What Can You Do Within 20 Minutes of Shaftesbury?
Shaftesbury sits right at the meeting point of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset, which makes it one of the best-placed towns in the West Country for a day out. You can be standing on top of Gold Hill in the morning and exploring a medieval castle, a world-famous garden or a working vineyard by lunchtime. Here are our favourite things to do within about 20 minutes of the town, whatever the weather.
Old Wardour Castle (about 20 minutes)
This romantic, hexagonal ruined castle sits in a beautiful lakeside setting near Tisbury and is one of the most atmospheric spots in the area. Built in the 14th century and dramatically damaged in the Civil War, it is now cared for by English Heritage. You can climb the tower for wonderful views, follow the audio tour, and let the children run around the grounds. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it.
Stourhead (about 20 minutes)
One of the finest landscape gardens in the world, Stourhead is a National Trust jewel just over the Wiltshire border. A magical circuit walk takes you around the lake past classical temples, grottoes and a Palladian mansion, with the planting putting on a show in every season. There is a good café, a farm shop and miles of estate walking if you want to stretch your legs further.
Melbury Vale Vineyard (about 5 minutes)
Barely a mile south of town, Melbury Vale Vineyard is planted on a south-facing hillside in the pretty Stirkel Valley, with gorgeous views towards the Cranborne Chase. Founded in 2003, it produces still and sparkling wines as well as ciders and spirits. Book a tour and tasting, or simply drop in for a glass and soak up the view. It is about as local a day out as you can get.
Compton Abbas Airfield (about 10 minutes)
One of the highest grass airfields in the country, Compton Abbas Airfield sits high on the downs with jaw-dropping views across the Blackmore Vale. Watch the light aircraft come and go, book a pleasure flight for a special treat, or just enjoy the spectacle over a coffee. It is also now home to Guy Ritchie’s Texas-style smokehouse, Lore of the Sky, if you fancy lunch with a view.
Larmer Tree Gardens and Cranborne Chase (about 20 minutes)
Created by General Pitt Rivers in 1880 and recognised as a garden of national importance, Larmer Tree Gardens are a wonderfully eccentric mix of ornamental buildings, follies, sweeping lawns and roaming peacocks, set deep in the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. The Chase itself is one of England’s largest protected landscapes and perfect for a countryside drive, a walk or a picnic.
Walk the chalk downs (right on your doorstep)
You do not even need the car. Fontmell and Melbury Downs, just south of Shaftesbury, are glorious National Trust chalk grassland with skylarks overhead and huge views over the Blackmore Vale. It is one of the finest short walks in North Dorset. For a gentler stroll, stay in town and explore Gold Hill and the best of Shaftesbury.
Tip: many of these attractions are seasonal or need booking ahead, so check opening times and tickets on their own websites before you set off, especially outside the summer months.
Make a weekend of it
There is far more here than you can fit into a single day, so why not stay over? Pair a castle or garden visit with a great dinner from our guide to the best places to eat in and around Shaftesbury, and plan the rest with our perfect weekend in Shaftesbury itinerary. A few of our favourite places to stay are below, or browse them all on our where to stay page.
