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You are here: Things To Do > Fontmell and Melbury Downs

Fontmell and Melbury Downs

White Pit Lane
East Melbury
SHAFTESBURY
Dorset
SP7 0DT

Add Fontmell and Melbury Downs to your Itinerary

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Telephone: 01297489481

About

*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.

Opening Times

Open all year (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2021)

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Website

Email

Telephone: 01297489481

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

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

Public Transport Directions

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

Website

Email

Telephone: 01297489481

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