Shaftesbury, self-catering holiday cottages, barns, rural retreats and lodges to rent in Dorset, England

Shaftesbury is an historic market town with breathtaking views of the surrounding Dorset countryside. The "Shaston" of Thomas Hardy's novels, Shaftesbury is one of the oldest and highest towns in England.

Advice on Cottage Holidays in Shaftesbury

Gold Hill is the most famous hill in Shaftesbury. With its worn polished cobbles, it's most recently famous for the Hovis Bread Advertisement back in the 1980's when the young boy struggled to push his bicycle up the steep hill.

Market day is Thursday, with a good Farmers Market on the first Saturday of every month.  Coffee shops and cafes abound, in particular pay a visit to Turnbull's Deli at the top of the High Street for great coffee, cakes and a huge selection of cheese.

Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Shaftesbury, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Dorset.