Top 10 Dorset (county) Hotels Near Cerne Abbas Giant | United Kingdom | Hotels.com Hotels near Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset (county) Hotels near Cerne Abbas Giant Search & Compare Cerne Abbas Giant Hotels City, landmark, hotel name, address or zip code Check in I don’t know my dates Rooms Get Secret Prices on select hotels These prices aren’t available to everyone. Unlock now See all 69 Dorset (county) deals Trending now in Dorset (county) Hotels within 1 kilometer of Cerne Abbas Giant Most booked Good 3.6 / 5 ( 5 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 9 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Excellent room with a double bed plus a seating area with a TV-more of a suite in fact :) Delicious dinner and a good choice at breakfast including eggs florentine-my favourite! Walking distance to the Cerne Abbas giant and near Minterne Gardens and Sherborne Castle.

Would definitely visit again." A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB Hotels within 4 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant The Greyhound Inn Excellent 4.6 / 5 ( 43 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 14 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "All was fine with good service and accomdation. The wifi was poor and no mobile telephone reception." A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB Hotels within 5 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant The Brace of Pheasants - Inn Excellent 4.5 / 5 ( 63 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 8 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Lovely, comfortable room in a converted skittles alley. Had a great meal in the restaurant. Went on a 1 1 1/2 hour hike in the morning.

Overall, a wonderful stay!" A Traveller, Oct 2016, CA Hotels within 6 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant George Albert Hotel Excellent 4.6 / 5 ( 62 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 13 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Nice find this. Large comfortable rooms with everything you need. Wifi worked fine. Free parking. Thought meal was a bit small for money paid. I had large ham egg chips. Had 5 slices thin ham and about 8 chips for £10.95. For me only negative in a great find." A Traveller, Dec 2016, GB The Hunters Moon - Inn Excellent 4.5 / 5 ( 40 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 12 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Business trip, solo traveller. Made to feel welcome by friendly, helpful staff. Good choice of food.

Also pet friendly......may come back for a weekend break with my dog !" A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB Hotels within 8 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant Royal Yeoman B&B Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 10 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 4 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Good location and stay. Our room was on the road side, so there was some road noise, but didn't bother us at night with window closed. There was a lovely pub about 2 miles south, just off the highway in Stratton. Excellent food. Breakfast room was very good, as was the food. Staff was very w..." W, Sep 2016, CA Hotels within 10 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa Outstanding 5.0 / 5 ( 20 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*!

236 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "The room, facilities, food, situation, and amazing gardens are wonderful, but even with all this the truly outstanding feature that puts this hotel head and shoulders above others were the friendly, helpful, professional staff who were more than prepared to cheerfully go the extra mile for their ..." S, Oct 2016, US Hotels within 11 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant The Fox Inn Excellent 4.4 / 5 ( 91 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 5 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Great place good food except the sausages with breakfast were awful!!!! Would stay again though, just wouldn't have the sausages!!" A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB Hotels within 12 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel Excellent 4.2 / 5 ( 69 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*!

33 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Very good overall, did the job that I wanted, very handy for the centre of Dorchester." A Traveller, Dec 2016, GB Bay Tree House - B&B Excellent 4.6 / 5 ( 68 genuine reviews ) Top-rated for business travelers Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 9 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "The owners went out of their way to accommodate us." A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB The Oak at Dewlish Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 16 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 7 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Lovely Inn, beautiful part of the world. Food good and staff friendly. Bathroom a little tight and could do with a blind on the window.." A Traveller, Aug 2016, GB The Sydney Arms Good 3.4 / 5 ( 39 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*!

7 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Spent three days here,had a great time,the staff are helpful and easy to get on with Barry the manager helped to show where the local places of interest are. " A Traveller, Sep 2016, GB Westwood Guest House Outstanding 4.9 / 5 ( 54 genuine reviews ) Top-rated for families Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 4 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Westwood House is delightful with many thoughtful extras to complement the excellent rooms and ensuites. The breakfast choices are well thought out and delicious. The owners are always helpful and make staying there a pleasure." A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB  Star rating not availableNo Guest Reviews yet Hotels within 13 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant Munden House Outstanding 4.8 / 5 ( 9 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 7 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Stayed only for a couple of days in the summer house.

We did arrive a bit late but were met by Jeremy who was looking after the place for the owners while they were away. He was brilliant and so helpfull. The summer house is great "room". Jeremy had put the heating on low before our arrival so it..." A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB The Brewers Arms Outstanding 4.9 / 5 ( 19 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 5 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Perfect location for exploring Hardy Country and with easy access to the coast. This was a friendly and comfortable stay. Staff went out of their way to ensure we were well cared for. Food in the pub was excellent and the accommodation units were well equipped and very comfortable. I would reco..." A Traveller, Sep 2016, GB Wooden Cabbage House Outstanding 5.0 / 5 ( 2 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 3 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Wooden Cabbage is gorgeous.

