Carlton B & B Out and About

Located in the Heart of the Blackmore Vale, Carlton B & B makes the ideal base for anyone wishing to explore the delights of the Dorset Countryside. We have listed a few of the Places to go and sites to see all easily reached by car from Carlton B & B. For your convenience you may use the Google mapping and directions service by simply clicking on the Postcode of any of the attractions listed.

Gold Hill

Gold Hill,
Town Centre,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset

Gold Hill is a famous street in Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK. It is a steep cobbled street featured on the cover of countless books about Dorset and rural England. It has also been the site of television adverts for Hovis bread, directed by Ridley Scott before he went on to make the famous Alien films. At the top of the street is the 14th century St Peter's church, one of the few pre-18th century buildings remaining in Shaftesbury. This ancient cobbled street, running beside the walls of King Alfred's abbey, also features on countless chocolate boxes and calendars.

See www.shaftesburyindorset.com

Historic Bath 35 miles away

Bath,
Somerset

Bath is a unique city; its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents have attracted visitors for centuries. Set in rolling Somerset countryside, just over 100 miles west of London, it is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.

There are regular walking tours of Bath, not to mention Ghost Walks and a Comedy Walk. The city centre is small and the best way to explore it is by foot. The Tourist Information Office in Abbey Churchyard has walking maps of the city to help you find a route.

Besides the museums and the Theatre Royal, don't miss the Royal Crescent and the Circus, Queen Square, Abbey Churchyard, Abbey Green or the Cross Bath tucked away down Bath Street. Visit Pulteney Bridge and the Weir, along with the colourful Parade Gardens.

See www.bath.co.uk

Kingston Lacy

Wimborne,
Dorset
BH21 4EA
01202 880413

Encased in stone by Charles Barry - architect of the Houses of Parliament. Outstanding collection of Old Master paintings, with works by Van Dyck, Titian and Brueghe. Spanish Room with walls hung in magnificent gilded leathe. Wooded parkland with magnificent snowdrop displays in early spring Children's adventure playground and Badbury Iron Age hill-fort, Badbury Rings

See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-kingstonlacy.htm

Larmer Tree Gardens

Larmer Tree Gardens,
Rushmore Estate,
Tollard Royal,
Salisbury,
Wiltshire
SP5 5PT
01725 516971

Throughout the year there is plenty to interest visitors. From the magnificent main lawn radiate wide laurel-hedged rides which take you to the tranquil woodland beyond. In spring a wonderful display of Camellias, Rhododendrons and woodland planting is there to be enjoyed.

In high summer the hydrangea collection makes a striking display of colour, and towering over the ponds the exceptionally fine Eucryphias make a magnificent sight. The trees and shrubs of the garden and woodland beyond produce a rich tapestry of colour for our autumn visitors.Set in the outstanding landscape of the Cranborne Chase these beautifully laid out grounds are recognised by English Heritage as a Garden of National Importance and were the first privately owned gardens to be opened for public enjoyment. In keeping with its history of entertainment a small number of events and summer concerts are held within the garden throughout the year.

See www.larmertreegardens.co.uk

Longleat

Warminster,
Wiltshire
BA12 7NW
Tel: 01985 844400

Famous for its lions. Home to an Elizabethan stately home and a multitude of other attractions. Longleat now encompasses a wide range of attractions to suit visitors of all ages… find yourself going round in circles in the Longleat Hedge Maze, journey on the Safari Boats for a sea-lion escorted cruise, enjoy a fun-packed ride on the Longleat Railway, let the kids let off steam in the Adventure Castle and more… your day at Longleat will never be long enough! House and grounds open daily all year (excluding 25 Dec).

See www.longleat.co.uk

Lytes Cary Manor

Lytes Cary Manor,
Charlton Mackerell,
Somerton,
Somerset
01458 224471

A charming manor house with a 14th century chapel and 15th century Great Hall. Surrounded by gardens with an enchanting mixture of formality and simplicity. The large borders and hidden paths are enclosed by high yew topiary hedges. Open 23 March to 30 October (Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun).

See www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Old Wardour Castle

Wardour Castle,
Located off A30 2 miles SW of Tisbury ,
Tisbury,
Wiltshire
SP3 6RR
01747 870487

One of England's most romantic castles, in a secluded lakeside setting Built in the late 14th century for John, fifth Lord Lovel. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner was filmed here!

Its setting makes it one of England's most romantic ruins. An audio tour brings the long history of this fascinating castle to life. Its setting makes it one of England's most romantic ruins. An audio tour brings the long history of this fascinating castle to life.

