Cerne Abbas

Cerne Abbas is a perfect example of an English village in the heart of Thomas Hardy’s rural Dorset, eight miles from the County Town of Dorchester and 15 miles from the coast. The village grew up around the Benedict Abbey which dominated the village for over 500 years, until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 when it was largely destroyed. The Abbots Porch and the Abbey guesthouse still remain.




This is a Murder Mystery Trail shows you around Cerne Abbas, a picturesque village with many attractions. The River Cerne flows along Duck Street, past the small school, believed to be the oldest school building still in use in Dorset. Abbey Street with its 1400 century timber framed houses, duck pond and the beautifully kept Manor House. There are still three pubs remaining, there were 14 public houses at one point, serving a population of about 1500. The current population amounts to just over 700.
Probably the most well known asset, and for what Cerne Abbas is most famous for is its Giant with his impressive proportions!
The Trail is 1½ miles and takes approximately 2 hours. This Trail has recently been altered, and although there are a number of clues in the burial ground, the Trail is now suitable for both pushchairs for wheelchairs.