It's in an idyllic spot, hidden away in the Dorset countryside with breathtaking views over the surrounding valley. Martin and Susie are perfect hosts and, although it's in the middle of nowhere, there's a good choice of really excellent places to eat within a ten-mile..." A Traveller, Aug 2016, GB Hotels within 15 kilometers of Cerne Abbas Giant Heathcote House Outstanding 5.0 / 5 ( 4 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 8 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "It was a large room; we had the two of us, our 3 year old on a ZBed, our 1 year old in a cot and the sofa without it feeling crowded; there was a bath with shower in the large en-suite. Slept very well in a very comfortable bed, and went down to a delicious breakfast. The owner was very friendly ..." A Traveller, Aug 2016, GB Hambro Arms Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 3 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*!

8 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "The town is very nice and the people are all very friendly. The breakfast had many options and the staff was willing to make adjustments to the breakfast depending on your preference. " A Traveller, Jul 2016, GB  No Guest Reviews yetHotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 3 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Pay now or later on most rooms Free cancellation on most rooms Price Guarantee Cerne Abbas Giant hotels - Dorset (county) Cerne Abbas Giant is situated in the Dorset (county) area, United Kingdom Whether it's a cheap Cerne Abbas Giant hotel, a 5 star Cerne Abbas Giant hotel or a family friendly Cerne Abbas Giant hotel, Hotels.com has the best accommodation for your stay. If visiting Cerne Abbas Giant is a must, then be sure to check out our detailed location mapping to find the best hotel closest to Cerne Abbas Giant, United Kingdom.

Our map based hotel search can be accessed from the above map image on this page (or via standard search results) and with the locations of each hotel shown clearly around Cerne Abbas Giant you're able to refine your search within Dorset (county) or United Kingdom based upon other nearby landmarks and neighbourhoods as well as transport options to help you get around. If you're driving be sure to also check the hotels for onsite parking. To get the best hotel deals near Cerne Abbas Giant you can also filter by price/ average nightly rate and if you're concerned with quality, you can also filter by star rating and our own guest review rating. As well as our Hotels.com guest reviews, we also display reviews from Expedia for Cerne Abbas Giant hotels and the TripAdvisor Cerne Abbas Giant hotels review score on each of our Dorset (county) hotel information pages. If you're visiting Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset (county) with the family or in a group, be sure to check out the room options and facilities we list for each hotel to ensure we help find the perfect hotel for you.

When you've made your booking for your hotel near Cerne Abbas Giant, in our confirmation email we'll also send you information on all nearby attractions as well as directions on how to get to your chosen hotel and the weather forecast, helping you to plan your trip. To get yourself an even better deal on hotels near Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset (county) why not sign up to our Welcome Rewards program? It's free and when you stay 10 nights at any eligible hotel you receive 1 night free* We have Cerne Abbas Giant hotel deals, even Cerne Abbas Giant last minute deals and offers to get you the cheap est Cerne Abbas Giant hotel with our lowest price gaurantee. Top 10 Dorset (county) Hotels Near Cerne Abbas Giant | United Kingdom | Hotels.com Hotels near Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset (county) Hotels near Cerne Abbas Giant Search hotels near Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset (county) City, landmark, hotel name, address or zip code Check in I don’t know my dates Rooms Get Secret Prices on select hotels These prices aren’t available to everyone.

Unlock now See all 69 Dorset (county) deals Trending now in Dorset (county) Hotels within 0.5 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant Most booked Good 3.6 / 5 ( 5 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! 8 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Excellent room with a double bed plus a seating area with a TV-more of a suite in fact :) Delicious dinner and a good choice at breakfast including eggs florentine-my favourite! Walking distance to the Cerne Abbas giant and near Minterne Gardens and Sherborne Castle. Would definitely visit again." A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB Hotels within 3 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant The Greyhound Inn Excellent 4.6 / 5 ( 43 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! 10 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "All was fine with good service and accomdation.

The wifi was poor and no mobile telephone reception." A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB The Brace of Pheasants - Inn Excellent 4.5 / 5 ( 63 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! 4 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Lovely, comfortable room in a converted skittles alley. Had a great meal in the restaurant. Went on a 1 1 1/2 hour hike in the morning. Overall, a wonderful stay!" A Traveller, Oct 2016, CA Hotels within 4 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant George Albert Hotel Excellent 4.6 / 5 ( 62 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! 11 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Nice find this. Large comfortable rooms with everything you need. Wifi worked fine. Free parking. Thought meal was a bit small for money paid. I had large ham egg chips. Had 5 slices thin ham and about 8 chips for £10.95.

For me only negative in a great find." A Traveller, Dec 2016, GB The Hunters Moon - Inn Excellent 4.5 / 5 ( 40 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! Most recent review "Business trip, solo traveller. Made to feel welcome by friendly, helpful staff. Good choice of food. Also pet friendly......may come back for a weekend break with my dog !" A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB Hotels within 5 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant Royal Yeoman B&B Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 10 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! Most recent review "Good location and stay. Our room was on the road side, so there was some road noise, but didn't bother us at night with window closed. There was a lovely pub about 2 miles south, just off the highway in Stratton. Excellent food. Breakfast room was very good, as was the food.

