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You are here: Things To Do > Cerne Abbas Giant
Set on a rolling hillside above the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas, the 180ft tall club-wielding man has long been regarded as a sign of fertility due to his large, erect phallus. It is not agreed how old the Cerne Abbas Giant is, but the most likely explanation is that he depicts Hercules, the god with super- human strength. Hence he was probably created as a pagan idol during the Iron Age period of Britain.
There is some evidence that the Giant may once have carried a cloak over the left arm and a severed head in his hand.
Enjoy a gentle stroll leading up to the Giant from Cerne Abbas and the viewing area off the main road. To avoid damage and erosion, access to the Giant is restricted.
Open (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021) |
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Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
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Free | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
The village of Cerne Abbas is located eight miles north of Dorchester on the A352. There is a lay-by viewpoint and parking area adjacent to A352 for the Giant.
By cycle: National Cycle Network route 26 between Castle Cary and Dorchester, mainly on quiet roads with some traffic-free sections heading into Dorchester. From Dorchester it's 8 miles along a quiet, but rough and uneven road to Cerne Abbas.
On foot: From the centre of Cerne Abbas village it is a gentle ¼ mile walk along a sign-posted footpath to the Cerne Giant viewing area.The Wessex Ridgeway passes 1 mile from the Cerne Giant and is linked by quiet roads and other footpaths. It is a long-distance trail running along ancient trackways from Marlborough in Wiltshire to Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast.
By bus: Bus service Damory Coaches 216 between Dorchester and Sherborne stops at the Cerne Giant viewing area and car park, and Cerne Abbas village. It runs on weekdays only.
By train: Maiden Newton train station 6 miles, Dorchester West train station and Dorchester South train station, both 8 miles away.
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