Shaftesbury
March 30, 2008
Shaftesbury is also called as the Blackmore Vale. It is one of the oldest and highest towns in England. It has a very long history and tradition. Gold Hill is the essence of rural charm due to the steep cobbles and pictorial cottages. The tourist has a plethora of independent pubs, shops and restaurants to enjoy. Shaftesbury is one of the friendliest places in the county. It can be reached from London by car, coach and train, from the Heathrow airport by coach and from the Bournemouth Airport and Bristol Airport.
Various festivals like the Town and Country Fayre, Shaftesbury Local Food Festival, Gillingham Festival, Gold Hill Fair, Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show, Larmer Tree Festival, Shaftesbury Carnival and the Great Dorset Steam Fair are celebrated.
Local Attractions
Gold Hill is the most famous hill in this place. Its history can be traced to the Saxon era. Park Walk is a famous location to meet each other and relax. The views from this place are for miles across the Dorset skyline, on a clear day. Shaftesbury Abbey is an award winning museum. The foundations of the Abbey Church can be seen. The smell of the Anglo-Saxon herb collection is unique. Also, books, cards, gifts and plants can be seen at the Museum Shop. From 31st March to 31st October, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Gold Hill Museum and Garden is a traditional sandstone cottage. The artifacts, costume, photos, tools, ceramics, the first fire engine and a mummified cat can be seen here. On the outside of the Museum is an award winning cottage style garden.
The Shaftesbury Arts Center is located in the old covered market at the center of the town. It is accepted that in south-west England, this is the best volunteer membership-led centers. The Grosvenor Hotel was the town’s main posting inn in the 18th century. The oldest church in Shaftesbury is the St. Peter’s Church. It is located in High Street. St. James Church has a chancel, nave, aisles, vestry, north porch and a 65 feet high western tower. The tower has four pinnacles, a clock and four bells. In the Bimport Street lies the Holy Trinity Church. It has aisles, nave, north and south galleries, north and south porches, choir and a western tower. This tower is 100 feet in height and has pinnacles and six bells. 834 individuals can be seated in this church.
Tourism services
The Shaftesbury and Gillingham Tourism Services is located at Bell Street, adjacent to Somerfield Supermarket. This is conducted by a local group of trustees. They are assisted by a group of volunteers. Tickets for many local events i.e. local shows, concerts to festivals and regional shows, film nights, like the “Salisbury Playhouse” ,“Shaftesbury Arts Center”, “Shaftesbury and Gillingham Show”, “Gillingham Festival”, “Fairford International Air Tattoo”, “The Great Dorset Steam Fair”, “The Bath & West Show” are sold at this place.
The trustees can provide a guide book to assist in setting up a tourism based business. It is possible to book the National Express travel or trips with Grosvenor Coaches or Berry’s and Clapton Holidays at these Services.
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