Staff was very w..." W, Sep 2016, CA Hotels within 6 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa Outstanding 5.0 / 5 ( 20 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! 54 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "The room, facilities, food, situation, and amazing gardens are wonderful, but even with all this the truly outstanding feature that puts this hotel head and shoulders above others were the friendly, helpful, professional staff who were more than prepared to cheerfully go the extra mile for their ..." S, Oct 2016, US Hotels within 7 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant Best Western Wessex Royale Hotel Excellent 4.2 / 5 ( 69 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free!

37 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Very good overall, did the job that I wanted, very handy for the centre of Dorchester." A Traveller, Dec 2016, GB The Fox Inn Excellent 4.4 / 5 ( 91 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! Most recent review "Great place good food except the sausages with breakfast were awful!!!! Would stay again though, just wouldn't have the sausages!!" A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB Westwood Guest House Outstanding 4.9 / 5 ( 54 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! Most recent review "Westwood House is delightful with many thoughtful extras to complement the excellent rooms and ensuites. The breakfast choices are well thought out and delicious.

The owners are always helpful and make staying there a pleasure." A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB Hotels within 8 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant Munden House Outstanding 4.8 / 5 ( 9 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! 4 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Stayed only for a couple of days in the summer house. We did arrive a bit late but were met by Jeremy who was looking after the place for the owners while they were away. He was brilliant and so helpfull. The summer house is great "room". Jeremy had put the heating on low before our arrival so it..." A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB Bay Tree House - B&B Excellent 4.6 / 5 ( 68 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free!

Most recent review "The owners went out of their way to accommodate us." A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB The Oak at Dewlish Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 16 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! Most recent review "Lovely Inn, beautiful part of the world. Food good and staff friendly. Bathroom a little tight and could do with a blind on the window.." A Traveller, Aug 2016, GB The Sydney Arms Good 3.4 / 5 ( 39 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! Most recent review "Spent three days here,had a great time,the staff are helpful and easy to get on with Barry the manager helped to show where the local places of interest are. " A Traveller, Sep 2016, GB  Star rating not availableNo Guest Reviews yet Hotels within 9 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant The Brewers Arms Outstanding 4.9 / 5 ( 19 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free!

7 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Perfect location for exploring Hardy Country and with easy access to the coast. This was a friendly and comfortable stay. Staff went out of their way to ensure we were well cared for. Food in the pub was excellent and the accommodation units were well equipped and very comfortable. I would reco..." A Traveller, Sep 2016, GB Wooden Cabbage House Outstanding 5.0 / 5 ( 2 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! 4 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Wooden Cabbage is gorgeous. It's in an idyllic spot, hidden away in the Dorset countryside with breathtaking views over the surrounding valley. Martin and Susie are perfect hosts and, although it's in the middle of nowhere, there's a good choice of really excellent places to eat within a ten-mile..." A Traveller, Aug 2016, GB Heathcote House Outstanding 5.0 / 5 ( 4 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free!

Most recent review "It was a large room; we had the two of us, our 3 year old on a ZBed, our 1 year old in a cot and the sofa without it feeling crowded; there was a bath with shower in the large en-suite. Slept very well in a very comfortable bed, and went down to a delicious breakfast. The owner was very friendly ..." A Traveller, Aug 2016, GB Hambro Arms Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 3 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com® RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free! Most recent review "The town is very nice and the people are all very friendly. The breakfast had many options and the staff was willing to make adjustments to the breakfast depending on your preference.

" A Traveller, Jul 2016, GB Hotels within 10 miles of Cerne Abbas Giant  Pay now or later on most rooms Free cancellation on most rooms Price Guarantee Hotels in Dorset (county) near Cerne Abbas Giant Cerne Abbas Giant in the Dorset (county) area, United Kingdom Are you looking for a cheap Cerne Abbas Giant hotel, a 5 star Cerne Abbas Giant hotel or a family friendly Cerne Abbas Giant hotel? You just landed in the best site to find the best deals and offers on the most amazing accommodations for your stay. When you search for hotels near Cerne Abbas Giant with Hotels.com, you need to first check our online map and see the distance you will be from Cerne Abbas Giant, United Kingdom. Our maps are based on hotel search and display areas and neighborhoods of each hotel so you can see how close you are from Cerne Abbas Giant and refine your search within Dorset (county) or United Kingdom based on closest public transportation, restaurants and entertainment so you can easily get around the city. All the hotels details page show an option for free or paid onsite parking.

If you wish to see the hotels with the highest featuring discounts and deals near Cerne Abbas Giant, simply filter by price/ average nightly rate. We recommend you filter by star rating and read our genuine guest reviews so you can get the best quality hotel with the best discount. One of the new features on Hotels.com guest reviews is that also show reviews from Expedia for Cerne Abbas Giant hotels and the TripAdvisor Cerne Abbas Giant hotels reviews so you can make sure that you checking with a reliable source. See the review scores on our Dorset (county) hotel information pages. Make the most out of your family vacation when you book your accommodation with Hotels.com – book your hotel near Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset (county) after reviewing the facilities and amenities listed for each hotel. After booking your hotel near Cerne Abbas Giant, expect to receive your reservation confirmation in the mail in less than 10 minutes. The confirmation email contains more information on all nearby attractions, local directions and weather forecast, so you can better plan the days during your trip. After getting the best hotel rates you can still save more by winning 1 free night!

