in written records or otherwise that dates back before the seventeenth century. This leads many historians to argue that the figure actually originates from around that time. Some even argue that the Benedictine monks of the local monastery would not have tolerated such a figure. Visitors can enjoy food and drink in some picturesque surroundings in pubs such as The New Inn, The Giant Inn and The Royal Oak.
Camping
Giant's Head Caravan & Camping Park
Lyons Gate Caravan and Camping Park
Doctor
Pub and Bar
School
Cerne Abbas VC C of E First School
Places to Stay near Cerne Abbas
The New Inn (0.27 miles)
Poachers Inn (2.68 miles)
Beautifully positioned in the little village of Piddletrenthide near Dorchester, The Poachers Inn has something for everyone. From the minute you walk through the door you can experience the traditional yet modern bar and restaurant ... More | visit website
Chapel House (2.72 miles)
Malcolm Scholes welcomes visitors to the casual and informal atmosphere of Chapel House, where guests can unwind and enjoy the comforts of this converted chapel, read a book or relax ... More | visit website
Field Farmhouse (2.74 miles)
Karen & Kevin Phillips welcome you to Field Farmhouse, where we pride ourselves on first class ensuite accommodation, food and friendly service and all set in the peaceful and picturesque Cerne Valley, ... More | visit website
Domineys Cottages (2.76 miles)
Brace of Pheasants (3.26 miles)
Carol and Phil Bennett welcome you to our 16th century thatched inn located in the heart of Hardy's Dorset. We have converted the old skittle alley and function room into ... More
George Albert Hotel (3.41 miles)
White Horse Farm (3.82 miles)
Summer Hill House (4.27 miles)
Elegant Victorian Country Residence offering high standards, outstanding value, tranquil enviroment and a friendly welcome. We offer large en-suite bedrooms, tea/coffee making facilities,TV lounge for guests to relax with open fireplace. ... More
The Royal Yeoman (4.61 miles)
The Royal Yeoman has a large garden with a mill stream and access to beautiful walks along the River Frome and surrounding hills. We are located four miles from the ... More
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