Plan Your Visit to Cerne Abbey
Cerne Abbey is open to visitors daily in the historic village of Cerne Abbas, a short walk from the Cerne Abbas Giant. Admission is £5 for adults and free for children under 16.
Below you will find opening times, parking and accessibility. Private guided tours of the estate are also available by arrangement.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Open daily, 9:00am to 8:00pm. Last admission 7:00pm.
Entrance Fee
Adults £5.00. Free for children under 16. This covers a self-guided visit to the grounds.
Getting Here
On Abbey Street in the historic village of Cerne Abbas, close to the Cerne Abbas Giant.
Cerne Abbey, Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7JQ
Parking
Nearby at Kettle Bridge Lane Car Park. Coach access by prior arrangement.
Accessibility
Some surfaces, steps and buildings have uneven access. Please contact us in advance with specific accessibility requirements.
Dogs
Welcome within the grounds when kept on a lead.
Suggested Visit Length
A general self-guided visit to the grounds takes around 45 to 90 minutes. Private guided tours run longer and are arranged separately.
While You're in Cerne Abbas
A few of our favourite things to see sit within a short walk of the abbey. Most are free and independently run rather than part of your visit, simply places we would point you towards for a fuller day in the village.
- The Cerne Abbas Giant, a five to ten minute walk away, managed by the National Trust and free to view.
- St Augustine's Well, a peaceful, lesser-known spot about 100 metres away.
- St Mary's Church, about 150 metres away.
- The village itself, with three pubs, a village shop and the Old Saddler, all a short stroll away.
Read more on our Cerne Abbas guide.
Private Guided Tours
A private guided tour is a longer, in-depth experience led by the family, taking you into parts of the abbey and estate that are not open on a general visit.
- Tours are tailored to your group and cover architecture, ecclesiastical history, restoration and estate heritage.
- Welcoming private groups from eight people, societies and clubs, coach groups and cruise parties.
- Typically 90 minutes to two hours, followed by homemade refreshments.
- From £50 per person for smaller groups, with group, coach and cruise rates by arrangement.
- Year-round by arrangement.
There is more to the abbey than a single visit reveals: over a thousand years of history, from its founding in 987 and St Eadwold the hermit to the recent archaeological dig.
Visitor FAQs
What are the opening times for Cerne Abbey?
Cerne Abbey is open daily from 9am to 8pm. Last admission is at 7pm.
How much does it cost to visit Cerne Abbey?
Admission to Cerne Abbey is £5 for adults. Children under 16 are admitted free.
Where can I park when visiting Cerne Abbey?
Parking is available at Kettle Bridge Lane Car Park in Cerne Abbas, a short walk from the abbey entrance on Abbey Street.
How do I get to Cerne Abbey?
Cerne Abbey is on Abbey Street in Cerne Abbas, about 7 miles north of Dorchester just off the A352. The nearest mainline station is Dorchester, with Dorchester South served by direct trains from London Waterloo in around two and a half hours, and the nearest airports are Bournemouth and Southampton. Parking is at Kettle Bridge Lane car park, with coaches by prior arrangement.
Is Cerne Abbey near the Cerne Abbas Giant?
Yes, the Cerne Abbas Giant chalk hill figure is approximately 5 minutes walk from Cerne Abbey, making it easy to combine both visits in one afternoon.
Can I visit the Cerne Abbas Giant from the abbey?
Yes. The Cerne Abbas Giant is a five to ten minute walk from the abbey, managed by the National Trust and free to view.
Are private guided tours different from a general visit?
Yes. A general visit is £5 to explore the grounds at your own pace, taking around 45 to 90 minutes. A private guided tour is a longer, in-depth experience led by the family, from £50 per person, by arrangement.
Are dogs allowed at Cerne Abbey?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Cerne Abbey on leads.
See more on our visitor FAQs.
