The best of the west

At Rural View our local knowledge is unrivalled and we’d like to share some of our top recommendations with you for the very best in this part of the world.  From the rolling hills of Melbury Abbas to the shops of Shaftesbury, we convey our passion for the breadth and beauty of this area to every aspect of the work we do:

Best place to watch the sunset

In high summer stand at the top of Win Green to enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of rolling downland.

Best view

We love a winter walk at Fontmell and Melbury Downs. Its magnificent landscape is mentioned in Thomas Hardy’s novels.

Best walk

We love the walk from Ansty to Tollard Royal. Footpaths the whole route (9 miles) with not a single road, ending with a pint at the King John Inn, on the border of Wiltshire and Dorset.

Best place to buy for a picnic

Compton McRae is a top-notch food emporium in the pretty village of Semley.

Best bakery

Reeve the Baker, local bakery with outlets in Shaftesbury, Wilton and Salisbury. They do a great sourdough loaf.

Best florists

Flowers & Twine in Tisbury and Pamplemousse in Shaftesbury, both have wonderful flowers.

Best place for inspiration for your interiors

Compton Smith in Shaftesbury founded by Martin and Carina Syms, a one-stop shop for specialist paint, wallpaper or a total redesign of your home.

Most beautiful building

The Arch at Fonthill is a truly iconic building, an architectural gem.

Best live music venue

The End of the Road, great festival held at Larmer Tree Gardens.

Best cinemas

Everyman in Salisbury, watch movies in luxurious comfort.

Best Theatres

Theatre Royal Bath and The Salisbury Playhouse.

Best places to drink and eat

We have many pubs in the area, full of character and offering great food. To name a few; Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford, Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe, Grosvenor Arms, Hindon and The Compasses in Chicksgrove. In the next few months, we eagerly await the opening of the new boutique hotel Teffont House.

Best places to meet for coffee

Pamplemousse, Shaftesbury. The Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury. The Stalls, Sutton Mandeville. Compton McRae, Semley

Best places to amuse kids on a rainy day

Bowling at Strikers in Salisbury or the recently refurbished Salisbury Museum.

Best Spa

Bramley the beauty brand has opened a spa cabin in a shepherd’s hut in the grounds of the Bath Arms, Horningsham.

Best place to see international art

We’re spoilt for choice for world-class art venues.  Messums West is an art destination in a 13^th century tithe barn in Tisbury. Down the road is Hauser and Worth in Bruton.

Best street food

Big Bang Pizza, a local company run a pop-up pizza shack at Ansty Pick Your Own and Farm shop.

Best place to learn something new

Chalke History Festival, for a week in June, set in the beautiful landscape of Broadchalke.

Best secret beach

Ringstead Bay is a firm favourite. It feels remote and rarely crowded.

Best spot for fishing

A lovely tranquil place to enjoy trout fishing on the River Nadder at Compton Chamberlayne (book through the estate office)