The Best Restaurants in Up Cerne, Dorset, United Kingdom (2025)

Cerne Abbey is a magical place steeped in history. The village is quaint and the scenery is wonderful! Many footpaths and as close to the famous Cerne Giant as you can get!

Intriguing historic site of a Benedictine abbey dating back to the year 987. The attractive house that stands today is a privately owned home, built on the site of the old main entrance. For just £2.50 you can look around the grounds and see the old abbey guesthouse and abbots porch - these are the only original buildings to have survived the dissolution of 1539. Information boards have been provided to detail the history of the abbey and these particular buildings. A small but nicely kept attraction, worth a look if you're in the vicinity of Cerne Abbas. While here, take a look at St Augustine's Well across the burial yard, and the attractive church just along the road.

Cerne Abbey was Benedictine monastery founded in 987 and, until its dissolution in 1539, was a religious house. It was then brought into private ownership and to this day remains a family home. Abbey Guest House was built by Abbot John Vanne between 1458 and 1470. Guest houses were used to accommodate travellers and were part of the monastic duty of service. The Abbot's Porch was built about 1500 as the living quarters for Abbot Thomas Sam. Around its magnificent two-storey oriel window are several panels showing the commemorative arms of the benefactors of the Abbey. The Porch and the Abbey Guest House are the only Abbey buildings which survived Henry VIII's Dissolution of Monasteries in 1539. It was used as a dwelling for some time, but gradually fell into disrepair. It was restored in the 1990s. The present owners, the Fulford-Dobson family, have extensively restored all the buildings and the late Lord Digby was awarded a Civic Trust Award for work carried out on the South Gatehouse (now the residence) in 1959. You can read about the Abbey's history in the Abbot's Porch. Dogs have to be kept on a lead at all times. While in the area, you can also visit the St Augustine's Well or the Silver Well, which located next to the grave yard. By some superstitions belief, drinking water from the Well was said to be a cure from infertility. The Well also known as a wishing Well. Girls were recommended to go there and pray to St Catherine for a husband. :) The town is very beautiful too! Definitely recommend it!

Definitely worth stopping at this place. Very interesting

Visited by chance on a wet Wednesday and so glad we chose Al Molo. Restaurant was busy but staff were excellent, very friendly and attentive and despite being rush off their feet always available when needed. Food was fabulous and when we visit Dorchester again will definitely be back.

Beautiful food had 3 courses and all were beautiful, service was well paced and not fast so you get to enjoy the dishes . Steak was more than an 8oz fillet and my wife’s seafood linguine was in her words divine. Waiters were lovely and honoured to meet one of the chefs . Thank you

Incredible food. Went for my birthday and the food was absolutely amazing!! Best steak we’ve had and the portions were generous! Staff were extremely polite and friendly, we cant wait to go back !!

This place is remarkable. I honestly feel like I have to leave a review because I had a private room booking for party of 7 (engagement celebration). The team took care of us extremely well and I want to give special honour to our hostess Verity, so sweet, so patient, clear in her communication- 5 stars for her. The food was gorgeous and pretty affordable in my opinion . Some portions were small but I understand that it is more on fine dining side. The only critique I would give is about some cleaning aspects in which the rooms had like old cobwebs, spider webs on the windows, just could use a deep clean.

I have driven past this pub on more occasions than I could probably mention and always said must try that one. Well today was the day and so pleased that I did! I can honestly say this was one of the best (if not the best) pub food I have ever had. Our table of four all had different dishes and every single one was outstanding quality with a generous portion. Personally I opted for the ploughman's asking for it without the meat element which wasn't a problem at all. An excellent selection, fresh and tasty. I would highly recommend booking, even for lunch, as it was busy, and it's really not surprising why. The service was friendly and a good pub atmosphere made it a great experience and all at a fair price too. This will most definitely not be the last visit to this highly recommended Dorset pub. If you haven't been then add it to your 'must visit' list, but don't leave it as long as I did.

