Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views
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
- Standard Admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
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:
| 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 Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Opening times
Monday 10 December
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 11 December
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 12 December
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Thursday 13 December
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Friday 14 December
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Saturday 15 December
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Sunday 16 December
- Countryside Dawn to dusk
Fontmell and Melbury Downs
Contact us
- Telephone
- 01297489481
- westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Address
- Near Shaftesbury, Dorset