Boutique Cottages in Shaftesbury

This glorious market town in the heart of Dorset has a history dating back to the Saxon times, but is perhaps more notable these days for Gold Hill, a beautiful and oh-so-steep street made famous by the “Hovis” advert.

With incredible views over spectacular countryside that includes Blackmore Vale, Shaftesbury is considered to be the gateway to the Southwest with lots of things to see and do in the area, from the Jurassic Coast in the south right up to Frome and Bath in Somerset in the north.

Perched high on a hill overlooking the valley, Shaftesbury was founded over 1100 years ago when it was a Benedictine Abbey. Little changed since the 18^th century, today it’s a bustling market town much as it has been for centuries.

There’s plenty to see and do in this lovely spot, from the aforementioned Gold Hill with its steep cobbled streets to other spots include Park Walk for far reaching views over Blackmore Vale, whilst Shaftesbury Abbey is an award-winning museum documenting the abbey’s life up to Henry VIII’s Reformation. If you’re visiting in spring, you might catch Shaftesbury’s incredible Snowdrop Festival, whilst there’s a great range of places to eat and drink too.