A Dorset gem. I've only ever had the Sunday Carvery here because it's fantastic value (£14.50) and absolutely delicious. I always end up asking for a box so there is bubble and squeak to go home with! The staff are great and friendly. I'd say this is a proper pub and Sunday lunch experience! Booking very much recommended they are popular.

We had drinks, dinner and then stayed over in our motorhome and it was absolutely wonderful! The food was exceptional, the service was excellent and the pub and beer garden are great. We were made to feel very welcome and would definitely recommend!

We went there yesterday as a group of 15 and they were absolutely brilliant. We had the skittle alley to ourselves so the kids could play with the selection of toys in there which worked perfectly. We had a variety of meals across the table and everyone said how delicious it was. The pork belly bites as a starter were a definite stand out. Thank you to all the lovely team who served us.

Fantastic, quiet beautiful campsite. Very clean site and clean toilets and shower block. Utensil washing area. Fire pits and wind breaks available to hire. Lovely campsite wardens, lovely friendly staff and hosts. Amazing food. 10mins drive to Cern Abbys brewery. Definitely recommend.

We found this wonderful place after being at Minterne House and Gardens. Lovely village pub. Fantastic service, offered toys for my kid. Really lovely food. Great selection of drinks. Will definitely be returning.

My niece had her wedding here and the place was fantastic. Food for the event was brilliant and innovative. We also had Sunday lunch which was fabulous. Camping on site and lots of Airbnb in the area. Three cottages right next to pub with access through the gardens.

Absolutely amazing couple of days camping at the gaggle_of_geese_pub in Dorset. Cannot recommend this place enough. Loads of facilities for families. Double decker bus kitted out with soft play for kids. Pigmy goats and a small sports pitch. The campsite had warm showers, clean toilets. Pub served excellent food and beers. Will 100% be going back there. 📍 Gaggle of Geese Pub, Buckland Newton, Dorset

We stayed here one night in early July ( visiting from Australia but born in Dorset).. A lovely atmospheric room with modern bathroom. We opted for dinner in the restaurant and had probably the best sunday roast we have ever had , roast beef done just right with yorkshire pud my mother would be proud of - high praise indeed! Accompanied by a range of vegetables that were great but almost too many to finish. Ditto for Breakfast the following day . Staff ( owners? ) took great pride in this establishment and delightful to boot. So thoroughly recommend the New Inn. .

We stayed over the bank holiday in Aug and it’s so quiet and peaceful. Food was amazing and my husband said it was the best breakfast. All the staff went above and beyond especially Haley and another lady whose name we didn’t know. Fantastic little find.

My husband and I were on holiday in Cerne Abbas and came across this very special place on our first day walk. What a wonderful find, we were warmly received by Annette and Julian, who showed a great interest in us and where we had come from and checking out where we may visit while in Dorset. We loved this place so much we visited 4 times for evening drinks and meals. The recommendations for local beers, wine and Gin were excellent. They were always interested on our daily adventures. We can honestly say the place had a wonderful vibe with pleasant background music not to loud, and listening to the local banter was heart- warming. Also lovely to see all dog visitors getting doggy treats from the owners. Always served with a smile The food was absolutely delicious, they have a very talented chef, the presentation and food portions were spot on and there was no waste from us ! Thank you for a marvellous time at The new Inn and we will be back again soon and will definitely book a stay as well . If we could give you 6 stars we would

We spent 2 nights here when visiting Cerne Abbas. We were upgraded when we arrived which was a pleasant surprise. All of the staff were very friendly and accommodating. We did have a meal in the restaurant which was nice, but a bit too "fancy" for what we were looking for. All in all a great experience and would love to visit again! thank you!

We had a fabulous one night stay here, what a beautiful part of the world. The room was excellent, rainforest shower and huge bathtub, comfy beds, spotlessly clean. We had dinner in the evening and food was just perfect, every dish was mouth-wateringly tasty. The breakfast was very very good, fresh sourdough, good coffee and a non greasy fry up! Highly recommend.

Lovely, homely, welcoming feel. Food and service was fantastic, everyone went out of their way to make it a pleasant stay. Area is wonderfully rural, but close to all the attractions. Very friendly for dogs.

