It was an iconic Hovis advert that baked the image of Gold Hill, a romantic cobbled street in Dorset, into the country’s collective imagination. But the people of Shaftesbury have been enjoying the view here for centuries. And, two miles south of town, almost within view from that fabled street, there’s now a glamping site that bears the same name. It too boasts classic country views – the meadow sloping westwards to take in the best of the evening light – and, despite being new, has a similarly timeless, picture-perfect feel.
There are just two bell tents at Gold Hill Glamping in total, despite a spacious three acres of meadow to fill. The result is ample space for everyone and even an additional, fenced-off area for equestrians who wish to holiday with their horse. Glampers can choose from the traditional bell tent structure or the bulbous ‘lotus belle’ tent, which looks similar but bulges outwards in the middle like an oversized pudding to provide extra space.
Each tent has a comfortable double bed and soft furnishings, with futons that you can convert into extra beds for children if you don’t mind bringing along their bedding. Outside, meanwhile, there’s a picnic bench, a campfire pit and a well-equipped kitchen shelter. And, while there are flushing loos and hot showers back by the farmhouse a hundred yards or so away, there’s also an additional composting loo closer to hand in the field.
Despite the comforts, Gold Hill Glamping is still suitably rustic. There’s no electricity and, though there are lanterns, campfires are the go-to form of evening light. The place remains very much a working farm too. There are ponies to pat and you can watch the cows being milked if you chat eagerly enough to farmers Clea and Jonathan. A neighbouring stretch of woodland was also once a forest school and today is left as a secret discovery spot for family glampers, with rope swings hanging from branches, fairy doors hidden among tree trunks and a stream to splash in.
If you find the time to head elsewhere, there are footpaths aplenty to roam, taking in Mlebury Hill, Compton Abbas and Fontmell Down (stopping at the good pub in Fontmell Magna). Or walk back north to Shaftsebury, finishing with the steep stroll up Gold Hill and maybe even buying a fresh loaf of bread at the end.
