By Car
The M3/A303 is the most direct route from London. The route continues on to the south west. The A30 is also a direct, if slower, route via Salisbury. The outstanding Dorset coastline is approximately 45 minutes away from Shaftesbury.

By Train
There is a direct train connection to Gillingham (Dorset) from London Waterloo (approx. 2 hours) and Exeter (approx. 1 hour). An alternative route is by train from Waterloo to Poole on the south coast, followed by a bus connection north into the district. www.southwesttrains.com National Rail Enquiries: 0345 484950 Dorset Passenger Transport Enquiries: 01305 225165.

By Coach
There are direct National Express coaches running to Shaftesbury, Blandford and Gillingham from Manchester, Bristol and Bath, and to Shaftesbury and Gillingham from London and Heathrow Airport, daily between May and October. National Express enquiries 0990 808080; www.nationalexpress.com First Dorset Transit operate 'The Thomas Hardy Flyer', a daily coach service between Weymouth and London stopping in Blandford in each direction, throughout the year. Enquiries tel. 01305 766393