Location: Shaftesbury
Top Things to do in Shaftesbury
The 10 Best Things to do in Shaftesbury, England
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. Siam Traditional Thai Massage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 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.
2. The Space
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
You will find the Space in Motcombe, 2 miles north of Shaftesbury. The Space offer a range of Complementary and Holistic Therapies such as: Yoga, Breath-work, Meditation, Massage, Mindfulness, Counselling and Reflexology.
Reviewed By vivd994
Having tried various yoga classes over the years I’d never found one which was perfect for me, until Sally . Her classes are just the right combination of exercise meditation and relaxation and her outlook on life is inspirational. The classes on Zoom since lockdown have been a great way to stay toned, positive and focused. Thank you Sally !
3. Melbury Downs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Beautiful scenery looking over the Blackmore Vale across North Dorset and beyond. Five minute drive south from Shaftesbury or fifteen minutes drive north from Blandford. Free but limited parking. Just a stones throw from the popular Compton Abbas Air Field where you can take in the views whilst enjoying lunch or tea.
Reviewed By GlobeTrotting424092 - Shaftesbury, United Kingdom
Extremely pleasing views from the top of Melbury Down, by the beacon, despite the lengthy upward climb, of Shaftesbury town and the surrounding Dorset countryside.
4. In Touch Massage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Top quality Massage, Reflexologist and Master Reiki Healing Therapist. Day time, evening and weekend sessions available. English and Spanish speaking
5. Shaftesbury Oasis Swimming Pool
6. Gold Hill Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Volunteer-run museum of local history situated at the top of the iconic 'Hovis hill'. Dog friendly. Free admission.
Reviewed By DAVIDMS20050 - Emsworth, United Kingdom
Many years ago, when my middle aged children were very young and I was only in my late 20`s or possibly 30 I visited the lovely old town of Shaftesbury and walked up the very steep 1 in 4 hill. Good living and old age now made only a bit of this possible on Monday the 1st and it was slippery in the rain. Well that`s my excuse. Nice to pop into the town with its gardens, shops, clean free loos and banks still open for business..... Good to see this friendly free volunteer run museum telling the whole story of Gold Hill and quite a bit of local history. I wish I could have stayed longer than a half hour it deserves more, but I hope my £2 helps towards the running costs. One of the best local history museums I have visited -well done Shaftesbury. Some interesting other local old buildings such as the Market Hall [full of antiques] and a lovely Abbey Garden with another museum, but unfortunately tempest fugit and back in the car and onward to lunch at Haslebury Mill near Crewkerne. It is a tough life in retirement!
7. Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 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 sandyd983 - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Well worth a visit . A great deal of effort has been put into this little museum . Very interesting and informative ! Loved seeing every day life and hardship from long time ago . Would recommend !
8. Compton Abbas Airfield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Compton Abbas Airfield is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Saxon town of Shaftesbury. With views reaching for 30 miles and beyond, it's the perfect place to have a flight experience, learn to fly or just enjoy a bite to eat amongst all the activity. The flying school has been in operation for over 30 years and boasts an impressive range of experiences from Warbirds to Wing Walking!
9. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By petersL830TM
Castle Hill is the hidden gem of Shaftesbury views - far from the madding crowd on Park Walk with the southern Melbury view and Abbey ruins, this lovely green space instead commands the Northeastern views away across the vale to Alfred's Tower. Picnic and park benches provide for a tranquil pause, or sit on the grass in peaceful surroundings even in high season ' with the option of strolling around the hillside down to Enmore Green from either end should you want some gentle exertion...or speed it up for cardio!!
10. Melbury Vale Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
The Future is Female Winemakers - New all girl team Clare and Corinne welcome you to Melbury Vale vineyard, winery and distillery. Within a stone's throw of Shaftesbury, set in the stunning rolling Dorset hills and Stirkel valley, 2000 vines on the hillside right next to this artisan winery. Pre-booked tour including tastings and local produce lunch available every Friday and Saturday starting at 10.30am - 1.30pm and open for passing trade from 10am to 4pm. For more information, to buy wine online and book a tour go to www.mvwinery.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to Melbury Vale.
Reviewed By Gambia19
We had a great time doing the wine tasting and lunch. We are not wine buffs but the talk by Clare and Corinne was really interesting and we learnt an awful lot as it was put across in an easy manner. Their passion for their process whilst keeping it eco friendly was truly inspiring. This also applies to the buildings, water usage and tending to the vines with tlc rather than lots of sprays. Lunch was yummy with locally sourced ham and cheese which helped soak up the several different wines we sampled during the morning (we were reluctant to spit it out as all of them were really nice). This is a must place to go or a gift for family or friends. You will not be disappointed with the presentation and content given by Clare and her all girl team. Thank you all for a lovely morning.