That’s right, book 10 nights in any hotel near Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset (county) and after you sign up for the Welcome Rewards program, you are eligible hotel you receive 1 night free* The best hotel deals are here: We have Cerne Abbas Giant hotel deals, Cerne Abbas Giant last minute deals and offers to get you the cheapest Cerne Abbas Giant hotel with our lowest price guarantee. Cerne Abbas Giant sports moustache for Movember - BBC News BBC News Cerne Abbas Giant sports moustache for Movember 1 November 2013 Image caption The National Trust said the Cerne Abbas Giant would approve of his new look A huge grass moustache has been added to the UK's largest chalk hill figure. The Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset is sporting facial "hair" in support of Movember, which raises awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. The National Trust's Rob Rhodes said: "It's all a bit of fun to highlight an important subject so we were happy to give our support and join in the fun." He said the moustache would remain for one day, and that there would be no damage to the giant. "I am sure the giant would approve," he added.

The 180ft (55m) tall giant's new moustache is 36ft (11m) by 9ft (2.7m). A spokesman at British Seed Houses, which grew the whiskers, said it gave him a "rakish" appearance. Local folklore describes the club-wielding figure, which dates back to at least 1694, as a symbol of spirituality and fertility. The giant attracted attention in the summer of 2007 when a temporary chalk figure of Homer Simpson was drawn next to it, to promote The Simpsons Movie. Money is raised for Movember during November each year by men growing moustaches to support health programmes that combat prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health challenges. Image caption A giant Homer Simpson appeared at Cerne Abbas in 2007 The Cerne Abbas Giant | Mysterious Britain & Ireland The Old Woman of the Tarn Today the hamlet of Talkin in north Cumbria sits astride the quiet road which connects the villages of Hallbankgate and Castle Carrock. Although secluded and well away from busy highways, it is now home to a variety of people from many walks of life.

Read More » You are hereThe Cerne Abbas Giant The Cerne Abbas Giant The Cerne Abbas Giant or the 'Rude Man' is one of the largest hillfigures in Britain, he (the figure's gender is beyond doubt) is one of two representations of the human form, the other being the Long Man of Wilmington in East Sussex. The giant, carved in solid lines from the chalk bedrock measures in at 180 feet high, and carries a huge knobbled club, which measures 120 feet in length. Cerne Abbas Illustration: by Daniel ParkinsonThe first written record of the giant appears in 1751 in a letter by Dorset historian John Hutchins, he suggested that the figure was cut in the mid 1600's. Another slightly later reference to the figure can be found in the Gentleman's magazine of 1764, where the figure is described and depicted with a navel, that has long since disappeared. The lack of earlier references is frustrating but does not mean that the figure dates to the 17th century, and its style and proximity to an Iron Age earthwork suggests a much earlier origin.

There are numerous theories as to when and why the giant was created, one of the more popular is that he is the Greek-Roman god Hercules, who is often represented with a club and an animal fur. It has been suggested that the figure was once depicted carrying and animal fur in his left hand. It is possible that worship of Hercules arrived in the early part of the Roman invasion, which was then became amalgamated with a god of a local Celtic tribe. The theory given the most weight by historians is that it was created during the reign of the Emperor Commodus between 180 - 193 AD, he believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and allowed the cult to revive. Other stories suggest that the monks at the nearby monastery cut the giant as a joke on an Abbott called Thomas Corton, who was expelled from the area for malpractice. This is unlikely but its close proximity to a ecclesiastical house is strange, how could such an obviously pagan symbol have survived for so long? especially through puritanical times and the reformation. It may be that the religious buildings were built close to the giant as a form of amalgamation of the pagan site.

This was common practice, and many churches are built on, or near to, sites that were once Pagan religious centres. Cerne Abbas GiantFolklore According to one tradition, recorded from a farm labourer in the Gentleman's Magazine, the figure is the representation of a Danish giant who had led an invasion of England from the coast. He had fallen asleep on the side of the hill, and the local villagers had taken advantage of his slumber and cut off his head. They had then drawn around his prone body in the manner of a gigantic police chalk line, to show where he met his doom. However, the chalk figure sometimes rose from the dead on dark nights, to quench his thirst in the local stream, a habit also common to certain standing stones. The giant's obvious sexuality and virility was put to use in fertility folk magic. Local women who wanted to conceive would spend a night alone on the hillside - most productively within the confines of his giant phallus, and young couples would make love on the giant to ensure conception. Sleeping on the giant was also thought to be a good way to ensure a future wedding for unmarried women.

Just above the giant's head is a small Iron Age earthwork which encloses a roughly square piece of land, this is known as the 'Frying Pan' or the 'Trendle' and it was within this enclosure that the Mayday Maypole was erected during the festival celebrations. Like many traditional village Maypole ceremonies this practice died out in the 19th century. Directions: The Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset | Order of Bards and Druids The Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset by Philip Carr-Gomm Personally I have never felt affronted by the Cerne Giant and have no time at all for the simpering old ladies who cluck-cluck every time they pass it. The only residents I sympathize with are the elderly males or tired Dorchester business men who are constantly reminded by their wives and mistresses en passant of how far short they fall of the splendid male vigour displayed before them. The Hon. Ophelia Pashley-Cumming There are two giants carved on hillsides in southern England.

