a PLACE in which to RETREAT.
Glamping in Dorset! Set in a pretty location, Miller's Huts Dorset is at the bottom of a valley a stone's throw from the Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury. Remember that 1973 Hovis commercial starring a bread delivery boy pushing his bike up a steep cobbled hill? Gold Hill, Shaftesbury was the setting for one of the most famous British television adverts ever. The ad evoked a forgotten England of morning mist and thatched roofs, an England in which everyone had time to talk to one another and there was fresh-baked bread on every table. From Miller's Hut walk across the fields and up the lane to Gold Hill and enjoy a coffee at the The Salt Cellar, perched at the top. With sweeping views across the Blackmore Vale, it really is quite beautiful!
the SPACE.
We are situated on the borders of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset and have access to many historical places. Bath, Longleat, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Brownsea Island, the Isle of Purbeck, Thomas Hardy country and the Jurassic Coast are all within easy reach to explore, as are the beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Studland. Local National Trust properties include Kingston Lacey, Lytes Carey and Stourhead.
There are plenty of traditional pubs in the area, the Chalke Valley has many country pubs with beer gardens and good bar menus. Of course there are many gastro pubs too; including the King John at Tollard Royal, the Museum at Farnham, The Fontmell at Fontmell Magna and Donhead St Andrew's popular Forester Inn.
There is lots of lovely walking in the area. We are lucky to be close to Fontmell Down which has far-reaching views across the Blackmore Vale. The open chalk grassland of the lower slopes is covered in wildflowers in the spring and summer months and famous for its wild orchids.
We have compiled a little book of local knowledge for your use.
the SPACE.
We are situated on the borders of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset and have access to many historical places. Bath, Longleat, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Brownsea Island, the Isle of Purbeck, Thomas Hardy country and the Jurassic Coast are all within easy reach to explore, as are the beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Studland. Local National Trust properties include Kingston Lacey, Lytes Carey and Stourhead.
There are plenty of traditional pubs in the area, the Chalke Valley has many country pubs with beer gardens and good bar menus. Of course there are many gastro pubs too; including the King John at Tollard Royal, the Museum at Farnham, The Fontmell at Fontmell Magna and Donhead St Andrew's popular Forester Inn.
There is lots of lovely walking in the area. We are lucky to be close to Fontmell Down which has far-reaching views across the Blackmore Vale. The open chalk grassland of the lower slopes is covered in wildflowers in the spring and summer months and famous for its wild orchids.
We have compiled a little book of local knowledge for your use.
OUT and ABOUT.
Whilst Shaftesbury has a Lido, if you're seeking adventures in nature, the ladies in FOLDE Dorset (at the top of Gold Hill's cobbles) are a mine of information; from wild swimming to exploring the lesser-known aspects of the county - the hidden and the forgotten.
If walking is a passion, the Wessex Ridgeway passes close to Shaftesbury with a 'Shaftesbury Loop' taking in the Ridgeway (15.8km) through the lush Nadder Valley, woods and pastures, and small hamlets. The huts are situated on the edge of Fontmell and Melbury Downs with walking and far-reaching views across the Blackmore Vale, the open ancient chalk grassland of the lower slopes is covered in wildflowers in the spring and summer months and is famous for its wild orchids.
For cycling enthusiasts, The North Dorset Trailway extends 14 miles from Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury and is largely made up of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway which linked Bristol and and Bournemouth until the 1960s. Stop at Shillingstone Station, restored by dedicated volunteers, for tea and cake along the way. There is local coarse (Henstridge) and trout (Mere) fishing, and further afield sea fishing from Poole Harbour.
Maps are available to borrow, with a folder of local knowledge compiled for your use in both huts. Gillingham (Dorset) station is 15 minutes away.
https://www.thetrainline.com/ can help you plan your trip, we are happy to collect you from the station.