Things to Do in Cerne Abbas
Cerne Abbas is a historic Dorset village in the Cerne Valley, about 7 miles north of Dorchester on the A352. It is best known for the Cerne Abbas Giant and for Cerne Abbey, founded in 987 at the centre of the village.
There is plenty to fill a half-day: the Giant, three historic pubs, the village shop and brewery, St Mary's Church and the abbey grounds are all within a short walk. For parking, opening times and tickets, see our visitor FAQs.
Places to See in the Village
The Cerne Abbas Giant
One of the best known chalk hill figures in England, overlooking the village.
Abbey Street
Historic Tudor buildings lining one of the village's oldest streets.
The Dig
Recent archaeological work uncovering more of the lost abbey.
The Village Stocks
A reminder of late medieval life and community justice.
Village Pubs
The village is home to three historic pubs, including The New Inn, a 16th-century coaching inn, The Giant Inn with a 15th-century fireplace, and The Royal Oak, built around 1540.
St Mary's Church
A medieval parish church at the centre of the village.
Cerne Abbas Stores
One of the South West's most charming village stores, serving the Cerne Abbas community and visitors alike.
Cerne Abbas Brewery
Cerne Abbas Brewery produces traditional Dorset ales, with a tap room and shop popular with both locals and visitors.
St Augustine's Well
A spring at the foot of Giant Hill, tied to local legend and centuries of pilgrimage. A quiet spot near the churchyard, a short walk from the village centre.
The Old Saddler
A traditional gift and craft shop on the corner of Duck Street and Long Street, run by a local mother-and-daughter team since 1987. Cerne Abbas and Giant souvenirs, original watercolour-design gifts, craft kits and handmade clothing, all made on the premises.
Go Walking
The Cerne Valley is wonderful walking country, with chalk downland, river meadows and far-reaching ridgeway views, and Cerne Abbas makes an ideal base for exploring it on foot. The Wessex Ridgeway runs along the hills to the north, and field paths and bridleways lead out from the village in every direction.
A local guidebook, Walks Around Cerne Abbas, collects routes from short strolls to longer walks for the more adventurous, and is available from Cerne Abbas Stores in the village. The valley is a working agricultural landscape with game shoots at certain times of year, so please follow the Countryside Code, keep dogs under control and leave gates as you find them.
For more on the surrounding landscape and longer walks, see our Dorset Countryside guide.
The Cerne Abbas Giant
The famous chalk hill figure overlooks the village from Giant Hill. It is managed by the National Trust, free to view and a short five-minute walk from the centre of Cerne Abbas.
Many visitors pair it with a wander through the village and the grounds of Cerne Abbey below. Our dedicated page covers visiting the Giant and its long-debated origins.
Pubs, the Village Shop & Brewery
For its size, Cerne Abbas keeps three historic pubs: the New Inn, a 16th-century coaching inn; the Giant Inn, with a 15th-century fireplace; and the Royal Oak, built around 1540. All sit within a few minutes' walk of one another.
Cerne Abbas Stores serves the village from one of the South West's most characterful village shops, and Cerne Abbas Brewery produces traditional Dorset ales, with a tap room and shop popular with locals and visitors alike. St Augustine's Well, a spring tied to local legend and pilgrimage, lies a short walk away.
Cerne Abbey at the Heart of the Village
Cerne Abbey was founded in 987 and the village of Cerne Abbas grew up around it.
The surviving medieval Guest House, the Tudor Abbot's Porch and the abbey grounds remain open to visitors today.
Where to Stay in Cerne Abbas
For visitors wanting to stay longer, Cerne Abbey offers accommodation within the historic grounds, including the cottage and studio.