Shaftesbury is a historic hill top town of 9,200 people (2021) in northern Dorset, southern England.

Gold Hill in Shaftesbury

Understand

Most 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 website

Get in

By car

On A30 between London and Exeter, and the A350 between Poole and Chippenham.

By train

The 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

Shaftesbury 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

• 1 Gold Hill. Shaftesbury's most notable site to see. It is famous for being featured in Hovis Bread advertisements. (updated Oct 2016)
• 2 Gold Hill Museum, Gold Hill, SP7 8JW, ☏ +44 1747 852157, enquiries@goldhillmuseum.org.uk. Daily 10:30AM-4:30PM. Museum dedicated to Gold Hill displays many artefacts that relate to the history of Shaftesbury and the surrounding area, including Dorset's oldest fire engine, dating from 1744 Free, donations welcomed. (updated Oct 2016)
• 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. (updated May 2024)
• 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. (updated May 2020)
• 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. (updated May 2024)

Do

Festivals

• 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. (updated Jan 2016)
• 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. (updated Jan 2016)

Eat

• 1 The Salt Cellar, Gold Hill Parade, ☏ +44 1747 851838. M-Sa 9AM-5PM. Cafe, vegetarian-friendly (updated May 2020)
• 2 King Alfred's Kitchen, 17 High St. Cosy café with vegan options. Offers a discount if you bring your own cup. (updated May 2024)

Drink

• 1 The Mitre, 23 High Street. Dog friendly pub with a terraced beer garden that catches the afternoon light and offers a very impressive view of Melbury Hill and Blackmore Vale. (updated May 2024)

Sleep

There 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. (updated Jun 2020)
• 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. (updated May 2024)
• 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. (updated Aug 2020)

Go next

Routes through Shaftesbury

Yeovil ← Sherborne ←

W  E

→ Salisbury