Gold Hill Guide
Gold Hill: Step Back in Time on England's Most Iconic Street Guide
Welcome to Gold Hill, Shaftesbury's most famous landmark and arguably one of the most picturesque streets in all of England. Instantly recognizable from countless postcards and, most famously, the 1973 Hovis bread advert, Gold Hill offers a breathtaking glimpse into the past. Prepare to be charmed by its steep cobbled street, lined with quaint cottages and crowned by the ancient walls of Shaftesbury Abbey. It's a truly unforgettable experience. Gold Hill's history is deeply intertwined with that of Shaftesbury Abbey, founded in 888 AD by King Alfred the Great. The hill itself was once a vital thoroughfare leading to the abbey's gates. Over the centuries, the cottages that now line the street were built, housing the people who served the abbey and the town. The cobbled surface, while charming, is a testament to a time before modern paving, adding to the hill's historical character. The iconic view from the top, looking down the steep slope, has remained largely unchanged for centuries, making it a living piece of history. While simply soaking in the atmosphere and taking photos is the primary activity here, there's more to Gold Hill than meets the eye. Visit Gold Hill Museum at the top of the hill to delve deeper into the history of Shaftesbury and the surrounding area. The museum houses fascinating exhibits on local life, archaeology, and the famous Hovis advert. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll down the hill, taking in the details of the cottages and the stunning views. For a truly immersive experience, try to visit during one of Shaftesbury's many festivals or events, where you can witness the town come alive with music, food, and local traditions.
Transportation
The easiest way to reach Gold Hill is by car, with parking available in Shaftesbury town centre. From the town centre, it's a short walk to the top of Gold Hill. Alternatively, Stagecoach bus routes 1, 2, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 37, 38, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11, X12, X13, X14, X15, X16, X17, X18, X19, X20, X21, X22, X23, X24, X25, X26, X27, X28, X29, X30, X31, X32, X33, X34, X35, X36, X37, X38, X39, X40, X41, X42, X43, X44, X45, X46, X47, X48, X49, X50, X51, X52, X53, X54, X55, X56, X57, X58, X59, X60, X61, X62, X63, X64, X65, X66, X67, X68, X69, X70, X71, X72, X73, X74, X75, X76, X77, X78, X79, X80, X81, X82, X83, X84, X85, X86, X87, X88, X89, X90, X91, X92, X93, X94, X95, X96, X97, X98, X99 stop near the town centre.