St Mary's Church, 2 Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorset DT2 7JQ

Set in the picturesque village of Cerne Abbas, this special event celebrates the life and work of William Barnes, the Dorset poet renowned for his verse in the local dialect.

Barnes captured the rhythms, landscapes, and traditions of rural England like no other, and this event offers a unique opportunity to experience his poetry in the very countryside that inspired it. Join members of the William Barnes Society for a gentle guided walk around Cerne Abbas, pausing at evocative spots to reflect on selected poems that bring olde Dorset to life. The walk concludes with afternoon tea at St Mary’s Church. Participants are advised to dress for the weather and terrain, with the route mainly around the village centre, including diversions to the cemetery and riverside; in the event of severe weather, the gathering will take place indoors.

Tickets are £8, including afternoon tea.

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