Gold Hill Museum & Garden, Shaftesbury, Dorset

Description:

The Museum is nestled in a traditional sandstone cottage at the top of the famous Gold Hill in Shaftesbury (remember the 1970's Hovis ad with the bakers boy pushing his bike up the hill).

The Museum was once a doss house, which provided accommodation for the drovers, jugglers and traders who came to Shaftesbury's markets and fairs.

Local life and history are portrayed at the Museum through artefacts, costume, photos, ceramics, tools, domestic items and the town's first fire engine.

There is a display of intricate Dorset buttons, the "Byzant" a gold-coloured festival totem that played a central role in the town's water gathering ceremony and there is even a mummified cat!

There is a charming cottage garden with views over the Blackmore Vale. This hidden gem of a garden has won a number of awards. Planting has been very carefully planned to include plants with a perfume. There is seating in the garden so that you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

There is also a Heritage Trail around Shaftesbury which takes in the eight heritage panels and twelve blue plaques.

The Museum is linked to the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens  located at Park Walk (01747-852910). Joint tickets for both museums can be purchased.