Gillingham Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gillingham, Dorset with this comprehensive travel guide that includes information on places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Gillingham

Gillingham, a town located in the North Dorset district of Dorset, England, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage. With its close proximity to the River Stour, Gillingham offers visitors a chance to indulge in activities such as hiking and cycling, while also exploring its historical and cultural attractions.

This comprehensive travel guide will take you through the best places to visit and things to do, where to stay, the food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options in Gillingham.

List of Places to Visit in Gillingham

Gillingham is rich in cultural, historical, and natural attractions that visitors can explore. Here are some of the must-visit places in Gillingham:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gillingham Museum
  • Mere Museum
  • Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden
  • Gold Hill Museum
  • St. Peter’s Church

Natural Attractions of Gillingham: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Stourhead House and Gardens
  • Blackmore Vale
  • Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Fontmell Down Nature Reserve
  • Duncliffe Wood

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gillingham

Gillingham has a range of hiking and biking trails for visitors to choose from, such as:

  • Stour Valley Way
  • North Dorset Trailway
  • Blackmore Vale and Chase Cycle Route
  • Stourhead Circular Walk
  • Fontmell and Melbury Down Walk

Best Things to Do in Gillingham: Activities and Tours

  • Visit Stourhead House and Gardens
  • Explore Gillingham Museum
  • Go hiking or biking on one of Gillingham’s trails
  • Go birdwatching at Fontmell Down Nature Reserve
  • Take a guided tour of Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden

Week-Long Itinerary for Gillingham

Day 1: Visit Stourhead House and Gardens and walk the Stourhead Circular Walk.

Day 2: Explore Gillingham Museum and visit St. Peter’s Church.

Day 3: Go birdwatching at Fontmell Down Nature Reserve and enjoy a picnic.

Day 4: Take a guided tour of Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden and explore Gold Hill Museum.

Day 5: Hike to Duncliffe Wood and enjoy the scenic views.

Day 6: Go cycling on the Blackmore Vale and Chase Cycle Route.

Day 7: Explore Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and visit Mere Museum.

Food and Drink Scene of Gillingham

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dorset apple cake
  • Dorset Blue Vinny cheese
  • Portland crab
  • Lyme Bay scallops
  • Weymouth Bay oysters

Local Beverages

  • Dorset tea
  • Badger Ales
  • Black Cow Vodka
  • Furleigh Estate Wine
  • Conker Gin

Where to Stay in Gillingham: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors to Gillingham can choose to stay in various accommodations that cater to their needs and budget. Some options include:

  • Mercure White Hart Hotel
  • The Grange at Oborne
  • The Crown Inn
  • The Coppice
  • Orchardleigh Bed & Breakfast

What to Buy in Gillingham: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Dorset Blue Vinny cheese
  • Wooden crafts made by local artisans
  • Local beer and wine
  • Handmade soaps and candles
  • Artwork by local artists

Local Culture and Customs of Gillingham

The people of Gillingham are welcoming and friendly. The local culture is rural, and visitors can expect to experience a laid-back lifestyle during their stay. The Dorset dialect is still spoken in the area, and visitors may hear some unique vocabulary during their visit.

Best Time to Visit Gillingham

The best time to visit Gillingham is from May to September when the weather is most pleasant and when most outdoor activities and attractions are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gillingham

Do:

  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
  • Enjoy the outdoor activities and scenic landscapes.
  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the local history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Leave litter behind when visiting natural attractions.
  • Cause any damage to historical and cultural sites.
  • Ignore safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gillingham

Gillingham is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors must follow basic safety guidelines to ensure their well-being.

Health in Gillingham

Visitors traveling from outside the UK must ensure that they have adequate travel insurance and obtain the necessary vaccinations before their trip. Visitors must also contact their healthcare provider in case of any medical emergencies during their stay in Gillingham.

Getting to Gillingham: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gillingham

  • Bournemouth Airport
  • Southampton Airport
  • Bristol Airport

Bus Stations Near Gillingham

  • Gillingham Bus Station
  • Shaftesbury Bus Station
  • Sherborne Bus Station

Other Options

Visitors can also choose to arrive at Gillingham by train or car. Trains from London leave from Waterloo station, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Visitors can also reach Gillingham by car via the A303 and A350 roads.

How to Get Around in Gillingham

Visitors can explore Gillingham on foot, by bike, bus, or car. Local taxi services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Gillingham: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Stonehenge
  • Bath
  • Salisbury
  • Jurassic Coast
  • Weymouth

Conclusion

Gillingham, with its wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, is an ideal destination for visitors looking for a relaxing and enriching experience. Visitors can explore the town’s museums, gardens, and local culture and indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking trails and cycling routes. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to Gillingham with ease and make the most of their stay.

St. Georges Church, Langham Lane St. Georges Church, Langham Lane