The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England - Explore & Book

"One of the oldest, highest and arguably the prettiest hill towns in rural England, Shaftesbury is the essence of olde Dorsetshire. It has Saxon roots, a whiff of Thomas Hardy, cobbles, thatch, and a bird’s-eye view of the Blackmore Vale from the top of iconic Gold Hill - famously captured in a sepia-tinted 1970s advert for Hovis loaves (directed, incidentally, by a young Ridley Scott). The Grosvenor Arms is the high street’s grande dame. Remodelled in the 18th century by the Duke of Westminster, it is Grade II listed with a showy Georgian frontage, 18 spacious bedrooms and a ballroom - but don’t imagine a trip down history’s memory lane. The once-faded inn has undergone several makeovers and is now a vibrant hub of activity, with a reclaimed bar, a cobbled courtyard, a spacious restaurant, and comfy leather sofas scattered here and there. A fun take on the country getaway. Highs Tasteful rooms with Italian cottons, rain showers and Nespresso coffee machines - the Cranborne and Balcony Suites are real show-stoppers A welcoming lounge-style bar with something for everyone: local ales, tasty cocktails, buzzing local chatter and dog-friendly Shaftesbury is a charming market town in the heart of green-welly country, within easy access of Longleat, Cranborne Chase and Stonehenge A relaxed restaurant serving lunch and dinner, with an authentic pizza oven and menu overseen by Tom Blake (formerly of River Cottage) Great value and a warm welcome Lows This is a centrally located hotel, so bar chatter and street noise can sometimes travel to rooms on the first floor and at the front of the hotel No on-site car park, but there are public car parks within walking distance No lift access to the second-floor rooms; if this is important, request a first-floor Standard or Premium Room" - Lesley Gillilan