Explore Shaftesbury's rich history across eight galleries housed in two historic buildings, featuring unique artifacts like the Byzant, Dorset buttons, and an award-winning cottage garden.

Gold Hill Museum is a volunteer-run local history museum located at the top of the iconic Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, famous for the Hovis "Boy on a Bike" advertisement. Set in two historic buildings—one a former priest's house with a "squint" window to St Peter's church and the other original market lodgings—the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through rural and town life spanning from before Alfred the Great's foundation of Shaftesbury to modern times. The eight galleries showcase an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of the region's heritage. Highlights include the unique Byzant processional object carried during water supply celebrations, Dorset's oldest fire engine from 1744, fine lacework and historic costumes, handmade Dorset buttons, and a mummified Dorset cat. The museum also celebrates connections to Thomas Hardy's literary legacy and Shaftesbury's significant role in local history. Families will appreciate the free admission, accessible facilities for pushchairs, and the award-winning cottage garden offering wonderful views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale. The museum is owned and managed by volunteers from The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society, a registered charity. Educational programs, lectures, and special events are regularly offered, making it an enriching destination for visitors of all ages interested in local history and heritage.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

G

Gem Phillips (Gem Gem)

3 months ago

Such a cute museum, and free to enter. The volunteers are so lovely, and welcoming.

S

Sean Gane

3 months ago

Really interesting little museum, loads of fascinating items. For a relatively small space they pack a lot in without it feeling over crowded. Its a little tucked away and could easily be missed, which would a shame so look it up!

C

Chris Gibbon

3 months ago

Free to enter. A maze of rooms. The real gems are the three amazing volunteers who were there running it and to chat to when we were there last Saturday. Easy to talk to and had lots of information. This place runs on donations, so please give generously. It would be a shame to lose this place

I

Isabell Blossom

9 months ago

Picturesque views:) Small little village. It was very windy and rainy day when I visited so couldn’t explore much but managed to take a few nice shots, I think? 😉

A

Angela Levitt

4 years ago

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury. We visited here on the way back from a week in Dorset. It is simply Stunning! So picturesque and pretty. There was also a Christmas Market with plenty of stalls and shops to browse around. A truly beautiful place and well worth a visit.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026