Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Facilities and access
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Overview
Open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views
This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.
From the car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, you can embark on many circular walks across the chalk downland. It's a fantastic place to spot butterflies and orchids, which thrive here.
Head north towards Compton Down and Melbury Hill and you will find one of the best displays of glow-worms during June and July (if the weather is good).
Melbury Hill, meanwhile, marks the high point of a spur, offering sweeping views across much of the downs.
The Melbury Beacon is located 863 feet above sea level and reaching it rewards walkers with wonderful views to the north of the Saxon town of Shaftesbury and across to the surrounding counties.
Nearby Melbury Down is a dry valley that cuts the ridge of Cranborne Chase and straddles the counties of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
- Telephone
- 01297489481
- westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
How to get here
- Address
- Near Shaftesbury, Dorset
- By cycle
- The North Dorset Cycle Way (National Cycle Network Regional Route 41) is a 73-mile route along quiet country lanes and villages. It passes through Shaftesbury and runs just south of the estate, through the village of Fontmell Magna
- On foot
- A series of bridleways and footpaths lead onto the downs from the local villages of Melbury Abbas, Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna
- By train
- Gillingham train station 9 miles from Fontmell car park
- By road
- From Shaftesbury head south on B3081 and follow signs to Melbury Abbas. There is a car park on the right at the top of Spread Eagle Hill, just before the left turn to Compton Abbas Airfield
- By bus
- From Shaftesbury take the Wilts & Dorset Bus service 182, Mon-Sat, stopping at Compton Abbas and Fontmell Magna. See Transport Direct for more travel information
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Opening times
Tuesday 24 April
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 25 April
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 26 April
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 27 April
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Saturday 28 April
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 29 April
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Monday 30 April
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01297489481
- westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Near Shaftesbury, Dorset