Location: Shaftesbury
Top Things to do in Shaftesbury
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Top 6 Free Things to do in Shaftesbury, England
Shaftesbury /ˈʃɑːftsbəri/ is a town and civil parish in Dorset, England. It is situated on the A30 road, 20 miles (32 kilometres) west of Salisbury, near to the border with Wiltshire. It is the only significant hilltop settlement in Dorset, being built about 215 metres (705 ft) above sea level on a greensand hill on the edge of Cranborne Chase.
Restaurants in Shaftesbury
1. Gold Hill Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Volunteer-run museum of local history situated at the top of the iconic 'Hovis hill'. Dog friendly. Free admission.
Reviewed By DAVIDMS20050 - Emsworth, United Kingdom
Many years ago, when my middle aged children were very young and I was only in my late 20`s or possibly 30 I visited the lovely old town of Shaftesbury and walked up the very steep 1 in 4 hill. Good living and old age now made only a bit of this possible on Monday the 1st and it was slippery in the rain. Well that`s my excuse. Nice to pop into the town with its gardens, shops, clean free loos and banks still open for business..... Good to see this friendly free volunteer run museum telling the whole story of Gold Hill and quite a bit of local history. I wish I could have stayed longer than a half hour it deserves more, but I hope my £2 helps towards the running costs. One of the best local history museums I have visited -well done Shaftesbury. Some interesting other local old buildings such as the Market Hall [full of antiques] and a lovely Abbey Garden with another museum, but unfortunately tempest fugit and back in the car and onward to lunch at Haslebury Mill near Crewkerne. It is a tough life in retirement!
2. Compton Abbas Airfield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Compton Abbas Airfield is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Saxon town of Shaftesbury. With views reaching for 30 miles and beyond, it's the perfect place to have a flight experience, learn to fly or just enjoy a bite to eat amongst all the activity. The flying school has been in operation for over 30 years and boasts an impressive range of experiences from Warbirds to Wing Walking!
3. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By petersL830TM
Castle Hill is the hidden gem of Shaftesbury views - far from the madding crowd on Park Walk with the southern Melbury view and Abbey ruins, this lovely green space instead commands the Northeastern views away across the vale to Alfred's Tower. Picnic and park benches provide for a tranquil pause, or sit on the grass in peaceful surroundings even in high season ' with the option of strolling around the hillside down to Enmore Green from either end should you want some gentle exertion...or speed it up for cardio!!
4. Gold Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By iceman123EastSussex
A famous view used in the historic Hovis commercial many years ago. Good coffee shop at the top. Museum closed due to Covid 19.
5. The Ship Inn
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By peterhQ1733JL - Lanzarote, Spain
Warm and friendly. Two coal fires. Alcoves where you can meet and chat. Games room with the only TV. No music. Clean modern toilets. Good selection of ales managed by people who know their trade. We were visitors to the town for two nights and enjoyed both visits.
6. The Beadster
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
The Beadster has the largest selection of beads, tools, and findings in the South West with many customers travelling long distances just to visit us! Situated at the very top of the world famous Gold Hill and open seven days a week throughout the year, we are ideally suited to satisfy beady cravings in an historic setting.
Reviewed By 470siennaj
Have visited this shop on and off for years, and also ordered online. A lovely, comprehensive display. Ruth, as always, very helpful. Positioned at the top of Gold Hill, near an excellent cafe, The Salt Cellar. What’s not to like?
