Shaftesbury Abbey, Shaftesbury, Dorset
One of the best things about Shaftesbury Abbey is the location – high on the hilltop just off the town centre, with glorious views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale. An air of tranquillity exudes, with the excavated foundations lying within a beautiful walled garden profuse with flowers. The medieval orchard is a picture when the trees are in blossom in the spring; the herb garden has over 100 species; you can imagine the Benedictine monks in their habits, picking rosemary, marjoram, thyme or lemon balm for culinary and medicinal use.
Shaftesbury Abbey held much importance in the area for centuries, until good old King ‘Enery had it destroyed in 1539; the little museum in the grounds will tell you more of its history. The abbey is open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm from March to October.
T: 01747 852910 Partly accessible and dog friendly
All information correct at the time of writing