The 5 Best Places to Stay in Shaftesbury (and Why)
Shaftesbury and the surrounding villages offer an unusually good range of places to stay for a town of its size — from boutique restaurants-with-rooms in the centre to country inns and farmhouse B&Bs tucked into the Blackmore Vale. We have stayed in, eaten at and walked past most of them, and these are our five favourites, with a note on who each one suits best.
1. La Fleur de Lys — best for food lovers
A long-established restaurant-with-rooms in the heart of Shaftesbury, La Fleur de Lys pairs smart, comfortable bedrooms with one of the best kitchens in North Dorset. If your idea of a perfect break is an unhurried dinner followed by a stroll to Gold Hill and a short walk back to bed, this is the one. Consistently rated around 4.7.
2. The Grosvenor Arms — best for location
This handsome former coaching inn sits right on the High Street, so everything — shops, the abbey, Gold Hill, restaurants — is on your doorstep. A lively bar and restaurant, contemporary rooms and a pet-friendly welcome make it a reliable, sociable base in the very centre of town.
3. The Beckford Arms — best country inn
A few minutes’ drive away at Fonthill Gifford, The Beckford Arms is a much-loved Wiltshire country pub with rooms, set on the edge of the Fonthill Estate. Award-winning food, an effortlessly stylish interior and beautiful walks from the door make it ideal if you want the countryside but still want to be close to Shaftesbury.
4. The Coppleridge Inn — best for space and families
Set in 15 acres of its own grounds at Motcombe, just outside Shaftesbury, the Coppleridge gives you room to breathe. Rooms are arranged around a courtyard, there is plenty of parking, accessible options and dog-friendly rooms, and the children can run about. A great pick for families and groups.
5. The Ship Inn — best value and dog-friendly
A traditional town-centre inn with a warm welcome, free parking and a genuinely dog-friendly attitude. Comfortable rooms above a proper local pub at a sensible price make this our pick for couples and walkers who want character without a big bill.
How to choose
If food is the priority, book La Fleur de Lys. For being in the thick of it, the Grosvenor. For a countryside escape, the Beckford Arms. For space and family-friendliness, the Coppleridge. And for value with character, the Ship Inn. Whichever you choose, booking ahead is wise at weekends and during festivals.
A tip on timing: midweek nights are noticeably cheaper and quieter than weekends, and the town feels like your own first thing in the morning.
Check availability
You can see live prices and availability for all five below, or browse every place to stay near Shaftesbury — including glamping, holiday cottages and B&Bs — on our where to stay page.
