Athelhampton and The Stone Giant of Cerne Abbas

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Cerne Abbas (driving only)
The picturesque village of Cerne Abbas grew around an important Benedictine abbey, along the River Cerne in 987 AD. Although the monastery was dissolved in 1539, the village thrived. It was also known for the quality of its beer, crafted from the excellent underground water supply. The charming setting and the proximity to the Cerne Abbas Giant, a massive and mythical hillside carving over 180 feet tall, led to the enclave's designation as 'Britain's Most Desirable Village' in 2008.

Athelhampton House
This stunning example of Tudor architecture is centered around the Great Hall, built in 1485. Antiques fill the house and include a gallery devoted to the works of the Russian artist Marevna, who was a previous tenant at the home. The architectural gardens are a marvel. Designed in 1891, the garden has many separate areas, delineated by local Hamstone and greenery, each with their own water feature and statuary. In 1998, Athelhampton was named Christie's 'Garden of the Year.'

What you will see along the way:
Travel through the Dorset countryside, admiring the rolling green hills dotted with quaint towns and villages. The area is steeped in natural history, with a 200-million-year-old Jurassic Coastline, whose remarkable geological value earned it a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site designation. The area is home to the 180-foot-tall hillside carving of the Cerne Abbas Giant, or "Rude Man,' and boasts beautiful beaches, limestone ridges and stunning chalk downs, with half the county designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

Photo Opportunity:
There are many theories about the identity of the Cerne Abbas Giant, a chalk carving into a hillside that measures over 180 feet tall, but one common interpretation is that it is a prehistoric or Celtic fertility god or symbol. Be sure to snap a picture of this fascinating historic landmark.
Snack:
Enjoy a light refreshment as part of your visit at Athelhampton House.