Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

Shaftesbury travel guide

Shaftesbury Tourism | Shaftesbury Guide

You're Going to Love Shaftesbury

With a population of 6,813, Shaftesbury is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. Consider staying at least one whole day in Shaftesbury to see all of its attractions.

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When to visit Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury in January
Estimated hotel price
£77
1 night at 3-star hotel
Shaftesbury in January
Estimated hotel price
£77
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Shaftesbury

Plane

Although Shaftesbury doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Bristol Airport (BRS), which is located 35 miles from Shaftesbury. Bristol Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from easyJet, American Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and other airlines departing from the United Kingdom. The shortest domestic flight to Shaftesbury departs from Belfast and takes around 1h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Shaftesbury, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Shaftesbury to Cambridge takes 1h 06m and costs around £27 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about £28 for a 1h 28m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Shaftesbury is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 96 miles from Shaftesbury. You’ll find branches of Turo and Hertz, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Shaftesbury, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Shaftesbury takes 135 miles and will cost you around £8. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about £5 for a journey of 135 miles.

Plane

Although Shaftesbury doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Bristol Airport (BRS), which is located 35 miles from Shaftesbury. Bristol Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from easyJet, American Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and other airlines departing from the United Kingdom. The shortest domestic flight to Shaftesbury departs from Belfast and takes around 1h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Shaftesbury, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Shaftesbury to Cambridge takes 1h 06m and costs around £27 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Birmingham, expect to pay about £28 for a 1h 28m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Shaftesbury is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 96 miles from Shaftesbury. You’ll find branches of Turo and Hertz, among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Shaftesbury, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Bristol, the bus ride to Shaftesbury takes 135 miles and will cost you around £8. From Birmingham, the ticket costs about £5 for a journey of 135 miles.

Airports near Shaftesbury

BRSBristol
LHRLondon Heathrow
CWLCardiff Wales

Airlines serving Shaftesbury

KLM
Good (1,410 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,570 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,009 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,515 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,044 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,784 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,015 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,010 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,661 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,407 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,486 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (868 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,444 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,289 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,575 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,058 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,335 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,135 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,281 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,400 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Shaftesbury

Most booked hotels in Shaftesbury

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The Grosvenor Arms
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
£97+
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La Fleur De Lys
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
£126+
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Lodbourne Farmhouse B&B
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
£123+
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King John Inn
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
£93+
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Holbrook Bed and Breakfast
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£87+
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The Benett Arms
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
£112+
View

Hiring a car in Shaftesbury

Expect to pay £1.33 per litre in Shaftesbury (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £15.96 and £21.28.

Expect to pay £1.33 per litre in Shaftesbury (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £15.96 and £21.28.