Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is a historic hill top town of 9,200 people (2021) in northern Dorset, southern England.
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Understand
editMost of Shaftesbury's buildings date from no earlier than the 18th century, as the Saxon and most of the medieval buildings have not survived. The town is very dog friendly, with many cafés, pubs, and even tourist attractions allowing dogs.
- Shaftesbury visitor information[dead link] website
Get in
editBy car
editOn A30 between London and Exeter, and the A350 between Poole and Chippenham.
By train
editThe best way to get to Shaftesbury, if you don't have a car, is by train. Take Southwest Trains from London Waterloo to Gillingham, Dorset. There are friendly and cheap taxi drivers who can take you on to Shaftesbury, though prebooking is highly advised. In 2024, the taxi trip cost £15.
Get around
editShaftesbury is a pedestrian friendly town, and many things are within walking distance. However, once you get out of the centre of the town, the roads don't have pavements and there is a limited bus service. Taxis are an option, though booking ahead is highly recommended.
See
edit- 1 Gold Hill. Shaftesbury's most notable site to see. It is famous for being featured in Hovis Bread advertisements.
- 2 Gold Hill Museum, Gold Hill, SP7 8JW, ☏ +44 1747 852157, enquiries@goldhillmuseum.org.uk. Daily 10:30AM-4:30PM. A museum dedicated to Gold Hill displaying many artefacts that relate to the history of Shaftesbury and the surrounding area, including Dorset's oldest fire engine, dating from 1744. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and there is a great view from the museum garden. Free, donations welcomed.
- 3 Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Gardens, Park Walk, SP7 8JR, ☏ +44 1747 852910, user@shaftesburyabbey.fsnet.co.uk. Apr-Oct: 10AM-4PM. It tells the story of the abbey and also has a herb garden and medieval orchard. Dogs on leads are welcome.. Free.
- 4 Old Wardour Castle, Nr Tisbury, SP3 6RR (7 miles east of Shaftesbury off A30 3 1⁄2 miles SW of Tisbury.), ☏ +44 1747 870487. Partially ruined, turreted, 14th-century, fortified residence with panoramic views. Adult £5.90, child (5-17 years) £3.50, concessions £5.30.
- 5 Duncliffe Woods. An ancient woodland operated by the Woodland Trust. It is best accessed by car, as the roads to access to it have no pavements, and the nearest bus stop is several kilometres away.
Do
editFestivals
edit- Shaftesbury snowdrops festival. Annually, 1 week in February. Visit the Heritage Collection of Snowdrops in Shaftesbury Abbey, join a Snowdrop walk through the town or participate in the festival events. The grand final is the Snowdrop Lantern Parade on Sunday evening.
- Gold Hill Fair. Usually occurs in the first weekend of July and has food stalls, arts stalls and local music that can be found in the abbey ruins.
Buy
editEat
edit- 1 The Salt Cellar, Gold Hill Parade, ☏ +44 1747 851838. M-Sa 9AM-5PM. Cafe, vegetarian-friendly
- 2 King Alfred's Kitchen, 17 High St. Cosy café with vegan options. Offers a discount if you bring your own cup.
Drink
editSleep
editThere are many charming B&Bs in and around Shaftesbury.
- 1 La Fleur de Lys, Bleke St SP7 8AW, ☏ +44 1747 853717. Pleasant restaurant with rooms at north edge of town centre. No dogs. B&B double from £110.
- 2 Royal Chase Hotel (Best Western), SP7 8DB (near Royal Chase Roundabout), ☏ +44 844 387 6034.
- 3 Grosvenor Arms, High St SP7 8JA, ☏ +44 1747 850580. Excellent dog friendly hotel in an old coaching inn, gets great scores for comfort, service and cuisine. B&B double from £135.
- 4 The Fontmell, Crown Hill, Fontmell Magna SP7 0PA, ☏ +44 1747 811441. Charming inn with six bedrooms (some distinctly cosy), good dining. B&B double from £90.
