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Fontmell Down is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a nature reserve located in Dorset, England, within the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is known for its beautiful chalk downland, rich biodiversity, and panoramic views. The down is a steep, sinuous flank of a chalk plateau, offering extensive views across the Blackmore Vale, a landscape featured in the novels of Thomas Hardy. The chalk was formed about 100 million years ago from microscopic plants, and the down's steep-sided dry valleys were created by periglacial meltwater erosion during the last Ice Age. Earthworks visible on the down are much more recent, including those from a golf course that was present in the 1930s. In 1645, the downs were the site of an assembly of 3,000 Dorset "Clubmen," who were local residents protesting against the armies of both sides in the English Civil War.

Once one of the most important and wealthiest nunneries in England. The abbey's ruins, consisting mainly of its foundations and remnants of walls, are located in a peaceful walled garden next to the famous Gold Hill. Shaftesbury Abbey was founded by King Alfred the Great in 888 AD. It was the first religious house in England established exclusively for women, and Alfred's daughter, Æthelgifu, was its first abbess. The abbey grew in wealth and importance, particularly after it became the burial site and shrine of St Edward the Martyr, a Saxon king who was murdered at Corfe Castle in 978 AD. His shrine attracted a large number of pilgrims, which brought significant income to the abbey. By the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1539, Shaftesbury Abbey was the second wealthiest nunnery in the country. It was the last abbey to be dissolved, and its buildings were systematically destroyed, with locals taking the stone for their own buildings. The ruins we see today are the excavated foundations of the church and other parts of the abbey complex. Entry is free, and the lovely volunteers are happy to offer a little tour with some details on the Abbey. It must have looked mightily impressive in its day.

One of the most beautiful places in the south of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and amazing views of Wiltshire and Dorset 🤩

Win Green at 277 m is the highest point on Cranbourne Chase. The tree topped summit also has a Bronze Age hill barrow, topography stone and trig point. Lots of great running loops from here as well as easy parking close by.

Former Benedictine Abbey from 888. It became really famous as a place of pilgrimage after the relics of King Edward the Martyr were brought here a good 100 years later. Today everything lies in ruins, but is lovingly cared for and managed by a trust. Admission is free, but donations are requested. With a souvenir shop, many benches and toilets. We liked it!

Not as stunning from below as from above!

Tip: We have been here three times over the last few years and each time we managed to get a table in the café at the top of the street. One of the most beautiful views in England is made even more beautiful with cream tea or another treat! Here you sit quietly and just wait until no one is in sight: and then quickly take your dream photo! In addition, the service is friendly and the prices are not too high. The view of Gold Hill is nowhere better than from here.

This hill has a wiggle in it.