Shaftesbury Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Shaftesbury Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Shaftesbury's compact town centre makes it easy to explore on foot. Start at Gold Hill (SP7 8HB), open 24/7 and free to visit. This steep cobbled street offers fantastic photo opportunities and was made famous by the 1973 Hovis bread TV advert.

Gold Hill Museum (SP7 8JW) sits at the top of the hill and tells the story of Shaftesbury and rural Dorset life. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30am-4:30pm (April-October), it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Entry costs £5 for adults, free for under 16s.

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden (SP7 8JR) reveals the history of the once-important Benedictine nunnery founded by King Alfred in 888. Open daily 10am-5pm (April-October), it scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. Adult tickets cost £5.

Just 20 minutes' drive away is Stourhead (BA12 6QD), a world-famous landscape garden with a magnificent lake, classical temples and rare trees. Open daily 9am-6pm, it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. National Trust members get in free, others pay £18 per adult.

Pet Friendly

Dogs will love the walks around Shaftesbury! The Woodland Trust's Duncliffe Wood (SP7 9DY) offers 2.5 miles of paths through ancient woodland. The bluebells in spring are spectacular and there's free parking.

Many Shaftesbury pubs welcome dogs. The Mitre Inn (SP7 8JZ) not only allows dogs inside but provides water bowls and treats. They serve good pub food too. The Grosvenor Arms (SP7 8JA) in the town centre also welcomes well-behaved dogs in their bar area.

For supplies, Pets Corner (SP7 8NY) in the town centre stocks food, toys and accessories. They're open Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - Shaftesbury's countryside can get muddy after rain! Then you can enjoy the hot tub without worrying about muddy paw prints.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Shaftesbury

Gold Hill is absolutely unmissable. This steep cobbled street featured in the famous 1973 Hovis bread advert directed by Ridley Scott. The view from the top is one of England's most photographed scenes. The street is steep (1:4 gradient in places), so take it slowly. There's a handrail to help and benches at the top where you can catch your breath while taking in the panoramic views of the Blackmore Vale.

Park Walk offers the best views in Shaftesbury without the climb. This elevated path along the edge of the town gives you a 180-degree panorama across three counties. On clear days, you can see all the way to Glastonbury Tor, 30 miles away. There are information boards explaining what you're looking at and it's perfect for sunset photos. One visitor wrote: "We spent ages just standing and staring - the view is incredible."

Shaftesbury's Thursday market (SP7 8JH, 8am-2pm) has run since the 1200s. Local producers sell everything from Dorset cheese and fresh bread to crafts and antiques. The market takes place in the town square and spills into the surrounding streets. Try the local apple juice - Dorset has some of England's best orchards. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Much better than expected - we bought amazing cheese and the atmosphere was really friendly."

Is Shaftesbury suitable for people with mobility issues?

Parts of Shaftesbury are challenging due to steep hills and cobbled streets. However, the High Street is relatively flat and many shops and restaurants are accessible. Some cottages with hot tubs offer ground-floor accommodation - ask before booking.

When is the best time to visit Shaftesbury?

May to September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub. The Shaftesbury Food Festival in May and Gold Hill Fair in July are highlights. Autumn brings beautiful colours to the surrounding countryside.

Can I get to Shaftesbury without a car?

It's possible but not ideal. Trains run to Gillingham (5 miles away) from London Waterloo (2 hours). Bus X2 connects Gillingham to Shaftesbury. Once in town, you can explore on foot, but you'll need transport for wider exploration.

Where's the nearest supermarket?

Tesco Express (SP7 8JZ) in the town centre is open 7am-10pm daily. For a bigger shop, there's a Tesco Superstore in Gillingham (SP8 4DY), 5 miles away. Shaftesbury also has excellent independent food shops including Turnbulls Deli and an award-winning butcher.

Is there good mobile reception?

Mobile coverage in Shaftesbury town is generally good, but can be patchy in surrounding villages. Most cottages offer WiFi, but check the details if staying somewhere rural.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage break?

Bring swimwear, flip-flops for walking to and from the hot tub and extra towels. A bathrobe is useful too. If visiting in winter, a woolly hat can keep your head warm while the rest of you is in the hot water!

1. Shaftesbury Tourism Official Website
2. Stourhead Gardens Information
3. Visit Dorset Website