Local Places of Interest and Events
Holbrook B & B is close to many National Trust, English Heritage sites, historic properties and events held in Dorset and the surrounding area. We have provided a short list below with brief details and a link to their official website where you can obtain the latest information, opening times and prices.
Gold Hill - Shaftesbury
Gold Hill is a huge attraction for photographers, visitors and locals wanting to enjoy the beauty of Gold Hill and the picturesque views across the Dorset landscape. The ancient cobbled street runs alongside the Grade I listed walls of the ancient Shaftesbury Abbey, built by King Alfred the Great.
At the top of Gold Hill, along with its Museum and Garden, lies the Town Hall and the 14th century St Peter's Church. It was built in the latter part of the 15th century and is the oldest church in Shaftesbury. Gold Hill is commonly referred to as ‘Hovis Hill’ used in the famous TV advert. A giant Hovis loaf can be found in front of the Town Hall
https://www.goldhillshaftesbury.co.uk
Shaftesbury Abbey
Shaftesbury Abbey was an abbey that housed nuns in Shaftesbury, Dorset. It was founded in about 888AD, and dissolved in 1539 during the English Reformation by the order of Thomas Cromwell, minister to King Henry VIII.
Park Walk, Shaftesbury SP7 8JR
https://shaftesburyabbey.org.uk/
Gold Hill Museum - Shaftesbury
Renovated, sandstone cottage and leafy garden housing local history exhibitions (March-November).
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury SP7 8JW
Tel: 01747 852157
https://goldhillmuseum.org.uk/
Compton Abbas Airfield
Stunning views and locally sourced, well priced food, all set amongst the unique airfield backdrop.
Ashmore, Shaftesbury SP5 5AP
https://www.comptonabbasairfield.co.uk/
Kingston Lacy (NT)
A luxurious family home built to look like an Italian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
Wardour Castle
Wardour Castle is located at Wardour, on the boundaries of Tisbury and Donhead St Andrew in the county of Wiltshire, about 15 miles west of Salisbury.
Tisbury, Salisbury SP3 6RR
Tel: 01747 870487
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-wardour-castle
Lulworth Cove - Lulworth Estate
This picturesque cove on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, is well worth a visit at any time of the year with plenty to do and see.
Formed by forces of the sea and a swollen river caused by melting ice at the end of the Ice Age, Lulworth Cove is world famous for its unique geology and landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
Open every day, thousands of people visit each year to enjoy the panoramic views and its crystal clear waters. This is a number one destination to visit on the Dorset Coast.
https://www.lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/lulworth-cove/
Durdle Door
Located on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset, it is part of the Jurassic Coastline.
Eroded by time and nature, Durdle Door is now one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks of Dorset formed naturally by the power of the waves eroding the rock and creating a hole through the middle.
Looking towards the sea, you will see Durdle Door beach on your right and Man O'War beach to the left. Access to Durdle Door beach is on foot via a gravel path and steep steps. Access is either walking from Lulworth Cove over the hill or from the nearby Car Park (note: parking charges apply although tickets are also valid at Lulworth Cove Car Park).
https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/durdle-door-p1262763
https://jurassiccoast.org/walkthroughtime/durdle-door/
Bournemouth Air Show - August/September
Experience the UK's biggest air festival.
The Air Festival can be viewed from across the Bournemouth coastline. Between Boscombe and Bournemouth piers where there is plenty of entertainment, food and shopping available.
Great Dorset Steam Fair - August/September
For an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
Traditionally, this English fair is held annually at the end of August in the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Just head in that direction and follow everyone else to the show.
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show - August
A traditional agricultural show with large and small animals, plenty of food, stalls and events for those who love the countryside life style.
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is one of the largest one day agricultural shows in the south, held at the Turnpike Showground in North Dorset. This traditional show is always held on the third Wednesday in August and regularly has an attendance of over 24,000 people.
https://www.gillshaftshow.co.uk/
The Cerne Giant
Situated to the north of Dorchester, the giant overlooks the village of Cerne Abbas, which is the hub for exploring the local area. The surrounding countryside lies within the region of Dorset's area of outstanding natural beauty, and there's heaps more to see in the Cerne Valley than just the iconic giant.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cerne-giant
Hod Hill
Dorset's largest hill fort renowned for its wildlife and views of the county. The deep ramparts date back to the Iron Age era and the Roman period and are now home to stunning wildflowers and butterflies. Perched high above the River Stour, this wonderful hill fort has some of the best views over rural Dorset.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hod-hill
Hambledon Hill
Hambledon Hill is a prehistoric Iron Age hill fort with far reaching views and spectacular wildflowers, owned by the National Trust and situated in the Blackmore Vale five miles northwest of Blandford Forum. The hill is a chalk outcrop, on the southwest corner of Cranborne Chase, separated from the Dorset Downs by the River Stour.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hambledon-hill
White Mill
In a serene setting of Dorset is White Mill, a corn mill with its original wooden machinery located on the River Stour in the Kingston Lacy estate. Once a busy, dusty and noisy structure, it is the last surviving mill of eight originally located on this stretch of the river.
White Mill is open on weekends and bank holidays, from March to October between 12pm and 5pm. The surrounding countryside can be enjoyed all year round.
You can wander through the mill and grounds at your own pace, or opt for a guided 40-45 minutes tour available throughout the day.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-mill
Stourhead
Stourhead Estate is on the Wiltshire - Somerset border and is the perfect day out for everyone with an astounding 18th century landscape garden, lakeside walks, grottoes, and classical temples. You can also visit Stourhead House, a Palladian mansion with a fantastic regency library and beautiful art collection.
Then why not ascend the 205 steps to the top of King Alfred's Tower, an amazing red-brick folly, for panoramic views over Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. It is advisable to either call or visit the website for House and King Alfred's Tower opening times.
A full events programme, information about group visits and access for visitors with disabilities is also available.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/trails/stourhead-king-alfreds-tower-walk
