Attractions and Places To See around Buckhorn Weston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Buckhorn Weston include a variety of historical sites and challenging climbs. This tranquil village, nestled in the Blackmore Vale on the Dorset/Somerset border, serves as a convenient base for exploring regional highlights. The area offers picturesque views and a rich history, with many hidden gems for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can discover a blend of cultural landmarks and natural features within and around the village.
Best attractions and places to see around Buckhorn Weston
- The most popular attractions is Alfred's Tower Climb, a climb that leads to a 49m high folly. It is believed to mark the site where King Alfred rallied his troops in 878.
- Another must-see spot is Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, a challenging climb and historical site. This steep, cobbled hill is known for its historic houses and ancient buttressed wall, and was featured in a famous 1970s advert.
- Visitors also love Shaftesbury Abbey — Ruins and Gardens, a historical site and religious building. Once one of England's wealthiest nunneries, its excavated foundations and remnants are located in a peaceful walled garden.
- Buckhorn Weston is known for historical sites, challenging climbs, and scenic viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The attractions around Buckhorn Weston are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and over 50 photos shared.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Gold Hill, Shaftesbury
Highlight • Climb
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Alfred's Tower Climb
Highlight • Climb
The tower is a 49m high folly designed in 1772. It's believed to mark the site where King Alfred rallied his troops in 878.
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King Alfred's Tower
Highlight • Monument
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Bristol High Cross
Highlight • Historical Site
In 1764 it was moved to Stourhead.
Often mistaken as part of the nearby church.
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Shaftesbury Abbey — Ruins and Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
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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Tips from the Community
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 explore near Buckhorn Weston?
Buckhorn Weston and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Shaftesbury Abbey — Ruins and Gardens, once one of England's wealthiest nunneries, or the historic St Peter's Church, Shaftesbury. Within Buckhorn Weston itself, St. John the Baptist Church dates back to the 13th century and features panels by Sir James Thornhill and a 14th-century font. The village also serves as a base to explore nearby sites like Fiddleford Manor, Sherborne Old Castle, and Old Wardour Castle.
Are there any challenging climbs or viewpoints in the area?
Yes, the region offers several challenging climbs with rewarding views. The most popular is Alfred's Tower Climb, leading to a 49m high folly believed to mark where King Alfred rallied his troops. Another must-see is Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, a steep, cobbled hill famous for its historic houses and panoramic views, featured in a 1970s advert.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Buckhorn Weston?
The area around Buckhorn Weston is ideal for various outdoor activities, especially cycling and gravel biking. You can find numerous routes for cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking, offering wide-open views across the Blackmore Vale. The village is nestled on the slopes of the Blackmore Vale, providing a tranquil rural setting for exploration.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Buckhorn Weston?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Shaftesbury Abbey — Ruins and Gardens offers a peaceful walled garden to explore the excavated foundations of a historic nunnery. Both St Peter's Church, Shaftesbury and Holy Trinity Church, Shaftesbury are also considered family-friendly historical sites.
What is the best time of year to visit Buckhorn Weston for outdoor activities?
The Blackmore Vale region, including Buckhorn Weston, is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, with lush landscapes. Autumn also provides stunning scenery with changing foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can vary.
Where can I find places to eat or drink in Buckhorn Weston?
In Buckhorn Weston village, you can find The Stapleton Arms, a village inn located opposite St. John the Baptist Church. It bears the name of the substantial local landowners until 1979 and offers a place for refreshments.
Are there any natural features or scenic viewpoints to enjoy?
Buckhorn Weston is situated on the slopes of the Blackmore Vale, offering picturesque views of the tranquil, rural setting. Many treks in the surrounding area provide wide-open vistas across the Vale. Highlights like Alfred's Tower Climb and Gold Hill, Shaftesbury also offer excellent viewpoints.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Buckhorn Weston?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The challenging climbs like Alfred's Tower Climb and Gold Hill, Shaftesbury are highly rated for their views and unique character. The peaceful atmosphere of sites like Shaftesbury Abbey — Ruins and Gardens and the rich history embedded in the churches also draw many positive comments.
Can I find dog-friendly walks near Buckhorn Weston?
While specific dog-friendly routes are not detailed in the provided information, the rural nature of Buckhorn Weston and the surrounding Blackmore Vale suggests many public footpaths and trails would be suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock, and follow local guidelines.
Is parking available at the main attractions in Buckhorn Weston and nearby Shaftesbury?
Parking availability can vary. For attractions within Buckhorn Weston like St. John the Baptist Church or The Stapleton Arms, village parking may be available. In Shaftesbury, there are public car parks for visitors exploring Gold Hill, Shaftesbury Abbey, and the town's churches. For specific highlights like Alfred's Tower, parking is typically available as it's managed by the National Trust.
Are there any less crowded attractions to visit?
While popular sites like Gold Hill can attract crowds, exploring the smaller, historic churches such as St Peter's Church or Holy Trinity Church in Shaftesbury, or the local St. John the Baptist Church in Buckhorn Weston, can offer a more tranquil experience. The wider network of hiking and cycling trails also provides opportunities to discover quieter spots in the Blackmore Vale.
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