Cerne Giant

Cerne Abbas giant from the air

Important notice -

Our countryside space is open. We ask all visitors to follow government guidance on travel and social distancing to keep everyone safe.

Ancient naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas

More about this place

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open to visit. Many houses in England and Wales have reopened, with houses in Northern Ireland expected to reopen from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays.

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Cerne Giant

History

Archaeologists taking samples from the giant.
Cerne Giant   Dorset

National Trust archaeologists surprised by likely age of Cerne Abbas Giant

After 12 months of scientific analysis, the National Trust can for the first time reveal the likely age of the Cerne Giant, Britain’s largest and perhaps best-known chalk hill figure.

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Cerne Giant

Our work

Volunteers helping to rechalk the Cerne Abbas Giant

Looking after the Cerne Giant  

How many people does it take to look after Britain’s largest chalk giant? What keeps our teams busy throughout the year to keep him in tip-top condition? And how much chalk do you need to keep him visible for miles around? Find out about our work looking after the Cerne Giant, now over 100 years in our care.

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Cerne Giant

Things to see and do

Looking down on the naked chalk figure of the Cerne Giant on the grassy hill

Take in the best view of the Giant

From different viewpoints, in different lights, the Giant can look starkly white or at times be just a faint outline. The best viewing spot for the Giant is from the Giant’s View car park, or there is also a short walk up to the Giant’s feet.

A wooden signpost pointing walkers towards Giants Hill

Walk up the Giant's Hill

Alternatively you can enjoy a walk up Giant’s Hill and around the perimeter fence which protects the Giant.

Marsh Fritillary butterfly

Spot wildflowers and butterflies

The chalk grassland where the Giant lies is of national and European importance for the many rare chalk downland plants and invertebrates that thrive here. Try and spot a marsh fritillary butterfly in May, and look out for wildflowers in summer.

Hambledon Hill   Dorset

Dorset's hillforts, a visitor's guide

Discover more about Dorset's ancient hillforts with this new guide.

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Cerne Giant

Places to stay

Reception room of Portland House

National Trust places to stay in West Dorset 

West Dorset is an ideal holiday location. Our places to stay are located by the coast in gorgeous countryside that's featured in the hit TV programme Broadchurch and the Far from the Madding Crowd film starring Carey Mulligan.

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