Brilliant location, a beautiful country pub. Nicole was a superb host. Highly professional, organized and friendly. Amazing huge bed, enormous bath. Very comfortable room. Food available was delicious, hot, and served quickly. Thankyou.

Stayed as a group of 6 for a walking weekend in October 2024. Very helpful and clear on booking as 2 large dogs were coming as well. Parking good and close to rooms. Very warm and helpful welcome. Rooms very clean, fluffy white towels and plenty of hot water. Nice tea/coffee/ biscuits in room and readily topped up. Food EXCELLENT with choice for all taste's, specials menus, good friendly helpful table service and great wine list. Fab stay and we will all come again. Thank you

The food was good but pricey for what it was. 10% service charge added but politely told at bill stage and offered the choice, so that was appreciated. The landlord and staff made the experience, good banter so would return but not as often as I'd like due to cost.

We didn't stay overnight so cant score them as we just dropped in for a quick pint after a walk. The barman was very friendly and welcoming. My friend had a sandwich for lunch which looked lovely. It is what I call a 'proper pub' - beams for example that looked like they had been part of Noahs Ark! Well worth a visit!

Superb Sunday carvery! Roast potatoes were divine! Dog friendly. Loved enjoying the selection of games at the table, kept the children entertained 😊 great value thank you 😊

Had lunch one day and drinks another. Great place. Nice atmosphere. Pleasantly upmarket without being pretentious.

Went for a Mexican and half price cocktails on a Wednesday evening. Mexican is cooked in a van in the car park, but served in the bar/conservatory - excellent food (real cutlery but takeaway boxes).

A lovely place which such an amazing team! We were well looked after celebrating our first wedding anniversary and the crispy lionsmane mushroom dish at the restaurant was one of the best I have ever had! We had the most perfect stay.

Really well looked after when they were busy with a birthday tea party. Delicious cream tea in a beautiful garden. Excellent staff. Made really welcome. Looks a pleasant place to stay too.

A hidden gem in the countryside! The food here is exceptional, with a menu that showcases local ingredients and deliciously crafted dishes. The beer garden is the perfect spot to relax with a drink and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The bed and breakfast accommodations are cozy and comfortable, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure every guest feels welcome and well taken care of. Highly recommend for a memorable getaway experience!

Superb. Friendly welcome, nice atmosphere. Our waitress was lovely and enthusiastic. We had a variety of starters, main courses and deserts, all were excellent. Presentation and service excellent, hard to find fault. Many thanks to Natalie and the staff for a wonderful evening.

We stayed on the dinner, room, bed & breakfast deal and had a fabulous time. The room and decor was pleasant, if not spectacular it was clean and well kept with all you need for a flying visit, but the service and food was as of the highest order. The team are friendly and professional, always on point, and the food was outstanding. The menu was interesting, with just the right variety and the produce was fresh and cooked with creativity and talent - one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time and as such, great value too. Would recommend highly, thanks for having us, we will be back!

Just a delightful place to stay for a few days. Staff really good as is the breakfast. Dinner was also good and reasonably priced. To be recommended.

Visited The Sun Inn whilst staying in a holiday cottage 5 mins walk away. We booked in for a second time that week because we enjoyed it so much! Highly recommend the carvery, it was delicious. Can’t fault the staff, they were all lovely and so attentive. Great atmosphere, and great pub in general. Would suggest booking in advance because it’s very popular.

Amazing service, one of the best Sunday roasts I have ever had. Carvery is excellent for vegans and vegetarians too! Staff really friendly and helpful especially the two young lads who have helped us both times we were there.

Have had two visits over the Christmas holidays and both times and found the food, service and atmosphere really good. Have not had the carvery yet but the beef burger, chicken burger, pie of the day and cold cuts have been good value and filling. Many thanks to all at the Sun Inn

Thank you for accommodating us as walk-ins for the Sunday Roast. The food was delicious, the staff were welcoming, the atmosphere was warm, relaxed and peaceful (some places can be very noisy during afternoon roast dinners). We have also tried the outdoor seating previously for some nibbles and the review remains exactly the same. We really enjoyed on both occasions and we will definitely return.