Nestled in a traditional sandstone cottage at the top of the famous Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset is this fascinating museum.

Gold Hill was made famous by the Hovis bread advertisement in the 1970's. The museum building was once a doss house, which provided accommodation for the drovers, jugglers and traders who came to Shaftesbury's markets and fairs. Visitors can enjoy the museum's beautiful award-winning cottage garden where you can sit and relax.

Local life and history are portrayed in the museum through artefacts, costume, photos, ceramics, tools, domestic items and the town's first fire engine.

The intricate Dorset button's industry was founded in Shaftesbury and samples are on display, and the Byzant, a gold-coloured festival totem that played a central role in the town's water gathering ceremony. There is even a mummified cat! We strive to preserve what is best of the town's past while recognising that it is a living vibrant town in the present.

We actively collect items of the town's history for adding to the museum collections and archives, and are always interested to hear from people who have lived in the town previously or who have relatives who once lived here.

There is a Joint Museum Ticket available if you visit both Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden and Gold Hill Museum & Garden (Adults £4.50, Concessions £3.50, Child £1.50, family £10).

Please note that the museum may be closed for the 2010 season (from April to October 2010) to undergo refurbishment and restoration - please call before visitng.