History on your doorstep
Myrtle Cottage is located in the popular historic village Cerne Abbas, situated between the market town Sherborne and the county town of Dorchester.
Just a short stroll from the cottage, there are many ‘must-sees’, including the surviving buildings of the old Benedictine Abbey, the 15th century Abbey Guesthouse and the Abbot’s Porch, historic Abbey Street and the famous chalk Cerne Abbas Giant carved into the hillside. With numerous opportunities for enjoying stunning walks in all directions, Myrtle Cottage is perfectly situated for enjoying all of the delights this special and unspoilt part of Dorset has to offer.
The county town of Dorchester is just a 15-minute drive away and offers a large selection of shops, museums, restaurants and cafes, as well as a Roman Townhouse which welcomes visitors. The Jurassic Coast is an enjoyable 30-minute drive away with opportunities for coastal walking, swimming, paddle boarding and fossil collecting.
Explore the area
Established in the ninth century by St Edwold the hermit, Cerne Abbas grew up around the Benedictine Abbey from which it takes its name. It is possible to explore the abbey ruins, including an ancient holy well dedicated to St Augustine and supposedly blessed by the saint.
Today, Cerne Abbas, disguised as Abbots Cernel in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, is home to a bustling community of around eight hundred people, with a school, three pubs, a post office, a tearoom and several shops. Voted Britain’s most desirable village in 2008, and described as ‘strikingly beautiful’, Cerne Abbas is home to an annual music festival, hosted by the renowned Gaudier Ensemble, and the annual Open Gardens event in June of around 35 village gardens, which attracts thousands of visitors from far and wide.
Well worth a visit is nearby Sherborne – popular for its beautiful 8th century abbey, it is also a great place to potter around the shops and gift boutiques. Sherborne Castle and Gardens are a must see, with two castles on offer a visit here is very rewarding.
Dorchester (Roman Durnovaria and Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’) is a short drive away, an attractive county town with its Roman heritage including a magnificent hill fort, shops and museums.
Weymouth is 20 miles away with its Georgian seafront and sandy beach overlooked by an elegant 3-mile level esplanade.
The iconic Jurassic Coast is within a 30-minute drive away with a selection of beaches and seaside towns and villages. The South West Coast Path offers magnificent views and surprising sights, such as the natural arch of Durdle Door, and the almost circular cove of Lulworth.
Further west dotted along the coastline towards West Bay and the market town of Bridport are the ‘chocolate box’ villages of Burton Bradstock and Abbotsbury (famous for its swannery and gardens). Gardens flourish in the mild climate, and there are many to choose from: Mapperton Gardens, Minterne Gardens, Kingston Lacy, Sculpture by the Lakes, and the subtropical gardens at Abbotsbury are well worth an excursion.
Eating & drinking out
The New Inn, Cerne Abbas. This beautiful 16th century former coaching inn is an iconic building located in the heart of Cerne Abbas, one of the prettiest villages in England. Recognition in the major guide books has come and The Good Pub Guide awarded them County Dining Pub of the Year.
The Giant Inn, Cerne Abbas. Delicious food, real ales, beers wines and spirits in the heart of Dorset.
Royal Oak, Cerne Abbas. Homemade menu using locally sourced produce providing. Pub favourites including steak & ale pie with stilton, fish and chips and fresh daily specials.
Minterne Gardens, Cerne Abbas. The Minterne Gardens Tea Terrace opens daily, serving homemade lunches - delicious salads with Minterne dressings, homemade hummus, quiches, flatbreads and brioche buns, and homemade cakes. All made with locally sourced ingredients and recipes. Opening / closing times – 10 am to 4 pm, daily (keep a look out for certain days when the gardens and tea terrace are closed for private events). Dog friendly.
Cerne Abbas Brewery. Award winning brewery, open for Brewery Tap and Takeaways Mondays to Thursdays 11am to 3pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 6pm. Most Saturdays Papa Cheese will be found serving food from the Barn Bar and Grill.
The King's Arms, Dorchester. Open all day with an ever changing, seasonal, fresh food menu to cater for long, indulgent, multi-course feasts or the simplest of snacks.
The Ollerod, Beaminster. The hotel is surrounded by fantastic produce, particularly the fish that comes straight off the boats to their door. Their menus are always changing and you will find dishes with influences from all over the world.
Brassica, Beaminster. Brassica is a family-run business based in West Dorset, close to the Jurassic coast. They serve delicious food in Brassica Restaurant, and also run a shop across the road, Brassica Mercantile, to keep your home well-stocked. Open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch, and supper Thursday to Saturday. Brunch is served Thursday to Saturday from 9am.
Summer Lodge Hotel, Evershot. Up market hotel restaurant inspired by an abundance of superb local ingredients, including Dorset Vinny Blue Cheese and Dorset Beef, and ingredients grown in the Summer Lodge gardens and polytunnels.