Travel and Accommodation

Travel Note

Travel information

Travel Times & Planning Guide ✈️🚆 To help you plan your journey, here are approximate travel times to Shaftesbury (via Gillingham, Dorset). ⸻ ✨ If You’re Stopping in London First We highly recommend spending a night or two in London if time allows! From Heathrow to Central London • Heathrow Express to Paddington: 15 minutes • Add 20–40 minutes to reach your hotel (depending on location) • Total estimate: 45–75 minutes door-to-hotel • Taxi/Uber from Heathrow to Central London: 45–90 minutes (depending on traffic) ⸻ 🚆 London to Shaftesbury From London Waterloo → Gillingham (Dorset) • Train time: ~1 hour 40 minutes • Taxi from Gillingham to Shaftesbury: 10–15 minutes Total station-to-door time: About 2 hours We recommend allowing 2.5 hours total to account for arriving early at the station and small delays. ⸻ 🚗 If You’re Going Straight to Shaftesbury From Heathrow Train Option (Most Popular) • Heathrow to London Waterloo (via taxi or train across London): 60–90 minutes • Waterloo to Gillingham train: 1 hour 40 minutes • Taxi to Shaftesbury: 10–15 minutes Total estimated time: 3–4 hours ⸻ Private Taxi from Heathrow to Shaftesbury • Approximately 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic This is the simplest option if traveling with luggage or in a group. ⸻ From Gatwick Gatwick → London → Gillingham • Gatwick to London: ~30–45 minutes • Transfer across London (if needed): 20–40 minutes • Waterloo to Gillingham train: 1 hour 40 minutes • Taxi to Shaftesbury: 10–15 minutes Total estimated time: 3–3.5 hours ⸻ ✨ Planning Tip If you are flying in the same day as an event, we recommend allowing: • 4 hours total travel time from Heathrow • 3.5–4 hours from Gatwick This gives you breathing room for customs, baggage claim, and any train delays.