In Sussex, the Long Man of Wilmington stands 70 m (227 ft) tall and is really a Long Person since only an outline of a figure can be seen holding a staff or pole in each hand. In Dorset the Cerne Abbas Giant, nicknamed ‘The Rude Man’ is 55 m (180 ft) tall, with his most outstanding – or upstanding – feature being 7.2m (30 ft) long. His club is longer – 36m (120ft), each eye is 1m (3ft) in diameter and his shoulders measure 14 m (45 ft) across. Theories abound as to his origin – he may be a Celtic god cut into the turf before the Roman invasion of 43 AD, or he may be a figure venerating the cruel Roman emperor Commodus who after beating the Scots in 184 AD called himself Hercules Romanus. He may have been created by dissolute monks from the nearby abbey, or he could be a caricature of Oliver Cromwell created in the 17th century by his critic Denzil Holles.

The strong masculine presence of the god of Giant Hill is balanced by the strong feminine presence of water which is found in abundance at the foot of the hill – in the waters of the holy Silver well, in the watercress beds of Cerne river, and in the town pond beside which on May Day a Maypole was once erected. Today the village has become a place of pilgrimage for Pagans celebrating the inherent sexuality of Nature and for couples hoping to conceive a child. The Giant survives as an image redolent with meaning concerning warrior-heroes, fertility, aggression, the tenacious adherence of rural communities to a totem, a Father-Protector. He has handed us back a portion of the past that would otherwise have been grassed over and been lost forever. Paul Newman, The Lost Gods of Albion In the chalk downland of Dorset in south-west England, the sleepy village of Cerne Abbas, with its 700 or so inhabitants is famous for its great figure of a giant which is carved into a hill on its outskirts.

The hill is unsurprisingly known as Giant Hill and the best view of it can be obtained by swooping low over the village and surrounding countryside on GoogleEarth with the viewing set at an angle to give you a good impression of the contours of the land. If you have had difficulty in conceiving a child you might want to make the pilgrimage to this place physically rather than virtually, but you would need to bear in mind that the hotels here are often full. If the reports are to be believed, the practice of making love on the giant’s phallus to encourage conception is on the increase, and the site is a popular tourist destination. The Chalk Hill Figures of Britain Chalk hill figures are a unique feature of the hillsides of southern Britain. The earliest known example, the White Horse of Uffington, has been dated to the Early Iron Age or Late Bronze Age, between 1400 and 600 BC.

Many of the hundred or more figures that we know about are of more recent origin – some have been cut into the earth very recently, such as the giant figure of British Prime Minister John Major wearing only underpants and a traffic cone on his head, cut into the turf outside Brighton by the cartoonist Steve Bell in 1994 in protest over the government’s road building programme. Others were created during the 18th and 19th centuries or earlier, but the recent scientific dating of the Uffington horse has now proved that the tradition of creating vast figures on hillsides is indeed ancient, and that for at least three thousand years the inhabitants of southern Britain have been engaged in a spectacular form of landscape art. The Uffington horse forms part of a sacred landscape that includes the Neolithic long barrow of Wayland’s Smithy, the flat-topped tump of Dragon Hill beneath the horse, and the Bronze and Iron Age hill fort known as Uffington Castle beside it. The Long Man of Wilmington - the Cerne Abbas giant’s brother, or perhaps sister since the figure is without a phallus - stands above its own small tump, and beneath tumuli that crown Windover Hill in Sussex.

The Cerne Abbas giant is similarly set within a sacred landscape that includes a square double-banked enclosure known as the Trendle or the Frying Pan, and a holy well. Celebration and Fertility The figure of the giant is of course striking because he displays an erection – an image that is still considered so provocative that photographs or artwork of an erect male remain for the most part illegal. But here in Dorset this image is on daily display – upsetting some, and intriguing or amusing others who come to see it. Increasingly, though, he has come to be seen as an image of celebration and reverence for those who are inspired by nature spirituality – whether they are Pagans, Wiccans, Druids or simply people who feel no affinity with conventional religions but find spiritual sustenance in an appreciation of Nature. This spiritual approach affirms the inherent sexuality of life rather than denying it, and the Cerne Abbas giant has become an icon for the celebration of fertility and sexuality. We now know that his penis has increased in length over time. Depictions from the 18th century, and postcards as late as 1901, show a navel with the tip of the penis just below it.

But in 1908 the image was so overgrown a subscription was raised in the neighbourhood and the giant was scoured and the trenches filled with fresh chalk. By the time the archaeologist Flinders Petrie surveyed the site in 1926 the giant had surpassed the ambition of most men and his organ had eclipsed his navel, having grown by 1.83 m (6 ft). Perhaps it is a coincidence that his erection is aligned directly with the summer sunrise – or perhaps this reinforces the theory that he represents the solar god Helia. The Visit of St.Augustine In 603 St Augustine is said to have visited the village where he received an unusual welcome. He was jeered at by the locals, who fastened cows’ or fishes’ tails to themselves as a mark of disrespect – driving the missionaries three miles out of the village. But, so the story goes, the villagers relented, the idol Heil or Hegle was destroyed and a spring miraculously rose from the ground permitting their baptism. The spring can be found in a corner of the cemetery which was once the abbey churchyard.

