About Cerne Abbey
Cerne Abbey, also known as Cerne Abbas Abbey, is one of England's oldest surviving private historic estates. Founded in 987 AD, it is Grade I listed by Historic England and one of Dorset's most significant medieval sites.
Set in the historic village of Cerne Abbas, the estate sits directly below the famous Cerne Abbas Giant, one of England's most iconic and mysterious chalk hill figures.
The Estate
The surviving buildings of Cerne Abbey are among the most significant medieval monastic remains in southern England. Each has its own history, architectural character and story.
The Abbot's Porch
A three-storey Tudor gatehouse of around 1497 to 1509, with carved heraldry, a two-storey oriel window and an original spy hole.
The Guest House
A rare surviving 15th-century monastic guest house, built by Abbot John Vanne and the most substantial building of the former monastery.
The Abbey Grounds and The Dig
Recent excavations, known locally as The Dig, are uncovering the foundations of the lost monastery beneath the grounds.
The Gardens and Grounds
The Monument Courtyard, pond garden, lawns and views across the Cerne Valley, the setting for events and quiet exploration.
A Working Estate, Not a Museum
Cerne Abbey is privately owned by the Fulford-Dobson family and open to visitors every day. It is a home and a working estate, where medieval buildings, gardens and an ongoing archaeological dig sit side by side.
Its story runs from the abbey's founding in 987 through royal patronage, the Dissolution of 1539 and the monks and writers who shaped early English literature. That full story, and the figures connected to the estate, are told on the history page.
Press and Recognition
Cerne Abbey has been featured by:
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.”
The estate has also been associated with film and photography for decades, including connections to the 1963 Academy Award-winning British film Tom Jones, and continues to be used as a location for heritage, editorial and documentary productions.
What We Offer
Cerne Abbey is open to visitors, private guests and event enquiries throughout the year. Here is how people work with us:
Visit the Abbey Grounds
Open daily from 9:00am to 8:00pm. Adults £5, children under 16 free. Explore the grounds, medieval buildings and Dorset countryside at your own pace.
Private Guided Tours
Led personally by the owning family for groups of 8 to 65. Includes access to the Abbot's Porch, the Guest House, The Dig and areas not open to general visitors.
Weddings & Wedding Receptions
A distinctive and personal setting for wedding receptions, celebrations and photography. St Mary's Church is 150 metres away for couples seeking a church ceremony followed by a reception at the abbey.
Private Events and Venue Hire
Available for drinks receptions, heritage talks, corporate gatherings, private celebrations and charity events, arranged individually to suit each occasion.
Filming and Photography
Medieval architecture, historic courtyards and Dorset countryside views. Suitable for period drama, documentary, editorial and heritage productions.
Accommodation
Stay within the historic grounds in the cottage, the studio or, by special request, selected rooms in the private west wing of the main house.
Get in Touch
For all enquiries about visits, tours, weddings, events, filming and accommodation, the best way to reach us is by email or through the contact form. Please include as much detail as possible about your dates, group size and the nature of your visit or event, and we will come back to you directly.
Send an Enquiry