Shaftesbury - Vizzit Dorset Online Magazine

Steeped in history and tradition, Shaftesbury in North Dorset is one of the oldest and highest towns in England with fine historical buildings and breathtaking views.  Shaftesbury is part of the secluded Blackmore Vale and nearby there's an Abbey and Wardour Castle.  Salisbury and Stonehenge are just thirty minutes drive from Shaftesbury.  Stourhead and Longleat are also within easy reach. Other attractions close to Shaftesbury include the 17^th century Queen Anne style Chettle House and the beautiful 11 acre historic Larmer Tree Gardens.

Shaftesbury events include its famous carnival, Shaftesbury food festival and the Shaftesbury Town and Country Fayre.  Not to be missed is the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show and the Sturminster Newton Carnival and Raft Race.  Other Shaftesbury events can be found on the events section on Vizzit Dorset.

Gold Hill  (see image) made famous by the Hovis Bread advertisement, with its steep cobbles and picturesque thatched cottages is full of rural charm from a previous time.  Behind the Town Hall at the top of Gold Hill is Shaftesbury's Town Museum, boasting displays of the town's unique heritage. Included are examples of Dorset Buttons, made locally in the early 19th century.  Close to Shaftesbury are the pretty Dorset market towns of Gillingham and Sturminster Newton.  Shaftesbury also offers an interesting choice of civil wedding venues.

A market is held in Shaftesbury on Thursdays. The Blackmore Vale is made famous by Thomas Hardy and until 2004 Shaftesbury held one of  the last remaining livestock markets in Britain.

Shaftesbury, Gillingham and Sturminster Newton  all offer access to the finest walking and cycling routes in the south. Located on the edges of both the Cranborne Chase and the Blackmore Vale, unbeatable countryside is just a step away, whether on a hike such as the Wessex Ridgeway, or shorter circular day walks.

There’s a great selection of Shaftesbury, hotels. bed and breakfasts, cottages and  campsites as well as a plethora of Shaftesbury restaurants and pubs to suit all tastes and pockets.

There are many activities to in which to participate in and around Shaftesbury from visiting the museum to actively taking part in quad biking or other such adventurous pastimes!  Why not take a trip to Compton Abbas Airfield with its restaurant overlooking the runway?  Horse riding, Quad biking, Golf and Cycling are just a few of the actiivities available in the Dorset town of Shaftesbury.

Shaftesbury offers the visitor great accommodation, excellent restaurants, exciting events and some stunning attractions.

See a short videe below of the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show Heavy Horse In Hand class.

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