Cerne Abbas to Yeovil


Meandering through the valley of the River Cerne, the Dorchester to Sherborne road reveals some of the most attractive countryside in Wessex. A spine of chalk hills separates the northern and southern halves of Dorset, and four rivers, the Piddle, Frome, Cerne and Sydling Water, rise on these hills and flow southwards in parallel. It is these rivers that have carved out the steep-sided valleys that characterise this area.


Hidden in the valleys are tiny villages with wonderful names; Sydling St Nicholas, Minterne Magna, Piddletrenthide, Alton Pancras and many more, approached by narrow lanes along the valley bottoms.


Central to the area is Cerne Abbas, which has long benefited from its main attraction, the figure of a very well endowed gentleman carved in the turf on the chalk hillside north of the village. The Cerne Abbas Giant is in the care of the National Trust. It is 180 feet high and is believed to be pre-Roman, possibly the tribal symbol of the Durotriges.


Much of the village is 18th century, with some older houses, and is extremely attractive. The presence of the Giant has created a minor tourist industry and there is an excellent selection of shops and pubs for visitors enjoyment.


From Cerne Abbas the main road continues to wind its way to Sherborne. Something of a time capsule, it is helped considerably by the virtual traffic ban in the town centre, which gives the town a quiet, unhurried air.


Sherborne today is a prosperous rural town, with some light industry; and with more than ten schools in the town education is an important source of employment. One of the town’s main industries is tourism and the mix of craft, gift, antique and fashion shops reflect this, as does of course the wealth of history all around.


Just a few minutes drive west takes you across the county border into Somerset and the vibrant market town of Yeovil. The town began life as a Roman settlement, but it was during the Middle Ages when a market was established that Yeovil became a thriving town.


Unfortunately, after a series of fires between the 15th and 17th century practically none of the old town survives. The 14th century Church of St. John the Baptist is perhaps the only exception.


As far back as the 14th century, the town has had a strong connection with the glove-making industry, which gave employment to so many cottagers in this area. Look for Glovers' Walk in the town. In the 1830s it was said that 3 million pairs were made each year in Yeovil.


There is a delightful walk close to the town centre at an area called Nine Springs. The Park boasts huge beeches and shaded paths, with nine springs flowing into an enchanting lake. The stream and grounds are landscaped but still retain much of their natural charm.


Sparkford, just north of Yeovil, is home to the prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum. With more than 400 cars and bikes displayed in stunning style, dating from 1887 to the present day, it is the largest international motor museum in Britain and offers an excellent day out for everyone.


For those interested in a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the museum 10


offers a host of familiar names such as Austin, MG, and Morris. Those who are seeking something more exotic will be pleased to find a vast array of performance cars, from modern classics such as the Dodge Viper RT10 and the Jaguar XJ220, to the more historic Jaguar E Type and AC Cobra. Also on show is a large collection of American cars, including the jewels in the crown – the V16 Cadillac, and the two million-dollar Duesenberg.


For the children there is the kids race track, autogame experience, soft play-bus and many other activities. The café, serving a variety of freshly made meals and snacks all day is the perfect place to pause and refuel!


Standing in the shadow of Cadbury Castle, Haynes Museum is also at the heart of King Arthur country. Of all the legends in Europe that of King Arthur and the Round Table is one of the most enduring. The whereabouts of the equally famous Camelot is not certain, but it has long been agreed that the best contender is


Cadbury Castle.


The Arthurian legend has a strong hold on the imagination - based on some facts, embroidered by poetic imagination and


linked to religion and mysticism it does have all the ingredients required to capture our interest.


Standing on top of Cadbury Castle can be an inspiring moment. If you are drawn to find out more then browse in the bookshops of Somerset, where you will find many learned tomes - and several entertaining works of fiction - dealing with this golden age of English chivalry.


The Tourist Handbook Wessex 2011


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