See www.english-heritage.org.uk/oldwardour

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Ralph Allen Drive,
Bath,
North Somerset
BA2 5AH
01225 833422

This beauitiful 18th century landscape garden is set in a sweeping valley with breathtaking views towards the lakes and over Bath. The garden includes ornamental features such as the palladian bridge, the grotto, rock gate, sham bridge, wilderness and serpentine lakes.

See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-priorpark/

Roman Baths and Pump Room

Heritage Services,
Pump Room,
Stall Street,
Bath,
Somerset
BA1 1LZ
01225 477785

The remains of one of the great religious spas in the ancient world and a fine Roman museum. Bath's unique thermal springs rise at the heart of the site. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Minerva, hidden beneath the elegant Georgian Pump Room. Share glimpses into the everyday lives of Roman people revealed in ancient gifts and messages. Open daily (closed 25 26 Dec)

See www.romanbaths.co.uk

Salisbury

Salisbury,
Wiltshire

The city forms the largest part of the Salisbury district. It has also been called New Sarum to distinguish it from the original site of settlement at Salisbury, Old Sarum, but this alternative name is not in common use. Salisbury is at the confluence of five rivers: the Nadder, Ebble, Wylye and Bourne are tributary to the Avon (Celtic for 'river'), which flows to the south coast and into the sea at Christchurch, Dorset. New Sarum, known as Salisbury, was founded in 1220, and the building of the new cathedral begun by Bishop Richard Poore in that year. The main body was completed in only 38 years and is a masterpiece of Early English architecture.

See www.visitsalisbury.com

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden

Park Walk,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset
SP7 8JR
01747 852910

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden is set on the site of Saxon England's foremost Benedictine nunnery founded by King Alfred in 888AD. This Abbey was to act as the catalyst for the prosperity of the town and surrounding area for over 650 years.The excavated foundations of this once important and influential Abbey lie in a peaceful walled garden - a lasting reminder of the Abbey's eventful past.

Today the story of the Abbey and its inhabitants has been vividly brought to life in a new, state-of-the-art museum. Decorated in dramatic medieval colours chosen to reflect the interior of the original Abbey church.

The museum houses as fascinating collection of carved stonework including samples of Saxon carving, medieval floor tiles and other excavated objects. Illustrations from ancient manuscripts help to tell the story of this ancient monument.

See www.shaftesburyabbey.co.uk

Shaftesbury Arts Centre and Gallery

13 Bell Street,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset
SP7 8AR
01747 854321

Shaftesbury Arts Centre is now widely recognised as one of the best volunteer membership-led arts centres in south west England. Its regular, varied and lively year-round programme of amateur and professional plays, films, art, photography and craft exhibitions, workshops, and training courses draws people from far and wide including Wiltshire and Somerset. It is also increasingly taking the arts out into the community.

See www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk

Shaftesbury in Dorset

Shaftesbury in Dorset, a new innovative website listing hundreds of businesses in and around Shaftesbury Dorset. The website's unique content management system allows all the information to be updated by the owners of the Businesses or Organisations themselves, ensuring up to date accurate information. Updated daily the best resource for information on Shaftesbury and it's surroundings.

See www.shaftesburyindorset.com

Sherborne Castle

Sherborne Castle Estates,
Cheap Street,
Sherborne,
Dorset
DT9 3PY
01935 813182

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, Sherborne Castle has been home of the Digby family since 1617. Set in 40 acres of glorious 'Capability' Brown landscaped gardens and grounds around his 50 acre lake, the Castle contains a splendid collection of art, furniture and porcelain.

We look forward to welcoming you during our 2007 season when we will be open every day except Mondays and Fridays (but open on Bank Holiday Mondays) from 11:00am with last admission at 4:30pm. The Castle itself will open on Saturdays from 2:0

See www.sherbornecastle.com

St Peter's Church

High Street,
Shaftesbury ,
Dorset
01714 852547

St Peter's is the oldest church in Shaftesbury; parts of it date back to mediaeval times. It was built at the top of Gold Hill as a pilgrim church outside the wall of the Benedictine Abbey, the remains of which can be visited on Park Walk. The first known incumbent was John Schip (1305). Prayers are said daily at 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. and the church is open between these hours, visitors are most warmly welcome. Revd. Clive Thomas

See www.shaftesburyindorset.com

Stitch 'n' Craft

Swans Yard Craft Centre,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset
SP7 8JQ
01747 852500

Stitch 'n' Craft are a leading supplier of Beads, Embroidery, Knitting Yarns, Books, Craft goods and associated products. They also run an extensive and varied workshop programme throughout the year.