Shaded by lime trees it is protected by a wishing stone which displays an eight-petalled flower or wheel. Some see in it a Catherine wheel commemorating the martyrdom of St Catherine who was tied to a spiked wheel before being beheaded. Others prefer to see it as a symbol of the Pagan wheel of the year, marking the eight festival days of seasonal celebration. Traditionally the well was known as Silver Well, perhaps after Sylvanus the Roman pan-like god, and its waters were believed to have healing properties and were said to aid fertility and well-being - particularly in women. May Day and Morris Men One of the eight feast days of pre-Christian and now contemporary Pagan practice is Beltane on May 1st. At this time the burgeoning fertility of the land is celebrated and Cerne Abbas provides an ideal setting for such a festivity. Even the village’s name is appropriate since it may derive from the Celtic fertility god Cernunnos. For the last thirty years or more the Wessex Morris Men have climbed Giant Hill to dance with a strange horned creature, half man, half bull, and made of painted wood with a horsehair beard, called the Ooser which is lent to them each May by the Dorset County Museum.

The Morris Men dance in the Frying Pan above the Giant’s head because in 1901 the former sexton of Cerne reported that in the old days the villagers used to dance around a maypole erected there. Later other villagers disputed this, saying that the maypole was erected beside the pond in the middle of the village. The historian Rodney Castleden believes the whole area was a sacred site of the Durotriges tribe who cut the giant figure during the Iron Age as a symbol of ferocity, fertility and healing. Below the hill was the sacred spring and a sanctuary or reception area for pilgrims – you can still detect the remains of this in the various earthworks which can be seen on satellite images of the Abbey field. In this scheme the Frying Pan, or Trendle, was a temple or shrine to the god Helis, or perhaps to the Celtic god Nodens, who was worshipped by the Durotriges.

A bronze handle ploughed up at nearby Blandford Forum that depicts Nodens naked with a club in his left hand and the fertility symbol of a hare in his right, suggests a connection with the Cerne giant, particularly now that archaeological surveys suggest the figure originally held something in his free hand – though frustratingly only a few lines, and no clear image, are discernible. William Stukeley and Ronald Hutton But there are other theories to explain this powerful figure. In 1764 William Stukeley, the founding father of archaeology, suggested that the figure was Hercules, and in modern times the historian Ronald Hutton has advanced the theory that the figure was cut in the 17th century by local landowner Baron Denzil Holles as a lampoon against Oliver Cromwell, who had been dubbed ‘the English Hercules’. Another theory is that the figure was a sort of Chaucerian jest – cut into the turf at the time of the church’s waning power, during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in 1539.

Four years prior to this the abbot was accused of keeping concubines in the abbey’s cellar, entertaining them at table, and allowing the monks to play cards all night. Was the figure carved by the monks or by critics deriding the lewd abbot? The archaeologist Stuart Piggott, who helped restore the giant after its war-time concealment from German bombers under brushwood by the Home Guard, believed the figure originated with the second century cult of the Emperor Commodius, who was likened to Hercules. The archaeologist Paul Newman is unconvinced and notes that Commodus’ reign was brief and unpopular, and that it is unlikely he would have been portrayed with an erection. He believes the figure may well be older and points to the ancient and primal associations of the male figure as warrior and fertiliser which are inimical to the later eras proposed by other theorists: “A proud physique and enormous club had little relevance to the Age of Monasticism or the Enlightenment. Neither would the giant relate to Cavaliers and Roundheads or the subsequent Restoration.” One day we may be able to date the figure exactly.

But perhaps the historians are all wrong and the local folklore is correct – that what we see is the outline of a real giant who was captured and pinned down by villagers as he lay sleeping after a meal of many sheep. Whatever we choose to believe about its past, the Cerne Abbas giant today conveys a complex and powerful message. It is the only place in the world where a vast image of a naked man with an erection is displayed in full public view. The Cerne Abbas giant, with his club raised in defiance conveys the paradoxical nature of human sexuality – that it can be both an animal and a spiritual experience, and that it can be both creative and destructive. The erect penis can be a vehicle for love, pleasure and procreation, but it can also be used to violate and abuse. As long as something remains hidden it can never be fully understood, and men have for centuries surrounded the image of the erect penis with taboos and legal restraints. It symbolises male power – and authoritarian patriarchy demands that it remain hidden.

As we move into a more egalitarian age we can start to look at this image and all that it represents – to demystify it, to free ourselves, perhaps, from our fear or envy of it, and to celebrate it too, as a source of pleasure. FURTHER QUOTES Many an honest Puritan must have eyed it askance from under his broad black hat; and during the decades of Queen Victoria’s reign it must have offered an uncivil affront to the refined susceptibilities of the ladies and gentlemen, who in comfortable carriages smelling of expensive upholstery hot in the sun, rolled along the dusty roads from Sherborne to Dorchester. Llewelyn Powys Even more than the horses, hill-figures of human form capture the imagination. Of these the Cerne Giant of Dorset is the most famous, on account of his swaggering immodesty.

