Getting Here
Everything you need to plan your journey to the Shaftesbury Food Festival on Sunday 3rd May 2026.
Parking in Shaftesbury will be very limited on festival day. We're expecting a large number of visitors — please use the Park & Ride, arrive by public transport, or car share wherever possible.
Recommended
Park & Ride
We strongly encourage visitors to use the official Park & Ride service running from Port Regis School directly into Shaftesbury town centre.
Port Regis School
Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, SP7 9QA
10:00 – 16:30
First coach departs Port Regis School roundabout at 10:00. Final return bus leaves Shaftesbury Post Office at 16:30.
Return capacity
If the return coach is full, the driver will take you back to Port Regis School so you can collect your passengers by driving back into Shaftesbury.
£5 per car — cash only
All proceeds support the Shaftesbury & District Chamber of Commerce
No refunds.
Sponsored by
The Park & Ride service is kindly sponsored by The Mitre, a beloved local pub in Shaftesbury.
Getting to Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is well connected by road, rail and bus. Here's how to get here from a variety of directions.
By Train
The two nearest train stations to Shaftesbury are Gillingham (Dorset) — approximately 8 miles away — and Tisbury — approximately 10 miles away. Both are served by South Western Railway on the London Waterloo to Exeter line.
Gillingham Station (SP8 4QP)
~8 miles from Shaftesbury. Taxis available from the station.
Approx. 15–20 minutes by taxi.
Tisbury Station (SP3 6LQ)
~10 miles from Shaftesbury. Taxis available from the station.
Approx. 20 minutes by taxi.
We recommend pre-booking a taxi from the station in advance on festival day as demand will be high. Country Cars Shaftesbury — our headline sponsor — offers reliable taxi services from both stations.
By Bus
Local bus services run into Shaftesbury from the surrounding area. The main bus stop is on High Street, right in the heart of the festival.
Route 58 — Salisbury to Shaftesbury
Via Tisbury and Semley. Check First Bus or Damory Coaches for timetables on the day.
Route 309 — Blandford to Shaftesbury
Via Iwerne Minster and Fontmell Magna. Check Damory Coaches for Sunday timetables.
Please check the latest timetables before travelling as Sunday services may be limited. Visit traveldorset.info for up-to-date journey planning.
By Car
Shaftesbury is easily reached by road from most directions. Use postcode SP7 8JY for the High Street in your sat nav, or head for the Park & Ride at SP7 9QA (Port Regis School, Motcombe).
From the East (Salisbury / London)
Take the A30 westbound through Wilton and Barford St Martin, continuing to Shaftesbury. Or join the A350 northbound from Blandford Forum.
From the West (Sherborne / Yeovil)
Take the A30 eastbound through Milborne Port and Sherborne, then follow signs into Shaftesbury.
From the North (Bath / Warminster / Frome)
Take the A350 southbound through Westbury and Warminster, then follow signs to Shaftesbury via the B3081.
From the South (Blandford / Dorchester)
Take the A350 northbound from Blandford Forum through Fontmell Magna and Compton Abbas directly into Shaftesbury.
Please Car Share
We're expecting thousands of visitors this year and parking in Shaftesbury will be very limited. If you're driving, please car share with friends, family or neighbours wherever possible. It's better for the environment, easier on the roads, and means more people can enjoy the festival!
If you must drive and park in town, please allow extra time and follow the instructions of our marshals.
Find Us
Shaftesbury High Street & Park Walk, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JY