Cerne Giant (NT)

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Overview

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.

Location

CERNE ABBAS, DT2 7AL

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.

Area image

Cerne Abbas Dorset Things To Do in Dorset

Cerne Giant (NT)

CERNE ABBAS, DT2 7AL

01297 489481

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Cerne Giant (NT)

Recommended by

Overview

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.

Location

CERNE ABBAS, DT2 7AL

About the area

Area image

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.

Cerne Abbas Dorset Things To Do in Dorset