Accommodation in Dorset
Things To Do in Dorset
Places To Eat & Drink in Dorset
Explore & Discover Dorset
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
You are here: Things To Do > Fontmell and Melbury Downs
*LATEST UPDATE* The car park at Fontmell and Melbury Downs is open. There are limited spaces, so if the car park is full, please come back another time.
Open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views
This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.
From the car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, you can embark on many circular walks across the chalk downland. It's a fantastic place to spot butterflies and orchids, which thrive here.
Head north towards Compton Down and Melbury Hill and you will find one of the best displays of glow-worms during June and July (if the weather is good).
Melbury Hill, meanwhile, marks the high point of a spur, offering sweeping views across much of the downs.
The Melbury Beacon is located 863 feet above sea level and reaching it rewards walkers with wonderful views to the north of the Saxon town of Shaftesbury and across to the surrounding counties.
Nearby Melbury Down is a dry valley that cuts the ridge of Cranborne Chase and straddles the counties of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
Open all year (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021) |
---|
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Free Admission | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
From Shaftesbury head south on B3081 and follow signs to Melbury Abbas. There is a car park on the right at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, just before the left turn to Compton Abbas Airfield
From Shaftesbury take the Wilts & Dorset Bus service 182, Mon-Sat, stopping at Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna. See Transport Direct for more travel information
*LATEST UPDATE* The Museum closed for the 2020 season on Saturday 29 August. Sorry for…
Shaftesbury Abbey Museum tells the story of the Abbey founded by King Alfred the Great in…
If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family,…
Blandford Town Museum holds a wealth of artefacts and archives from prehistoric to the…
*LATEST UPDATE* Online shop now open for delivery to your door. Hall & Woodhouse Brewery…
Keyneston Mill is open from 10am - 5pm (everyday except Tuesday). The Scented Botanist…
Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century Italian inspired country mansion set in…
COVID-19 VISITENGLAND WE’RE GOOD TO GO ACCREDITED BUSINESS. Come along and enjoy a unique…
Having survived the threat of demolition in 1979 for a rapidly abandoned road scheme, the…
In the heart of historic Wimborne Minster, this museum tells the story of East Dorset…
Opened in 1951, our attraction is a magnet for visitors of all ages to step back and…
Public open season from 1st April 2021
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the…
*LATEST UPDATE* Henley Hillbillies will be closed for 2020. Quad Biking (8yrs +) and…
Badger Watch Dorset has now re-opened - booking essential. From our hides, thrill at the…
*Temporarily closed*. Sherborne Museum is housed in what used to be the gatehouse and…
Copyright 2021 Visit Dorset. All Rights Reserved.