The Cerne Valley
Rising above Minterne to the north, and joining Frome between Charminster and Dorchester to the south, the Cerne Valley lies in an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" with supurb chalk downland wildlife.
Other habitats include water meadows and the chalk river itself, which for centuries powered water mills at Forston, Godmanstone and Cerne Abbas.
Traces of Iron Age and Mediaeval farming and settlement can be seen on the hillsides. Remains of the great Abbey may still be seen at the top of Abbey Street in Cerne Abbas.
At the southern end of the valley lies a fine minster church, hence 'Charminster'. Nearby is the ancient Wolfeton House. The Mediaeval town that grew up around the Abbey became famous for its beer in the 17th and 18th centuries. It had a silk-spinning industry, also boot making, and important coaching inns.
Today the Cerne Valley has many fascinating old buildings and the valley still offers hospitality in its traditional pubs and tea shops, a pottery, and a range of shops as well as a wealth of fascinating places to explore.
Special Places of Interest in the Cerne Valley:- The Abbot's Porch at Cerne Abbas
- The Cerne Giant
- The Smith's Arms at Godmanstone
- Minterne Gardens
- Nether Cerne