Stay in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Shaftesbury is a thriving market town with a fascinating history rooted in Saxon times. It has plenty of inns, cafes and restaurants, and there are lots of independent boutiques and shops to explore. The famous Gold Hill, made yet more famous by Ridley Scott’s memorable Hovis commercial, is 100m away with stunning views across Blackmore Vale. Wander around the museum at the old Saxon hill top fort, the Abbey from King Alfred’s day, and the farmers market. Shaftesbury is known as ‘the gateway to the south west’ and is well positioned in the most stunning of English countryside. It lies on the edge of the once vast hunting grounds of Cranborne Chase. Old chalk downland and ancient woods make for some wonderful walking and riding. Within an hour’s radius there is the World Heritage City of Bath to the north, Salisbury (Salisbury Cathedral), Old Wardour Castle and Stonehenge to the east, Lulworth Cove to the south and Sherborne to the west. The magnificent houses of Wilton, Longleat, Sherborne Castle, Stourhead and Kingston Lacy are between 20 to 30 minutes away. Other activities. Please speak to our manager if you would like any help in planning your trip. There are so many opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring, and for those inclined, fishing, riding and shooting. All in close proximity. Distances: Gold Hill 100m Gold Hill Museum 100m Shaftesbury Abbey Museum 200m Cranborne Chase 5 miles Larmer tree gardens 8 miles Stourhead House and Gardens 11 miles Kingston Lacey (NT) 20 miles Wilton House 17 miles Sherborne Castle 15 miles Longleat House, Gardens, Safari Park 18 miles Wardour Castle 6 miles Stonehenge 23 miles Bath 34 miles Poole Harbour 26 miles Wincanton Races 14 miles Salisbury Races 18 miles Compton Abbas airport 3.5 miles