Attractions and Places To See around Silton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Silton include historical sites and natural features within the Blackmore Vale of north Dorset. This area offers a blend of ancient landmarks and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can explore sites with centuries of history and enjoy the local natural heritage. The region provides opportunities for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Silton
- The most popular attractions is Alfred's Tower Climb, a climb that leads to a…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury
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Alfred's Tower Climb
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The tower is a 49m high folly designed in 1772. It's believed to …
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King Alfred's Tower
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Bristol High Cross
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Shaftesbury Abbey — Ruins and Gardens
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The Bristol High Cross is a medieval market cross from Bristol. It was removed from the city in 1765 and rebuilt by Henry Hoare II in the gardens of Stourhead, where it still stands today.
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Once one of the most important and wealthiest nunneries in England. The abbey's ruins, consisting mainly of its foundations and remnants of walls, are located in a peaceful walled garden next to the famous Gold Hill. Shaftesbury Abbey was founded by King Alfred the Great in 888 AD. It was the first religious house in England established exclusively for women, and Alfred's daughter, Æthelgifu, was its first abbess. The abbey grew in wealth and importance, particularly after it became the burial site and shrine of St Edward the Martyr, a Saxon king who was murdered at Corfe Castle in 978 AD. His shrine attracted a large number of pilgrims, which brought significant income to the abbey. By the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1539, Shaftesbury Abbey was the second wealthiest nunnery in the country. It was the last abbey to be dissolved, and its buildings were systematically destroyed, with locals taking the stone for their own buildings. The ruins we see today are the excavated foundations of the church and other parts of the abbey complex. Entry is free, and the lovely volunteers are happy to offer a little tour with some details on the Abbey. It must have looked mightily impressive in its day.
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The cross crowning this small sacred monument is comparatively small and modest in relation to the entire monument. However, the cross's base, rising in Gothic form, deserves special attention. The very delicate structure, stretching skyward, looks to me a bit like someone had removed a small church steeple from the church and transplanted it onto the lawn here.
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Alfred's Tower is a folly in Somerset,England, on the edge of the border with Wiltshire, on the Stourhead estate. The tower stands on Kingsettle Hill and belongs to the National Trust. It is designated as a Grade I listed building. Henry Hoare II planned the tower in the 1760s to commemorate the end of the Seven Years' War against France and the accession of King George III, and it was erected near the site of Egbert's Stone, where it is believed that Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, rallied the Anglo-Saxons in 878 before the Battle of Edington. The tower was damaged by an aeroplane in 1944 and restored in the 1980s.
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Former Benedictine Abbey from 888. It became really famous as a place of pilgrimage after the relics of King Edward the Martyr were brought here a good 100 years later. Today everything lies in ruins, but is lovingly cared for and managed by a trust. Admission is free, but donations are requested. With a souvenir shop, many benches and toilets. We liked it!
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Not as stunning from below as from above!
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Tip: We have been here three times over the last few years and each time we managed to get a table in the café at the top of the street. One of the most beautiful views in England is made even more beautiful with cream tea or another treat! Here you sit quietly and just wait until no one is in sight: and then quickly take your dream photo! In addition, the service is friendly and the prices are not too high. The view of Gold Hill is nowhere better than from here.
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King Alfred's Tower is a folly in Somerset, located on the Stourhead estate. The triangular shape is hollow in the centre with a winding staircase along the walls. You can climb the tower from April until October on every weekend. More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/king-alfreds-tower
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Silton?
Silton and its surroundings offer several significant historical sites. You can explore the ruins and gardens of Shaftesbury Abbey, once a prominent nunnery founded by King Alfred the Great. Another ancient site is St Peter's Church in Shaftesbury, the oldest church in the town, with parts dating back to the 14th century. In Silton itself, the Church of St Nicholas, mentioned in the Domesday Book, features a 12th-century South arcade and a notable memorial by Jan van Nost.
Are there any unique viewpoints or natural features to see near Silton?
Yes, the area boasts several impressive viewpoints and natural features. Gold Hill in Shaftesbury offers stunning views from its cobbled climb, famous for its historical setting. For panoramic vistas, head to Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point, where you can see vast swathes of Wiltshire and the West Country, including Alfred's Tower. Additionally, the ancient Wyndham's Oak in Silton, possibly 1000 years old, is a natural monument with a hollow trunk large enough to stand inside.
What challenging climbs are there for cyclists or hikers?
For those seeking a challenge, the Alfred's Tower Climb is a very steep ascent to a 49-meter high folly, with gradients up to 20% in places. Gold Hill in Shaftesbury also presents a short but steep cobbled climb, reaching 23% at its steepest point, offering a rewarding view from the top.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Silton?
Yes, Shaftesbury Abbey — Ruins and Gardens is considered family-friendly. Its peaceful walled gardens and historical ruins provide an engaging experience for all ages, offering insight into medieval monastic life. St Peter's Church, Shaftesbury is also a welcoming historical site for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Silton is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and touring. For mountain biking, explore trails like the 'Honeypot Lane Trailhead – Heaven's Gate Viewpoint loop' or the 'Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Climb to Stourhead – Bell's Lane loop'. For more options, check out the dedicated guides for MTB Trails around Silton, Road Cycling Routes around Silton, and Cycling around Silton.
Are there cycling routes suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, the cycling routes near Silton cater to various skill levels. For mountain biking, you can find 'easy' routes like the 'Stourhead House and Gardens – Stone Arch at Stourton loop' as well as 'moderate' options. Road cycling also offers 'easy' routes such as the 'Pond and Church Near Bruton – Mere Car Park loop' and 'moderate' challenges like the 'Gare Hill – Gare Hill Summit loop'. Touring bicycle routes range from 'moderate' to 'difficult'.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Silton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance and the stunning views. The cobbled climb of Gold Hill is often called the prettiest street in England and is loved for its unique charm. The challenging ascent to Alfred's Tower is highly recommended for the rewarding views. The peaceful atmosphere and historical depth of Shaftesbury Abbey also receive high praise.
Can I find information about the North York Moors National Park near Silton?
While the primary attractions mentioned in this guide are located near Silton in Dorset, there is another Silton in North Yorkshire, which borders the North York Moors National Park. In that region, you would find natural features like Silton Forest, Carlton Bank Summit, and Beacon Hill Summit, all offering views of the moors. The Sutton Bank National Park Centre serves as a visitor hub for that area.
Are there any wild swimming spots near Silton?
The region research mentions Gormire Lake, near Silton in North Yorkshire, as a tranquil lake popular with wild swimmers due to its clean and surprisingly warm water. However, this is not in the immediate vicinity of the Dorset attractions highlighted in this guide.
What is the significance of Alfred's Tower?
Alfred's Tower is a 49-meter high folly designed in 1772. It is believed to mark the site where King Alfred rallied his troops in 878 AD. Managed by the National Trust, it is part of the nearby Stourhead estate and offers a challenging climb with historical resonance.
Where can I find information about local churches in the Silton area?
In Silton, Dorset, the historic Church of St Nicholas dates back to the Domesday Book era, with parts from the 12th and 15th centuries. In Shaftesbury, St Peter's Church is the oldest in town, built in the 14th century. For the North Yorkshire Silton, All Saints' Church in Nether Silton and St Mary's Church in Over Silton are noted for their historical elements like Norman fonts.
Most popular attractions around Silton
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