Paul Newman TIMELINE 603 AD – St Augustine’s mission destroys the ‘idol of Heil or Hegle’ at Cerne, according to The Life of St Augustine 987 – Cerne Abbas Abbey founded 1654-1662 – The land is owned by Denzil Holles who may have organised the creation of the figure to satirise Oliver Cromwell 1694 – The first record of the giant - the church warden pays 3 shillings ‘for repareing ye Giant’ 1754 – Dr Richard Pococke states that the lord of the manor pays for the lines to be scoured (cleared) every seven or eight years 1764 – The earliest published account of the giant in The Gentleman’s Magazine.

William Stukeley proposes he is Hercules at a meeting of the Society of Antiquaries 1774 – The historian John Hutchins reports the story that the Parliamentarian Denzil Holles’ servants cut the giant in mockery of Oliver Cromwell 1868 – Renovation opposed by the local vicar in the first recorded scouring 1880 – General Pitt Rivers inherits the land, scours the giant and encloses him in a six-sided pen to protect him from revellers and their Queen Victoria Jubilee bonfire of 1887 1908 – The scouring that is likely to have extended the giant’s penis by 1.83 m (6ft) 1926 – Sir Flinders Petrie conducts a survey of the site 1939-1945 – The figure is hidden under brushwood by the Home Guard to prevent German planes using it for navigation 1956 – A thorough scouring carried out by a Swindon building firm 1979 – The same firm scours it again – 5 men took 11 weeks to do this 1980 – The artist Kenneth Evans-Loude proposes cutting a figure

 of Marilyn Monroe nearby 1996 – Bournemouth University holds a Commission of Enquiry into the age of the Giant held at Cerne Abbas The Cerne Abbas Giant The Cerne Abbas Giant Romanian 30 foot Giant The Cerne Abbas Giant The Cerne Abbas Giant or the 'Rude Man' is one of the largest hillfigures in Britain, he (the figure's gender is beyond doubt) is one of two representations of the human form, the other being the Long Man of Wilmington in East Sussex.

The giant, carved in solid lines from the chalk bedrock measures in at 180 feet high, and carries a huge knobbled club, which measures 120 feet in length. The first written record of the giant appears in 1751 in a letter by Dorset historian John Hutchins, he suggested that the figure was cut in the mid 1600's. Another slightly later reference to the figure can be found in the Gentleman's magazine of 1764, where the figure is described and depicted with a navel, that has long since disappeared. The lack of earlier references is frustrating but does not mean that the figure dates to the 17th century, and its style and proximity to an Iron Age earthwork suggests a much earlier origin. There are numerous theories as to when and why the giant was created, one of the more popular is that he is the Greek-Roman god Hercules, who is often represented with a club and an animal fur. It has been suggested that the figure was once depicted carrying and animal fur in his left hand.

It is possible that worship of Hercules arrived in the early part of the Roman invasion, which was then became amalgamated with a god of a local Celtic tribe. The theory given the most weight by historians is that it was created during the reign of the Emperor Commodus between 180 - 193 AD, he believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules and allowed the cult to revive. Other stories suggest that the monks at the nearby monastery cut the giant as a joke on an Abbott called Thomas Corton, who was expelled from the area for malpractice. This is unlikely but its close proximity to a ecclesiastical house is strange, how could such an obviously pagan symbol have survived for so long? especially through puritanical times and the reformation. It may be that the religious buildings were built close to the giant as a form of amalgamation of the pagan site. This was common practice, and many churches are built on, or near to, sites that were once Pagan religious centres. Cerne Abbas Giant Folklore According to one tradition, recorded from a farm labourer in the Gentleman's Magazine, the figure is the representation of a Danish giant who had led an invasion of England from the coast.

He had fallen asleep on the side of the hill, and the local villagers had taken advantage of his slumber and cut off his head. They had then drawn around his prone body in the manner of a gigantic police chalk line, to show where he met his doom. However, the chalk figure sometimes rose from the dead on dark nights, to quench his thirst in the local stream, a habit also common to certain standing stones. The giant's obvious sexuality and virility was put to use in fertility folk magic. Local women who wanted to conceive would spend a night alone on the hillside - most productively within the confines of his giant phallus, and young couples would make love on the giant to ensure conception. Sleeping on the giant was also thought to be a good way to ensure a future wedding for unmarried women. Just above the giant's head is a small Iron Age earthwork which encloses a roughly square piece of land, this is known as the 'Frying Pan' or the 'Trendle' and it was within this enclosure that the Mayday Maypole was erected during the festival celebrations. Like many traditional village Maypole ceremonies this practice died out in the 19th century.

Directions: Half a mile North of Cerne Abbas, Dorset, the best viewpoint is beside the A352. Author: Cerne Giant pictures and information, Dorset, England – Bugbog The Cerne Giant’s best view other than from an aircraft. What is The Cerne Giant? The Cerne Giant is a rampant, naked 60 metre male carved into the chalk hillsidenear Cerne Abbas, an old village about 8 miles (13kms) north of Dorchester , in Dorset , England. The photo shows as much of the giant as you will currently see unless you rent air transport; the carving becomes a lot more indistinct from close up. For scale you can see a couple of hikers at the top of the hill on the left. A close, almost impossible view of the Cerne Giant with Cerne Abbas in the background. Viewing the Cerne Giant This is as close as you can officially get to the giant since the National Trust installed light wire fencing to keep out hikers and horny couples and preserve the figure from erosion. The giant grass-carved perspective from here is less than thrilling, though the overall view is gorgeous.

