Why You Should Visit Cerne Abbas
Cerne Abbas is a quiet village in the heart of the Cerne Valley and home of the famous Cerne Giant. Visit Cerne Abbas to see the Giant.
The Cerne Giant is 180 feet long and 157 feet wide, and he holds a club in his right hand. The Giant can be seen from the car park on the A352, at the north side of Cerne Abbas. Visitors can also hike to the Giant via public trails. While nobody is absolutely sure why the giant is here, or who cut the giant in the turf, some people believe this is where fertility rituals were practised.
Some historians believe the giant dates from the prehistoric or Roman period. Other historians argue the giant was cut during the mid-seventeenth century.
The first reference to the Cerne Giant dates back to 1694 in the accounts of the warden at Cerne Abbas Church. (Three shillings was paid to re-cut the giant in the turf.) The first written reference of the giant is by John Hutchins in his Guide to Dorset, dated 1751.
Have you ever visited Cerne Abbas?Is Cerne Abbas your favourite place to stay during the holidays? Should Cerne Abbas be on everyone's list of must-see travel destinations? Tell us why, we're interested. Let us know what you think about Cerne Abbas — your comments may be published on this website.