A terrace of traditional village cottages on the steep Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset Updown Holiday Cottage in Shaftesbury

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Shaftesbury

Sit at the top of Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, made famous by a Hovis TV Advert in the 1970s and enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring widespread views of Blackmore Vale. Stroll down the hill to visit the Gold Hill Museum and Garden, set in one of the traditional sandstone cottages lining the street. You'll find many fascinating local artefacts, from a fire engine to a mummified cat. Outside relax in the traditional cottage garden. There are some idyllic cottages on Gold Hill now available as holiday lets.

There's much more to Shaftesbury than Gold Hill. The town's Abbey was founded by King Alfred in the 9th Century and was an important centre for 600 years until Henry VIII had it largely destroyed during the Reformation in 1539. The ruins, now part of a lovely garden, are well worth a visit while its museum conveys the life of the Benedictine nunnery, the most important in England during the Middle Ages.

Shaftesbury is full of independent cafes, restaurants and traditional pubs offering a huge variety of foods, including vegan, some of the best Indian food anywhere and excellent local produce.

Turnbull's Deli, owned by Charlie Turnbull, a world cheese judge, serves all-day breakfasts, cakes, coffee, light meals and a cheese selection that is second to none. The Grosvenor Arms has been transformed into the perfect country chic small hotel where you can relax in squashy sofas at any time of day and enjoy their superb restaurant before the gentle 1-minute stroll back down Gold Hill to your cottage.

A large thatched cottage overlooks spacious, freshly-mown lawns.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Magna Cottage is a 300-year-old cottage with a thatched roof, abundant character, a large mature garden, and many homely comforts. The pet-friendly holiday cottage in a secluded corner of Dorset near Shaftesbury boasts an inglenook fireplace, contemporary style and beautiful views.

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Visitors to the town can enjoy shows, films and exhibitions at the Shaftesbury Arts Centre or just come to listen to the collection of mechanical fairground and street organs.

Shaftesbury is situated in the centre of an area of many famous tourist attractions and historic buildings, including sites reflected in Thomas Hardy's novels. Locations include world-famous henges such as Stonehenge, Woodhenge and Avebury, where at the latter, it is still possible to walk and picnic among the impressive standing stones. Climb the magnificent tower of the cathedral-like Sherborne Abbey for more Dorset views, or discover the Cerne Giant, a 180ft pre-historic figure carved into the hillside above Cerne Abbas. For families, it is an easy drive to the attractions of Longleat or the seaside villages and resorts of the Dorset Coast.