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.
EXPLORE.
Miller's Huts Dorset is an easy walk, and two minute drive, from the pretty market town of Shaftesbury famed for the cobbles of Gold Hill and the Hovis ad, and where independent shops, pubs and restaurants are found. We are located near the Wessex Ridgeway, Fontmell and Melbury Down, and other great walking in this pretty part of Dorset. You can swim, cycle and fish too.
The informal and relaxed Breezy Ridge Vineyard with restaurant and bar is a short walk, here brunch, lunch or evening soiree can be enjoyed. Or walk up Melbury Hill and across the Down to Compton Abbas Airfield to observe comings and goings of light aircraft. Enjoy tasty local bites and a pint of Gritchie beer from a small independent brewery.
A short stroll along the River Sturkel provisions can be picked up from a small farm shop; local cuts of grass-fed meat including sausages for the fire pit, salami, cheeses, bread, honey and an ice cream treat.
Further afield traditional country pubs are plentiful, the Chalke Valley has many with beer gardens and good bar menus. Of course there are gastro pubs too; the King John at Tollard Royal and The Museum Inn at Farnham are recommended.
Situated on the north Dorset border with Wiltshire and Somerset, the huts are a great base for exploring many historical places too. Longleat, Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Brownsea Island, the Isle of Purbeck, Thomas Hardy country and the Jurassic Coast are all within reach, as are the beaches at Studland. Local National Trust properties include Stourhead and Kingston Lacey.
Maps are available to borrow, with a folder of local knowledge compiled for use. Gillingham (Dorset) station is 15 minutes.
https://www.thetrainline.com/ can help plan the trip, a pickup can be arranged from the station if required. Please do ask!