See www.stitchncraft.co.uk

Stonehenge

2 miles West of Amesbury on A303,
Amesbury,
Wiltshire
SP4 7DE
01980 624715

The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world. What visitors see today are the substantial remnants of the last in a sequence of such monuments erected between circa 3000BC and 1600BC. The surrounding landscape is also fascinating. It contains huge prehistoric monuments, stretching over several kilometres like the Avenue and the Cursus, massive earthwork enclosures like Durrington Walls and the North Kite, and hundreds of burial mounds.

See www.stonehenge.org

Stourhead

Stourhead Estate,
Stourton,
Warminster,
Wiltshire
BA12 6QD
01747 841152

Stourhead...Celebrated 18th-century landscape garden and Palladian mansion Enchanting temples, monuments and rare planting around a tranquil lake Palladian mansion filled with Georgian treasures: Chippendale furniture and fine paintings Mature woodlands with a collection of exotic trees Stunning views from the top of Alfred's Tower, one of the Trust's finest follies.

See www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Swans Yard

Swans Yard Craft Centre,
High Street,
Shaftesbury,
Dorset
SP7 8QJ
01747 852500

Swans Yard, home to a community of local artists as well as the Shaftesbury and District Guild of Craftspeople and the Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

The Airfield at Compton Abbas

Compton Abbas Airfield,
Ashmore,
Near Shaftesbury,
Dorset
SP5 5AP
01747 811767

Compton Abbas Airfield Dorset is nationally known as one of the most picturesque airfields in the UK. Situated at over eight hundred feet above sea level, this very popular airfield commands spectacular panoramic view over some of England's most beautiful countryside.

See www.abbasair.com

The Tank Museum, Bovington

The Tank Museum,
Bovington,
Dorset
BH20 6JG
01929 405096

The Tank Museum in Bovington Dorset houses the world's largest and finest collection of Armoured Fighting Vehicles from unique World War 1 tanks to the latest main battle tank of the British Army - Challenger. The Museum has a collection of almost 300 vehicles from over 26 countries.

See www.tankmuseum.org

UFOs over Warminster

Yes for many years now Warminster has been the centre of interest for a large group of people interested in UFOs. Why not check out the site below to find out more about it? Warminster has been renowned for the most sighting of UFOs in the UK.

See www.weirdwiltshire.co.uk/ufos/

Wilton House

Wilton House,
The Estate Office,
Wilton,
Salisbury,
Wiltshire
SP2 0BJ
01722 746720

Unwrap over 460 years of history at Wilton House, where you will experience living history at its very best. Take time to uncover its secrets as you wander through its magnificent rooms, marvel at its architecture, soak in its fine paintings or be swept off your feet by its spectacular gardens. Wilton House is one of the Treasure Houses of England and whether you are a day visitor, group organiser, conference co-ordinator or event manager, you can be sure the house, its grounds, adventure playground and restaurant will promise an exciting and memorable day out.

See www.wiltonhouse.com

Win Green Hill

Win Green Hill,
Cranborne Chase,
Near Shaftesbury,
Wiltshire

The highest point in the Cranborne Chase hills, Win Green stands a few miles east of Shaftesbury in Wiltshire. Turn off the A30 at Ludwell, a few miles east of Shaftesbury and continue south for about a mile and a half. Take the gravel lane on the left at the crest of the hill, to the car park on Win Green, GR ST 922 204 See Win Green Hill, crowned by a dense stand of trees, with fine views across the Wiltshire countryside below. In spring an summer, the hill is covered in a wide range of wild flowers. For a brilliant 3D tour and more information on Win Green Hill visit www.VisitShaftesburyDorset.co.uk

See www.visitshaftesburydorset.co.uk

Wincanton Racecourse

Wincanton Racecourse,
Wincanton,
Somerset
BA9 8BJ
01963 32344

Wincanton Racecourse provides a mixture of excitement, action, sociability and areas to eat and drink in style. The 15 fixtures of quality jump racing between October and May provides the opportunity to soak up the social atmosphere and experience the thrills of the horses thundering past the stands. As well as hosting entertaining action the daily facilities provides a unique, ambient and accessible venue for wedding receptions, conferences, meetings and exhibitions. Golfing at Wincanton is also available and provides a testing challenge for both beginners and advanced golfers. Wincanton racecourse not just for horse racing.

See www.wincantonracecourse.co.uk

Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum

RNAS Yeovilton,
Ilchester,
Somerset
BA22 8HT
01935 840565

You'll see exhibits concerning everything from the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903 though to the First and Second World Wars, the Falklands, the Gulf Wars, Concorde and the Museum's most spectacular attraction - the Carrier, where a simulated helicopter flight takes you to the 'flight deck' of HMS ARK Royal.

A combination of two enormous projection screens coupled with a real Phantom aircraft form part of a spectacular simulated launch sequence. You'll experience the thrills and sounds of a working flight deck, and even see a nuclear bomb.

See www.fleetairarm.com