What to see on the doorstep

Shaftesbury: An Ancient Saxon Hilltop Town
A charming small market town, Shaftesbury - the 'Shaston' of Thomas Hardy's novels - has a history dating back to medieval times and hill top forts. Originally founded in 880 by Alfred the Great as a fortified settlement against the Danish invaders, Shaftesbury remains one of England's oldest and highest towns with a number of attractions and sites. Of particular interest is the famous Gold Hill, a steep, thatched cottage-lined street made recognisable by Ridley Scott’s ‘Hovis’ bread advertisements.  At the top of the well-worn cobbled street, overlooking the stunning Blackmore Vale and housed in a traditional sandstone cottage, sits the Gold Hill Museum & Garden with its artefacts from earlier days, as well as an award-winning garden to explore and relax in. The Shaftesbury Abbey museum is of further interest to history lovers. Established by Alfred the Great, his daughter Ethelgiva became its first abbess and the abbey quickly became England's wealthiest Benedictine nunnery. The remains of King Edward the martyr (reputedly murdered by his stepmother at Corfe Castle near Wareham) were interred here in 979, his shrine bringing further fame and pilgrims to the abbey. Today, the museum offers a fascinating interactive tour through the foundations of the original church and peaceful walled garden. 

What to see in the local area

Old Wardour Castle
Situated in the idyllic Wiltshire countryside beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle was once a daring example of innovative 14th century architecture. Built by John Lord Lovel as a lightly fortified luxurious residence, this unusual castle was beseiged by both sides during the civil war and badly damaged. It has since become a romantic ruin and a perfect site for couples to stroll around, families to picnic at and history lovers to enjoy.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.16439 

Salisbury Cathedral
Built in the 13th century and completed in only 38 years, Salisbury Cathedral is a stunning example of early Gothic architecture. Rich in medieval history and artefacts, the cathedral boasts Britains's tallest soaring spire, the world's oldest working clock and the best preserved of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta. The magnificent building is set amidst historic stone walls and the peaceful calm of the cathedral's close, the largest and best preserved example of its kind in Britain.
www.salisburycathedral.org.uk 

Wilton House
Situated on the original site of a 9th century nunnery which was later replaced by a 12th century Benedictine abbey, Wilton House is today the home of the Earl of Pembroke. The house and grounds have provided the location for a number of films including The Young Victoria, Sense & Sensibility, The Madness of King George and Pride & Prejudice. Now set in 21 acres of landscaped parkland, with water and rose gardens beside the River Nadder and Palladian Bridge, as well as an exciting adventure playground for younger visitors, Wilton House makes for a fascinating day out for all the family. 
www.wiltonhouse.com

Stourhead House & Gardens
Created by Henry 'The Magnificent' Hoare II in the 1740s, Stourhead Garden has arguably become England's most famous garden, admired and imitated around the world. Inspired by Italian painters, Hoare sought to bring art to life resulting in stunning, poetic garden vistas accentuated by classical features such as the Temple of Flora, the Pantheon and romantic Gothic ruins. In addition to the landscaped garden, Stourhead House, a majestic Palladian mansion, is also open to the public and houses a unique Regency library with fabulous collections of Chippendale furniture and paintings. Special events run in the grounds throughout the year.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-stourhead

Longleat
With an impressive stately home that is widely regarded as one of the highlights of high Elizabethan architecture, landscaped parklands, and the spectacular safari park, Longleat provides hours of entertainment for the young and old alike. Make a day of it and take the time to explore the ornate interiors of the house before encountering some of the world's most amazing animals in the safari park, including tigers, lions, rhinos, elephants, wolves, giraffes, zebras and more.
www.longleat.co.uk 

Larmer Tree Gardens
The Larmer Tree once represented an ancient boundary between Dorset and Wiltshire, and tradition states that King John (1189 - 1216) hunted in this area, meeting with his huntsmen beneath the branches of the Larmer Tree. Created by General Pitt Rivers in 1880 as pleasure  grounds for "public enlightenment and entertainment", today the gardens remain a beautiful example of Victorian extravagance and vision. Now open for public enjoyment, the Larmer Tree Gardens are also a popular wedding venue.
www.larmertreegardens.co.uk

City of Bath
Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath is Britain's finest Georgian city and is brimming with history and culture, alongside its many architectural treasures. Visit the famous Roman baths before tasting the waters at the bustling Pump Room and taking in the city's iconic sights including the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pultenay Bridge. In addition, the city's diverse range of museums and galleries will entertain, while The Jane Austen Centre is sure to appeal to literature lovers.
www.visitbath.co.uk

Stonehenge
A timeless monument to the people who built it over 3,500 years ago, Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in Britain and has been attracting visitors for centuries. Made from three different stones sourced from South Wales and the more local Marlborough Downs, Stonehenge is an ancient monument used for lunar and solar worship. Literally meaning 'hanging stones', the unique jointing, perfect geometry and amazing engineering has ensured that Stonehenge remains the most sophisticated stone circle in existence in the world today.
www.stonehenge.co.uk

Outdoor Activities

Golf
Spend the day out at Rushmore Golf Club, one of the most stunning golf settings in Southern England and only a short distance from the Hotel Grosvenor. The Golf Club combines the best of both worlds, featuring thoroughly modern facilities within beautiful, ancient parkland. With its unique, unpretentious atmosphere and superb 18-hole championship golf course, Rushmore has quickly forged a reputation as one of the best golf courses in the region.
www.rushmoregolfclub.co.uk

Fly Fishing
Enjoy a day's peace along the banks of the spring-fed chalkstreams of Southern England, the historic home of fly fishing. With specialists 'Famous Fishing' you can gain access to the finest trout fly fishing streams in the world, rivers most people never even get to see. 'Famous Fishing' can provide the best equipment and qualified guides for private beats, as well as tuition for individuals or groups of up to 20 people.
www.famousfishing.co.uk

Walking and Cycling
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the stunning Dorset countryside. With a good network of bridle and footpaths in the surrounding areas, guests can select from short, easy going walks to more challenging on-foot adventures. Specially prepared Dorset picnic hampers are available from the Hotel Grosvenor on request and bicycles can be hired from the hotel for the day.

Horse Riding
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and make the most of the Hotel Grosvenor's stunning surrounding areas by enjoying a horse ride through the countryside. Take in the scenery on a day's hack, or challenge yourself at one of the local riding schools. The Hotel Grosvenor is happy to refer guests to riding centres in the area.