Welcome to
Cerne Abbey
Grade I Listed Historic Estate in Cerne Abbas, Dorset
Established in 987
OVER 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY
The History of Cerne Abbey
Founded in 987, Cerne Abbey is one of Dorset's most beautiful and historic estates, with more than a thousand years of history behind its walls and a story that has drawn monarchs, travellers and visitors across the centuries.
Once a great Benedictine monastery, it remains a private estate today, its medieval Guest House and Tudor Abbot's Porch still standing at the peaceful heart of Cerne Abbas.
Read more about the estate today.
Get to Know Cerne Abbey
What Can You Experience
Discover the many ways to experience Cerne Abbey and its historic grounds.
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
An owner-led tour of the medieval Abbot's Porch, the Guest House and rooms not usually open to visitors.
Weddings
A romantic and historic setting for weddings and celebrations within the ancient grounds of Cerne Abbey.
Venue Hire & Private Events
Hire the abbey and its grounds for corporate days, private celebrations and family gatherings.
Filming Location
A historic setting for film, television and photography, from the Abbot's Porch to the abbey grounds.
Stay at Cerne Abbey
Stay in our self-catering cottage, or a bed-and-breakfast room inside the main Abbey House.
The Cerne Abbas Giant
Britain's largest chalk hill figure, cared for by the National Trust, on the hillside near the abbey.
Explore Cerne Abbas
Discover the historic Dorset village surrounding the abbey, home to the famous Cerne Abbas Giant.
Explore the Abbey Buildings
Discover the historic buildings and spaces that form Cerne Abbey, each reflecting the abbey's long history and architectural heritage.
Cerne Abbey
The former Benedictine abbey founded in 987, with over a thousand years of history to explore in one of Dorset's most beautiful settings.
The Guest House
One of England's few surviving monastic guest houses, built in the 15th century, with both rooms open to every visitor.
Abbot's Porch
A striking medieval entrance with rich historic detail, standing three storeys over the courtyard.
Cottage
A self-catering cottage within the historic grounds.
The Abbey House Room
A special bed-and-breakfast stay inside the main Abbey House, with a four-poster bed and views over Abbey Street.
The Monument Courtyard
An open historic courtyard at the heart of the abbey grounds, a setting for events, celebrations and quiet exploration.
Private Guided Tours
Explore Cerne Abbey with a private guided tour led by the owning family, offering deeper insight into the abbey's long history and its surviving buildings.
Each tour takes in the medieval Abbot's Porch, the Guest House and parts of the house not usually open to visitors.
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.
Steeped in centuries 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.
Stay at Cerne Abbey
Stay within the grounds in a self-catering cottage, from £120 a night.
Or take the Abbey House Room, a bed-and-breakfast stay in the main house with a four-poster bed and en-suite bathroom, from £350 a night.
Read About Cerne Abbey
BBC News
“Archaeologists are uncovering the lost Benedictine abbey that lay undisturbed for almost five centuries.”
Read More →
Escape to Britain
“One of the largest ancient monasteries in England, with over a thousand years of history.”
Read More →
Dorset Echo
“It's just gorgeous… a place of great history and beauty with so much to discover.”
Read More →Filming & Location Hire
A unique historic setting for film, television and photography, Cerne Abbey offers more than a thousand years of architecture, landscape and atmosphere.
Suitable for a wide range of productions, from period drama to editorial and commercial shoots.
View Filming LocationFind Us
Cerne AbbeyAbbey Street
Cerne Abbas
Dorchester DT2 7JQ
Open daily
9:00am to 8:00pm
Last admission 7:00pm
Adults £5, children under 16 free