Welcome to Cerne Abbey
Grade I Listed Historic Estate
Established in 987
OVER 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY
Cerne Abbey
Founded in 987, Cerne Abbey is one of Dorset’s most historic private estates, welcoming monarchs, travellers and visitors for over 1,000 years.
Today, the abbey remains privately owned and open to visitors within the historic village of Cerne Abbas, offering the opportunity to explore its grounds, surviving medieval buildings and remarkable history.
Get to Know Cerne Abbey
What Can You Experience
Explore Cerne Abbey through a range of experiences, from visiting the historic grounds to private tours, events and unique stays within the estate.
Visit the Abbey Grounds
Explore the historic grounds and remains of Cerne Abbey at your own pace, set within the Dorset countryside.
Private Guided Tours
Discover over 1,000 years of history through a private guided tour of the abbey and its historic buildings.
Weddings & Venue Hire
A unique historic setting for weddings, private events, gatherings and occasions within the grounds of Cerne Abbey.
Stay at Cerne Abbey
Book a unique stay within the historic grounds, including the cottage and studio accommodation.
Explore Cerne Abbey
Discover the historic buildings and spaces that form Cerne Abbey, each reflecting over 1,000 years of history and architectural heritage.
Cerne Abbey
The former Benedictine abbey founded in 987.
The Guest house
A rare surviving monastic guest house built in the 15th century.
Abbot's Porch
A striking medieval entrance with rich historic detail.
Cottage
Accommodation within the historic grounds.
Studio
A studio and accommodation space overlooking the pond garden.
Private Guided Tours
Explore Cerne Abbey with a private guided tour led by the owning family, offering deeper insight into over 1,000 years of history and its historic buildings.
Set within the grounds of a privately owned historic estate, each tour provides a closer understanding of the abbey’s origins, its evolution and the architecture that has survived through the centuries.
Ideal for small groups, heritage visits and larger groups, including coach tours.
A Historic Wedding Venue in Dorset
One of Dorset's most unique historic settings for weddings, private events and gatherings within the grounds of Cerne Abbey.
Set within over 1,000 years of history, the estate offers a range of characterful spaces, from open courtyards and lawns to historic buildings, providing a distinctive and flexible setting for a wide variety of events.
Read About Cerne Abbey
BBC News
“Archaeologists are uncovering the lost Benedictine abbey that lay undisturbed for almost five centuries.”
Escape to Britain
“One of the largest ancient monasteries in England, with over a thousand years of history.”
Dorset Echo
“It’s just gorgeous… a place of great history and beauty with so much to discover.”
Filming & Location Hire
A unique historic setting for film, television and photography, Cerne Abbey offers over 1,000 years of architecture, landscape and atmosphere.
Suitable for a wide range of productions, from period drama to editorial and commercial shoots.