A marked, circular hiking trail called the Giant Walk – 3 miles/5kms long – runs from Cerne Abbas village, past the giant and along the Dorset Downs, where orchids and butterflies (especially the Adonis Blue) are common sights in season. A photo of a Cerne Valley painting of the Cerne Giant produced by Dorset County Council. The illustration shows 1) The main road from Dorchester, the A352. Dorchester is the nearest town, 8 miles (13kms) south, while Maiden Castle a huge iron age (i. e. earth and turf) fort, is one mile beyond that. 2) A small, temporary parking area (otherwise known as a lay-by) from which you will get the best possible view of the Cerne Giant. 3) A bigger, nearer car park that is suited for those who intend to take a walk. 4) The giant’s enclosure. 5) Cerne Abbas village and start of the Giant Walk.

Some of the village’s sights are: The remains of 10th century Cerne Abbey, some 16th century Tudor houses, Kettle Bridge – a stone and flint bridge, and the 13th century Church of St Mary and punishment stocks. Stonehenge , Avebury and other ancient sites are not far away in Wiltshire, the next county north-east of Dorset. Why was the Cerne Giant created? 1) He was cut out 4, 000 years ago in honour of a Celtic fertility god, Cernunnos. Above his head is a maypole mound that was central to pagan May Day festivities until 1635, when the church decided that the wild, all-night, get nekkid scenes that were enjoyed by locals in the adjacent woods should be discouraged. Legend has it that barren couples who wish for children should copulate on the giant genitalia – preferably after dark in case passing sheep lose their appetites. 2) He was carved 1, 500 years ago in honour of the Roman god Hercules.

3) He appeared a mere 350 years ago and is a caricature of Oliver Cromwell, a brilliant and influential though brutal leader (1599-1658) who gained enormous power during the English Civil Wars, espoused religious freedom and was offered the king’s crown – but refused. The reason that the giant’s origin is unclear is firstly that the only elements remaining in the area are grass and chalk which have been around for months or millenia, so carbon dating is not an option, and secondly the earliest written record of the giant that survives was from the 18th century. Dorchester is the nearest town, 8 miles (13kms) south, and Maiden Castle a huge though simple iron age fort is one mile beyond that.

Cerne Giant | National Trust National Trust The huge chalk figure is best viewed from above National Trust Images/ Ray Gaffney It's a bracing climb up Giants Hill but the views from the top are fantastic National Trust Ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas Things to see and do The surrounding countryside is rural Dorset at its finest National Trust Explore the Cerne Valley The giant overlooks the thriving village of Cerne Abbas, which is the centre for visiting and exploring the local area. The surrounding countryside lies in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, there's plenty more to the Cerne Valley than the iconic giant. Places nearby Dorset's largest hill fort renowned for its downland wildlife Give General Set on a rolling hillside above the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas Enjoy a gentle stroll along footpaths leading up to the Cerne Giant from Cerne Abbas and the viewing area off the main road To avoid damage and erosion, access to the giant is restricted Free parking in A352 lay-by (not NT).

Suitable for coaches Public toilets in Cerne Abbas village There is a picnic area a short walk away from the viewing point at the car park There are several public houses and tea rooms in Cerne Abbas village Dogs are welcome, but please keep them on leads Information point detailing some of the history and wildlife you can see here Family The grassy hillside is a great place to discover butterflies and wild flowers in summer Accessibility The car park is on flat, level tarmac and has one designated accessible parking space A viewing area is located in the car park and offers the best view of the giant The picnic area is a short distance from the car park, accessible along a grass verge The giant itself is on a very steep slope along a mixture of grass and chalk surfaces. It can get very muddy after wet weather Cerne Giant Ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas Standing at 180ft tall, this is Britain's largest chalk hill figure. It is also our most controversial. Many theories surround the giant's identity. Is it an ancient symbol of spirituality? The Greco-Roman hero Hercules? Or a mockery of Oliver Cromwell? Local folklore has long held it to be an aid to fertility.

Above the Cerne Giant is a rectangular earthwork enclosure, known as the Trendle. Like the giant, the Trendle is of unknown origin, but it is believed to date back to the Iron Age. It is still used today by local Morris Dancers as a site for May Day celebrations. Telephone Cerne Abbas, Dorset, DT2 7AL 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. Cycle route information 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 train Maiden Newton train station 6 miles, Dorchester West train station and Dorchester South train station, both 8 miles away.

By road Sign-posted just off the A352, 8 miles north of Dorchester and 10 miles south of Sherbourne. 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. Cerne Giant Admission free What is Gift Aid? Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets: Gift Aid Admission or Standard admission If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay. Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.

An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.

Question: In which county is the Cerne Abbas Giant?
Answer: Dorset