Skip Navigation
*
  • Visits and Holidays
  • Conservation, Heritage and Learning
  • Get Involved With The National Trust
    Days Out & Visits
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesAdvanced searchClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesCerne GiantClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposes
    Layout/formatting imageClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesFacilitiesClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposes
    Layout/formatting imageClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesGetting thereClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposes
    Layout/formatting imageClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesAccessibilityClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposes
    Layout/formatting imageClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesThings to doClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposes
    Layout/formatting imageClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesRechalking the GiantClear image used for layout purposes
    Clear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposesClear image used for layout purposes
    Itinerary ideas
    Holidays
    View of the Cerne Giant cut into the chalk on Giant Hill
    © NTPL / Fay Godwin
    Cerne Giant
    Central Dorset, between Dorchester and Sherborne
    Prehistory  Iconic views or viewpoints  Hills or mountains  1920 
    Naked figure sculpted into the chalk hillside, representing a sexually-aroused, club-wielding giant.
     
    • Voted one of the most iconic landmarks in Britain
    • Set on a rolling hillside above the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas
    • Mysterious history and origins continue to provoke debate
    • Awash with wild flowers and butterflies in summer
    • Easy access viewing point and picnic area
    Cerne Giant
    The Cerne Giant, Dorset
    Standing at 180ft tall, this is Britain's largest chalk hill figure. It is also our most controversial. Many theories surround its 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. ST666016
    The Trendle
    Above the Cerne Giant is a rectangular earthwork enclosure, known as the Trendle. Like the giant it 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. ST666016
    		 View of the Cerne Giant cut into the hillside
    Contact details
    West Dorset Office
    The Court
    Charmouth
    Dorset DT6 6PE

    01297 561900 (general enquiries)

    Email: westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk


    For more information on any of the symbols used on this page, please see our Symbol Guide.

    Trust properties nearby
    Clear image used for layout purposes
    Events
     
    Join online
    Find another place
    Advanced search
     
    		*