Gillingham Town Meadow

The meadow sits just outside Shaftesbury, a proper bit of open ground that locals clearly care about. It's the sort of place where you'll see dog walkers, families having a kickabout, and people just sitting on the grass watching the world go by. Nothing fancy - just good open space with decent views across the Dorset countryside.

For a town meadow, it punches above its weight. The grass is well maintained, and there's something rather nice about having a green space this accessible right on the edge of town. Children will burn off energy here, walkers can use it as a stopping point between longer routes, and if you're camping nearby, it's worth knowing it exists as a free spot to stretch your legs.

The real value comes if you're staying at Gold Hill Glamping or Sunnyhill Campsite - both within five miles. You get that sense of town and countryside rubbing shoulders, which is very Dorset. Pop into Shaftesbury itself for lunch or a wander around the high street, then come back to the meadow for an hour in the fresh air. It's not going to eat up your whole afternoon, but it's exactly what it should be: a functional, pleasant green space that works well as part of a broader day out rather than a destination in itself.