Places to Visit
Below are some of the many places of interest all within a short drive from the Nadder Valley Villages. Distances are measured from Tisbury.
Salisbury
(11 miles, 15 minute drive) A medieval town with a magnificent cathedral, good shopping, town pubs, superb range of international restaurants, tea houses, theatre, cinema, market square with markets every Tuesday and Saturday. Enjoy a family day out at Salisbury races.Stonehenge
(20 minute drive) The renowned world heritage site, the awe-inspiring Stonehenge is just a short 13 mile drive away. Stonehenge. Also consider visiting the stone circle at Avebury.Fovant Badges
can be seen on the A30 Shaftesbury Road. The Military badges were cut out of the chalk Downs during the First World War when Fovant and Sutton Mandeville were used as a military training site.Wilton House
(10 minute drive) One of the treasure houses of England, home to the Young Earl of Pembroke. The house and gardens are well worth a visit. Take a picnic and enjoy the wonderful gardens, and adventure play park.Longleat
The star of BBC's hugely popular Animal Park series invites you to discover some of the world's most magnificent animals in the UK's first safari park. Most families enjoy Longleat over two or three days as there's so much to explore! LongleatStourhead
Discover the unforgettable magic of this world-famous 18th century landscape garden, Palladian mansion, parkland, woods and chalk downs. StourheadBath
The beautiful city of Bath is a world heritage site. Visit the natural Roman thermal spa, enjoy a relaxing dip or a treatment (The Bath Spa), enjoy stylish boutique shopping, browse antique shops, enjoy a meal in one of the varied restaurants or visit the farmers market.The New Forest
(35 minute drive) Ponies, cattle, donkeys, and pigs roam freely on William the Conquerer’s ancient Royal Forest. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a must for any car enthusiast. Enjoy the high wire forest adventure at Moors Valley Country Park.Shaftesbury
(15 minute drive) An old Saxon hill-top market town. ‘Shaston’, it’s old name, features in Thomas Hardy’s novels. Climb ‘Gold hill’, a steep cobbled street surrounded by picturesque thatched cottages. Great shopping, delicatessen, museum, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and galleries. Overlooking Shaftsbury is Compton Abbas airfield for light and vintage aircraft enthusiasts.Old Wardour Castle
(10 minute drive) On the southern end of the valley lies Old Wardour Castle. Beautifully sited beside a lake, the castle was built in the late 14th century by John Lord Lovel as a lightly fortified but showy and luxurious residence. Later acquired by the Lord Arundel, a loyalist supporter during the Civil War, the castle was besieged by the Roundheads. This was when Lady Blanche Arundel gallantly defended her home against a Roundhead attack. She and her staff defended the castle for a week before heavy bombardment forced her to surrender. It is said that Lady Blanche’s ghost continues to haunt the grounds. Come and see for yourself. Climb to the battlements, play hide and seek in the fantastic ruins or bring for a picnic and enjoy the views. Open throughout the year. Old Wardour CastleLarmer Tree
(15 minute drive) Eleven-acre Victorian pleasure gardens with unique buildings and majestic trees. An enchanting and tranquil setting for a relaxing visit. The Larmer Tree Festival is a five day event held in July.Rushmore Golf Course
(20 minute drive) A superb 18-hole championship golf course set in stunning landscapes. Open to members and visitors 7 days a week.Breamore House and Countryside Museum
Set in its own beautiful parkland the grandeur and magnificence of the house has changed little over the past 400 years. Seasonal opening hours, guided tours, please check before travel.The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum at Bovington is the home of the tank. These heavily armoured machines were first seen powering across the Dorset Landscape as early as 1916.Abbotsbury & the Dorset Coast
Visit the famous swannery at Abbotsbury, go hunting for ancient dinosour fossils on the dramatic coastline at Lyme Regis. Walk the cliffside walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door. Visit the Swannery, St Catherine’s Chapel or Monkey World.The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Andover Award-winning Tourist attraction for animal lovers.Bush Farm Bison Centre
Visit that rare thing - a Bison and Elk farm. Complete the trail visiting other creatures, a playground, a gallery and a shop for delicious Bison and Elk meats.Rockbourne Roman Villa
A wealth of historic interest spanning the period from Iron Age to the 5th Century AD. Open April-October 10:30-18:00, 7 days a week.Royal Signals Museum
Discover the fascinating history of the Royal Signals through interactive technology displays and fun-trails.Kingston Lacey Estate
The National Trusts largest lowland estate. Over eight thousand acres with 72 miles of footpaths and bridleways, including the historic house, gardens and aprkland. Open throughout the year.TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
Salisbury
Fish Row Open all year 01722 334956Blandford Forum
1 Greyhound Yard Open all year 01258 454770Shaftesbury & Gillingham
Bell Street Open all year 01747 853514 www.shaftesburydorset.comFordingbridge
Kings Yard Open Apr-Sept 01425 654560Warminster
The Central Car Park Open all year01985 218548