One way to explore Shaftesbury is to take a walk around the town.
Here are a couple of walks that take you to some of the oldest parts of Shaftesbury and offer magnificent views from this ancient hill top town.
Shaftesbury Heritage Trail
Shaftesbury has been a place for travellers since it was founded by King Alfred the Great in the 9th century. This came about due to Shaftesbury's earlier importance as a place of pilgrimage to its important abbey. More roads radiate to and from Shaftesbury than any other town in Dorset.
The eight heritage panels and twelve blue plaques can be found at the more interesting parts of the town, with information on the town's history and the buildings.
The trail starts at any point in the town giving you the opportunity to visit the Gold Hill Museum at the top end of Gold Hill and the Abbey Museum along Park Walk (open from April, or Easter if earlier, to the end of October) and to enjoy the town. Click here to download your copy of the Heritage Trail.
The Reality Now - Shaftesbury's Royal Nunnery
This tour takes you around the top of the town and is taken from the book written by John Chandler "A Higher Reality - The History of Shaftesbury's Royal Nunnery".
In his book John Chandler tells the story of England's largest and (arguably) most important nunnery, and of the town that grew up alongside it. Shaftesbury enjoys one of the most striking and beautiful settings of any English town, and the site of its abbey church - its foundations exposed within a peaceful garden - has become a popular attraction for visitors and residents. Click here to download John Chandlers guide.
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