The picturesque little town of Shaftesbury, nestled on the Dorset side of the Dorset/ Wiltshire border, might be more familiar to you than you realize. Being the only significant hilltop settlement in Dorset at 215 meters above sea level, it is also the home of Britain’s well-loved Hovis boy on a bike commercial.
Besides those images living in our hearts for eternity, Shaftesbury has a lot more to offer. From nature to culture, from music to stunning views.
Gold Hill
At the centre of Shaftesbury, is the well-known cobblestone street Gold Hill. The views atop the hill have been described as one of the most romantic sights in England. It appears in the 1967 film version of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd and of course the famous Hovis Commercial.
When you are done being speechless from looking at the stunning view you can explore Gold Hill’s historic buildings that will be right next to you. Atop the street is St Peter’s Church from the 14th century. One of the few buildings that remain from before the events of the 18th century.
Next to the church, you can find the Sun and Moon Cottage, the house where the priest used to live. Today it is part of the Gold Hill Museum. You can take a look inside as it is now a shop
They spoke very little of their mutual feeling; pretty phrases and warm expressions being probably unnecessary between such tried friends.
Thomas Hardy – Far From the Madding Crowd
Gold Hill Museum
The Gold Hill Museum highlights Shaftesbury and the District’s local history and in the back has an award-winning cottage garden and wonderful views over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale.
The museum is run by local volunteers, thus providing free entry with the option for a voluntary donation. A double-sided guide is offered to lead visitors through the museum and highlight its exhibition pieces. Younger visitors can enjoy an explorers quiz and activities in rooms 2 and 4.
Gold Hill Museum provided events as well as temporary exhibitions. These are to celebrate local culture, history, as well as a lecture series provided by the Gillingham Local History Society.
Shaftsbury Abbey
Founded in about 888 AD, Shaftesbury Abbey was an abbey that housed nuns in Shaftesbury Dorset. The second wealthiest nunnery in England was dissolved in 1539 during the English Reformation by the order of Thomas Cromwell.
Little remains of the abbey today. The former site of the nunnery is used to host many local events. The drama society hosts workshops, open-air movie viewings as well as local history lecture series.
The annual Gold Hill fair is held every early July on the abbey grounds turns the ruin site into a small music festival where local artists get a platform.
Castle Hill
For nature enthusiasts, Castle hill is a must when visiting Shaftesbury. It is an important place for wildlife that is within walking distance from the town’s centre.
The hill is composed of a combination of habitats, including woodland, wetland and grassy slopes. It is the home to over 130 types of plats, winged insects such as dragonflies and butterflies and over forty species of birds.
Shaftesbury Art Centre
If you want a nice evening out full of good entertainment, consider visiting the Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Housing both the option to see live theatre shows or catch a movie put on by the local film society.
Alternatively, you can participate in one of the centre’s many activities. They organize a wide variety of activities including a photography group, dance and fitness lessons, art classes, craft classes, drama groups, book club and creative writing classes.
Melbury Vale Winery and Vineyard
Just 1.5 miles south of the Shaftesbury centre lies the wonderful Melbury Vale vineyard and winery. This wine operation is family owned and run. On a gorgeous rolling hillside in the beautiful Stirkel Valley, this 28 acres of south-facing oasis is renowned for its milling history.
You can visit Melbury Vale to have a taste of their wonderful wine as well as liqueur, brandy and cider that is produced on-site and at their associated sister vineyards in Dorset.
Alpaca adventure Shaftesbury Dorset
If you are planning your visit to Shaftesbury ahead of time, be sure to make an appointment at the Alpaca Adventure farm. There is no more adorable activity for you and your family than to cuddle with these fluffy long-necked four-legged friends.
You can meet Alpaca mothers and their babies. The fun doesn’t end there. In spring you can meet the sheep and their lambs, play in the dirt with the pigs. Hopefully, you can see the alpacas take a little swim in the paddling pool.
Balloon Rides Shaftesbury
If you have explored the area and want to take to the skies, consider going on a balloon ride. There is nothing more relaxing than being high in the sky, enjoying a cup of tea, the wind blowing through your hair in complete tranquillity.
Now you can see all the beauty you saw before from above as well as enjoy the beautiful Dorset countryside surrounding Shaftesbury.
Compton Abbas Airfield
If you want to take to the skies, but a hot air balloon is too peaceful for you, pay a visit to the Compton Abbas Airfield. The adrenaline junkies among us can book a flight experience in both open and closed cockpit aeroplanes.
If this is all too much for you, don’t worry. While your adrenaline-seeking friends or family members are having fun in the sky, you can stay happily with both your feet on the ground and have a cup of tea that the airfield café.
Fontmell and Melbury Downs – National Trust
And to round off this list, we’ve gone full circle and back to Thomas Hardy, or to be more precise, Thomas Hardy country.
There are a handful of routes to take around Fontmell and Melbury Downs, but all are chock full of stunning views.
The National Trust bought the are of natural beauty in memory of Thomas Hardy.
And once you’ve completed the walk, you can pop over the road to the airfield for some much deserved lunch.