'''Gillingham''' is the most northerly town in Dorset on the edge of the Blackmore Vale.
Get in
South West trains from London 2 hours. On the Waterloo to Exeter main line.
Five minutes from the A303, main route to the West Country from London.
National Cycle route 25
Stour Valley Way long distance path
Compton Abbas Airfield
Get around
Infrequent local buses with very few routes.
Star Taxis +44 1747 822228.
T A Taxis +44 1747 821111.
See
The nearby National Trust gardens at Stourhead.
The thatched church in Langham Lane.
The local museum [http://www.gillinghammuseum.co.uk]
Ecliffe Mill and the river Stour.
Carnival processions in October. [http://www.gillinghamcarnival.org.uk]
Do
Ascend Top Gear's favourite, Zig Zag Hill.
Culver_fs Farm Fishery: Tel., Victor Pitman +44 1747 822466. Carp, bream, roach and tench fishing.
Walk the Stour Valley Way which follows the river Stour from its source at Stourhead to the sea at Christchurch.
Buy
Neal's Yard Remedies Factory and shop [http://www.nealsyardremedies.com] Peacemarsh SP8 4EU. Tel: +44 845 262 3145
Chester Jefferies Ltd Glove manufacturers, Factory and shop [http://www.chesterjefferies.co.uk] SP8 4QE +44 1747 822629. Makes a speciality of gloves for the film industry.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
One hotel: Stock Hill House [http://www.stockhillhouse.co.uk] SP8 5NR. Tel: +44 1747 823626
and a selection of B&Bs
North Lodge B&B [http://www.dorsetbreak.co.uk] SP8 5NH. Tel: +44 1747 821215.
Leela Fields Holiday, Touring & Camping Park [http://www.leelafields.co.uk] SP8 4RE. Tel: +44 1747 821221
Contact
Get out