Picturesque village named 'most beautiful' with huge claim to fame

A charming village in the southwest has been declared one of the region's "most beautiful" thanks to its cobbled streets, picturesque scenery, and wealth of attractions available.

Shaftesbury in Dorset received the accolade from South Western Railway, which highlighted the stunning vistas, local vineyard, and trio of churches.

Shaftesbury's moment of glory came as the filming spot for the legendary 1973 Hovis advert, which had been voted Britain's favourite TV advertisement.

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The footage features a delivery lad making his way up the steep, cobbled Gold Hill, which has become "a tourist draw in its own right".

One traveller described the street as "picture-perfect and iconic", noting you don't need to trek up or down as the finest views are from the summit, which is "easily accessed from the high street", reports the Express.

Another said: "The view looking down from the top, besides looking like it appears on the cover of books, in films, on calendars and boxes, etc, gives a view not only of the street down the hill, but the beautiful Dorset countryside beyond."

Crowning the hill, which provides breathtaking panoramas, sits the Gold Hill Museum, featuring eight galleries chronicling rural and urban existence.

Guests can observe the Byzant, paraded during yearly festivities marking the securing of the water supply, and Dorset's most ancient fire engine.

Additionally on show are lacework and period dress, handcrafted Dorset buttons, and a preserved Dorset cat. Another must-see destination for tourists is the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden - a Grade I listed attraction where visitors can discover the remains of the Abbey Church foundations, examine ancient artefacts, and stroll through the enclosed garden.

One guest said about the Abbey: "We spent a lovely sunny afternoon walking around the beautiful abbey ruins, it was very interesting and the staff are so informative, enthusiastic and helpful."

Another added on TripAdvisor: "The ruined remains of a Benedictine abbey founded by King Alfred that still retains some of its atmosphere, with stunning, well-kept gardens. It's worth taking the time to visit. The guides and volunteers were also very helpful and knowledgeable and helped bring it to life."

The close-by Breezy Ridge Vineyard and Restaurant is operated by a married couple who provide an "immersive experience for the senses through both food and drink". Guests can visit for wine sampling, afternoon tea, and "posh picnics".

There's also the Melbury Vale Vineyard which doesn't welcome casual visitors but provides exclusive tours and tastings.

Those exploring Shaftesbury can take a leisurely walk along Park Walk to soak up the scenery, and browse the traditional shops and markets. The markets run on Thursday and Saturdays and feature an array of fresh and local produce from regional suppliers and farmers.