Shaftesbury is one of the oldest and highest towns in England and dominates what Thomas Hardy called the 'engirdled and secluded' Blackmore Vale. In Hardy's novels the vale is known as 'Vale of the Little Dairies'. Gold Hill was made famous by the Hovis Bread advertisement; with its steep cobbles and picturesque cottages it encapsulates the perfect image of old English rural charm. The town is also famous for its ruined Abbey and the nearby Wardour Castle. There are a number of wonderful old buildings around, including the impressive Shaftesbury Town Hall. These, the views from its lofty position and the chance to walk up and down or just admire Gold Hill make Shaftesbury a must-see place. Although Shaftesbury's recorded history dates from Anglo-Saxon times, it may have been the Celtic Caer Palladur. Alfred the Great established a Burgh, or fortified settlement, here in 880 as a defence in the struggle with the Danish invaders. Alfred and his daughter Ethelgiva founded Shaftesbury Abbey in 888, which was a spur to the growing importance of the town. Athelstan founded three royal mints, which struck pennies bearing the town's name. The abbey became the wealthiest Benedictine nunnery in England. King Canute died at Shaftesbury in 1035.
Attraction
Gold Hill Museum & Garden
Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden
Camping
Blackmore Vale Caravan & Camping Park
Classes
Dentist
Shaftesbury Dental Surgery
The Dental Practice
Doctor
Estate Agent
Connell Estate Agents
Gilyard Scarth
Farmers Market
Inn
Crown Inn
The Benett Arms
The Crown Inn
Market
Shaftesbury Farmers Market
Shaftesbury Market
Pub and Bar
Fountain Inn
Kings Arms
The Grove Arms
The Royal Chase
Ye Olde Two Brewers
Restaurant
Bunglow
John Peel
Le Chanterelle
Marmaris Restaurant
Salt Cellar
The Grove Arms
The Royal Chase
Wayfarers
School
Solicitor
Taxi
Venue
Vet
Sports Clubs
Orchard Polo Club (Polo)
Shops
Stitch 'n' Craft Ltd
Boots
Rymans
Paws & Claws
N R Stoates & Sons
Robert Frith
Squires
Parfitts
BodyShop
Bell Street Café
Vivara Boutique
Lloyds Pharmacy
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
The Salt Cellar
The Green Rock Cafe
Baan Thai Cafe
Turnbulls Delicatessen
T Buttling The Butchers Shop
Prime Cuts Traditional Butchers
Blackfoot
Crystal Clear
The Dorset Store
Bijoux Beads
The Beadster
Antiques
Cartouche
Shaston Antiques
Dairy House Antiques
Activities
Places to Stay near Shaftesbury
La Fleur de Lys (0.06 miles)
Welcome to La Fleur de Lys Restaurant with Rooms, Situated in the Centre of Shaftesbury and personally run by David, Mary & Marc.
The hotel offers a warm, inviting, friendly atmosphere with an emphasis on Freshness, ... More
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Hotel Grosvenor (0.12 miles)
This beautiful listed building with its imposing and elegant Georgian facade has over the past two years been totally restored and renovated now offering contemporary bedrooms and a stunning restaurant ... More
The Royal Chase (0.76 miles)
Close to the centre of historic Shaftesbury, the Royal Chase revels in the surrounding glories of the Dorset countryside and the ample charms of Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Unspoiled, beautiful counties, offering a wide ... More | visit website
The Glen B&B (2.47 miles)
Grove Arms Inn (2.81 miles)
The Grove Arms is a 16th century country inn, laced with history and recently redecorated to a very high standard, offering one of the highest standard of accomodation in the ... More
The Wheelwrights at Old Forge Cottages (2.88 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Ideally situated for exploring Hardy's Wessex, and boasting wonderful walking from the doorstep, these charming and comfortable cottages are perfect for a relaxing break. The Wheelwrights adjoins ... More
The Benett Arms (3.09 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
16th century village inn overlooking village green, pond, and church,set amongst rolling hills on wiltshire /dorset boarder Traditional english food fine selection of wine ... More
Applehay Studio (3.12 miles)
Applehay Studio is set on the Dorset, Wiltshire border in a rural setting in the middle of a traditional picturesque village green. It is directly opposite a friendly village pub, which dispenses real ales and ... More | visit website
Crown Inn (3.87 miles)
Family run Country Pub with Rooms. Conveniently located en-route to the South Coast, (Poole and Bournemouth), on the main A350 just 4 miles South of Shaftesbury. The Crown Inn provides ... More
Cools Farm (4.36 miles)
Cools Farm is an original 1620s listed farmhouse recently refurbished to a high standard. Three double bedrooms, one of which is a Family Room, provide comfortable and characterful accommodation for our guests and we are ... More | visit website
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