The pretty little medieval town named UK's 'most charming' with the best markets
The beautiful settlement features an iconic location made famous in a television advert.
It's a town made famous for a scene in a well-known advert for bread, but there's more to Shaftesbury in Dorset than pushing a bicycle up a hill.
The iconic gradient in question is known locally as Gold Hill, which became instantly recognised nationally after it starred as the backdrop for a 1973 advert for Hovis bread.
In the scene, which was directed by movie legend Sir Ridley Scott, a young baker's assistant pushes his heavy bicycle laden with a bread delivery up a steep hill before he is able to joyfully free-wheel back down again.
Shaftesbury sits in an interesting area geographically with some large hills near it rising from the Dorset countryside.
It is around 23 miles from Salisbury and the home of the historic Shaftesbury Abbey which has built by King Alfred the Great in 888AD.
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According to Rightmove, houses in the scenic rural area sell for an average of £326,000 and approximately 10,000 people now call the town home.
A weekly market in the town is held every Thursday, but Shaftesbury Town Council says on its website a lot more is on offer for visitors.
It says: "Shaftesbury has been a market centre for centuries, and today as well as the regular Thursday charter market there are Farmers’ Markets, book fairs, flea markets, an annual Food Festival plus the occasional French Market all of which add to the bustling atmosphere of this famous occasion.
"As a Saxon Hilltop Town, Shaftesbury has one of the most beautiful and commanding settings of any market town in England."
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Budding sellers could even have the chance to set up a stall of their own as the council says it is inviting people to apply, adding: "We are seeking to expand the Thursday Market to include The Commons and extend further down the High Street."
The authority said market rent is £19.00 for a 10-foot pitch.
Other locations around town to enjoy include Abbey Park and Castle Hill, which offer stunning views of Blackmore Vale and access to a host of local cycling and walking routes.
Cranborne Chase, an ancient hunting estate, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which covers the north, east and west of the town.
