FAST FACTS

GETTING THERE

CAR Shaftesbury is located about 186 kilometres, or a 2.5-hour drive, from London.

TRAIN South West Trains have daily services to nearby Gillingham (Dorset) Station direct from Waterloo Station, London.

AIR The nearest airports are London or Southampton, then it’s a car or train ride to Shaftesbury.

ON THE WAY

HIGHCLERE CASTLE If you’re driving from London, take a break halfway at the fifilm location of the Downton Abbey television series. Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury. highclerecastle.co.uk

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL

Almost 800 years old and with Britain’s tallest spire, this impressive cathedral is only about 40 minutes from Shaftesbury. 6 The Close, Salisbury. salisburycathedral.org.uk/visit

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Summer and autumn is a good time to visit, with pleasant weather and daytime temperatures of 22–28°C.

WHERE TO STAY

THE BECKFORD ARMS Cosy rooms with views over the grounds include breakfast, but they also have two lodges on the estate for a self-catered stay. Fonthill Gifffford, Tisbury. beckfordarms.com

GROSVENOR HOTEL This beautiful hotel is situated just a short stroll to Gold Hill. High Street, Shaftesbury. grosvenorarms.co.uk COOLS FARM A 17th-century house on a working farm, where the eggs for breakfast come from their own chickens. East Knoyle, Tisbury. coolsfarm.co.uk

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

OLD WARDOUR CASTLE Step back in time with a visit to the ruins of this 14th-century castle, built beside a beautiful lake. Wander through the woods behind and watch out for deer. Near Tisbury, Salisbury. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/old-wardour-castle

MESSUMS WILTSHIRE Based in a restored 14th-century monastic tithe barn, this gallery celebrates the arts. Court Street, Tisbury.

FONTHILL ESTATE Spread over more than 3500 hectares, Fonthill is an incredible estate. There are public pathways through the woods and beside the lake. Tisbury. fonthill.co.uk

STOURHEAD PARK Set aside a day to visit this 1072-hectare nature conservation estate with famous landscape gardens, as well as the historic Stourhead House. nationaltrust.org.uk/ stourhead

GOLD HILL One of the most photographed streets in the UK, it can be found just offff High Street, tucked away below the Town Hall. Shaftesbury.

WHERE TO SHOP

DAIRYAND INTERIORSHOUSE ANTIQUESA wonderfully large range of antiques and collectables in the old Semley Dairy. Be prepared to walk out with an armful of treasures. Station Road, Shaftesbury. www.dairyhouseantiques.com

FORK AND FLOWERS This shop offffers cut flflowers and antiques, with a pretttty walled garden out the back where customers can pick their own blooms. 37 High Street, Shaftesbury. forkandflflowers.co.uk

COLE AND CO You’ll fifind a range of tweed, boots and hats here to help you create a British wardrobe. 9A Salisbury Street, Shaftesbury.

TISBURY DELICATESSEN Not your average village deli. Grab a bag of the trufflffle crisps, which are a real treat. High Street, Tisbury.

WHERE TO EAT

PYTHOUSE KITCHEN GARDEN Open for breakfast and lunch, and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. West Hatch, Tisbury. pythousekitchengarden.co.uk

THE BECKFORD ARMS

A traditional yet stylish country pub, always bustling with locals and their dogs. Book in for the Sunday roast. Fonthill Gifffford, Tisbury. beckfordarms.com

THE COMPASSES INN Built in the 14th century, this pub retains many of its original features and has a great menu. Lower Chicksgrove, Tisbury. thecompassesinn.com