Location: Shaftesbury
Top Things to do in Shaftesbury
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What to do and see in Shaftesbury, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
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 212 reviews
Volunteer-run museum of local history situated at the top of the iconic 'Hovis hill'. Dog friendly. Free admission.
Reviewed By Owenthomas - Colorado
At the top of Gold Hill, there are a number of pubs with outside Seating in the vicinity. The museum was staffed with very friendly people and happily answered any questions we had. Mostly a local museum, but very interesting. It has free admission, but does accept donations. Had exhibits from Roman times through the present. I would gladly visit here again.
2. Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
The excavated foundations of this once important and influential Abbey lie in a peaceful walled garden, with a medieval orchard and extensive herb garden. Founded in 888 by King Alfred the Great, Shaftesbury Abbey was the first Benedictine nunnery only for women. The museum brings to life the story of the Abbey and its inhabitants with dramatic displays of medieval stonework and an interactive virtual tour. There is a free audio tour, printed guides in European languages and a children's trail and activities.
Reviewed By Restless59 - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Only £3 to enter which is very reasonable as it's a lovely setting and the Gardens offer a very tranquil spot in front of The Abbey. Nice easy walk along the path in front of the walls over looking the valley. Then headed down to the bottom of Gold Hill for the walk back up.
3. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By ESVincent - Hong Kong, China
Just up from Golds Hill is the magnificent Castle Hill which provides stunning views over the Hills and Hardy country. The Panorama is breathtaking and the location excellent - next to the Abbey Gardens. Walk the pathways amble down the hill and then up Golds Hill to enjoy the breath-taking views
4. Compton Abbas Airfield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Gla_Rangers - British Columbia, Canada
Visited with friends while staying with them in Shaftesbury. A grass runway atop the hill a few miles south of Shaftesbury, they had a number of planes completing circuits, including an old Tiger Moth.
They have a busy restaurant with Terrace overlooking the runway where you can sit and enjoy watching planes taking off and landing.
5. Siam Traditional Thai Massage
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
At Siam Traditional Thai Massage your relaxation is our priority. A truly relaxing experience awaits that will leave you feeling energised and well. Our Masseur is fully qualified in the art of Traditional Thai Massage she graduated in 1999 with Honours from the world famous Wat Po Traditional Medical School in Bangkok Thailand.
Reviewed By LoriandPaul64 - South West UK
I lived and worked in Asia for a number of years and travelled to Thailand regularly for massage since traditional Thai massage is about the only thing which fixes my stiff neck and achey back. Upon returning to North Dorset, I've had various massages which never quite hit the spot.
I was nursing a couple of minor but niggling sports injuries and had seen a local sports massage therapist for a massage which was pleasant but had almost no effect. Out of desperation, I did a quick Google search for traditional Thai massage and found this right on my doorstep!
I arrived with fairly low expectations but once Yupa began her massage I very quickly realised that this is a lady who knows what she is doing.
Like many Thai people, Yupa learnt massage by treating her grandmother but went on to train at Wat Po in Bangkok.
Her massage style is her own interpretation of traditional Thai massage, using hot compresses alongside deep tissue massage - I've only ever been offered one or the other, not both complementing each other in the past.
This is a totally no frills experience but if you want to lose your aches and pains, I can't recommend Yupa highly enough. Trip advisor won't let me rate higher than excellent but it doesn't describe the feeling of no pain immediately after highly enough.
I was given warm Thai herbal tea both before and after the massage and had a lovely chat afterwards.
It was lovely to simply not be rushed and to have a morning of total bliss.
I booked in for a 90 minute massage but worth allowing a whole morning for this.
Thank you so much Yupa for fixing me and I shall certainly be back!
6. Melbury Vale Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By sustusoj - Dorchester, United Kingdom
Imagine the disappointment to receive a wonderful Birthday treat to visit the local vineyard and enjoy lunch for two with wine tasting and not be able to realise it.
This was our experience.
The rudeness of a male member of staff when I tried to reserve our lunch in Melbury Vale Vineyard rendered me speechless.
He vented his frustration as to 'why people leave it to the last moment to cash in a voucher' upon me with no chance for me to defend myself or even respond. 'Frustration' was the word he used; he sounded more angry!
We had had two previous answer 'phone contacts - I began my call by saying it was nice to speak with a person. After my treatment we shall never want to make a visit to this venue.
There was no mention on the voucher received of the fact that the vineyard is open to arranged visits only on Fridays & Saturdays and that the end of May this year is the last possible time for a visit.
My husband received the voucher at the end of 2016 and we have been out of the country from early January until end of April.
7. Stitchncraft Beads
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Suppliers of an extensive range of Miyuki beads, Czech beads, Swarovski crystals, beading supplies, accessories and more. Come and learn beading techniques on one of over 90 workshops held annually at the Stitchncraft Studio or just pop in to top up your beading supplies.
Reviewed By siann0lan - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside, StitchnCraft Beads is a beaders paradise! Set in an idyllic location, it’s very easy to while away a few hours perusing the well stocked Studio. You will find only the best quality beads at StitchnCraft; Miyuki beads, Czech shaped...MoreHi Siân Thank you for your lovely review about the Studio and our team.
8. Shaftesbury Art Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By frankart_10 - Lymington, United Kingdom
I wandered into this collective studio whist wandering around Shaftsbury on a very hot day. Being a painter myself, I am always interested in looking at other people's work. It doesn't matter to me whether they are well paid and competent professionals, or beginner amateurs. I enjoy the honesty of art work by other people, and particularly like it if the artists are there to talk to about their work. I guess when they see that usually I am not buying, they may be a bit disappointed, but hopefully they would enjoy sharing their work and ideas.
This large room is an excellent idea. A subsection of the space costs in the region of £60 a month, dependant on size, which is a very fair price, and some spaces are occupied by one artist and others shared by two or by several.
There were painters, potters, photographers and various anther types of art work.
When I called in, there were two or three artists present, and I spent a very interesting 30 or 40 minutes looking and chatting
Such a brilliant idea. I live in Lymington, and such a pity that our Town Council can't raise the imagination or enthusiasm to promote a similar idea.
9. The Ship Inn
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By JennyWhite68 - Hampshire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed a happy couple of hours here today chatting with the friendly landlady and local regulars. Made to feel very welcome and enjoyed good choice of drinks ,my husband loved the Dorset IPA and there was even tea for me being the driver! Don't be put off by the Barking welcome of Lily and Daisy the resident canines, they just like to make a noise!
Lovely old pub with history, nooks and crannies and a pool table.
10. The Beadster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 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 LGBfund - Epsom, United Kingdom
What a lovely find on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury! This is my daughter's idea of heaven, and she spent what seemed like hours in here choosing all the beads and trinkets to make her bracelets and necklaces.... This is ideal for anyone that loves beads...MoreThank you for your kind comment. It is always nice to hear that our shop inspires and delights... Ruth & Dennis
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