How to Find Clayesmore
Clayesmore is located in Iwerne Minster, in the heart of Dorset, surrounded by the countryside of the Cranborne Chase. Despite our rural setting, we are within easy reach of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the South West, with good road, rail and air connections.
Clayesmore School
Iwerne Minster
Blandford Forum
Dorset
DT11 8LL
Telephone: 01747 813111
Clayesmore is easily accessible from the A303, A350 and A31.
If using a sat-nav, enter our full postcode DT11 8LL and search for Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster.
From London and the South East
Take the M3 south-west towards Winchester, joining the A303 towards Salisbury. Continue towards Mere and follow the A350 south towards Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum. Follow signs for Iwerne Minster and Clayesmore.
Approximate journey from London: 2 hours 15 minutes
From Bournemouth and the South Coast
Take the A31 towards Wimborne and Blandford Forum, then follow the A350 towards Shaftesbury. Follow signs for Iwerne Minster and Clayesmore.
Approximate journey from Bournemouth: 50 minutes
From Bristol and the West
Take the A37 south towards Yeovil and then the A303 east towards Salisbury. Join the A350 south towards Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum, following signs for Iwerne Minster.
Approximate journey from Bristol: 1 hour 20 minutes
Journey times are approximate and can vary considerably with traffic and time of day.
The two closest mainline railway stations to Clayesmore are Gillingham (Dorset) and Tisbury. Both are served by South Western Railway, with regular services towards London Waterloo and the South West.
Gillingham (Dorset)
Approximately 11 miles | 20 minutes by car
Gillingham is our closest railway station by road and is on the London Waterloo–Exeter line.
A taxi from Gillingham to Clayesmore takes approximately 20 minutes. There is also a Clayesmore school transport service that operates from Gillingham Station at certain times, including arrangements for pupils travelling at the beginning and end of term.
Plan your journey with National Rail
Tisbury
Approximately 11 miles | 20–25 minutes by car
Tisbury is another convenient option for travelling to Clayesmore by train. The station is on the London Waterloo–Exeter line and is particularly useful for families travelling from London and the surrounding areas.
Clayesmore’s school transport network also includes a stop at Tisbury Station.
Plan your journey with National Rail
Travelling from London
Regular South Western Railway services operate from London Waterloo towards Gillingham and Tisbury.
The journey from London Waterloo to the local stations is generally around two hours, making rail a practical option for families travelling from London and the South East.
For families travelling from across the UK or overseas, there are several airports within easy reach of Clayesmore.
| Airport | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth Airport | 24 miles | 40 minutes |
| Southampton Airport | 44 miles | 1 hour 5–10 minutes |
| Bristol Airport | 60 miles | 1 hour 30–40 minutes |
| London Heathrow | 95 miles | 2 hours |
Journey times are approximate and can vary depending on traffic.
Bournemouth Airport
Approximately 24 miles | 40 minutes by car
Bournemouth is the closest commercial airport to Clayesmore and offers a range of UK and European destinations.
For families travelling from overseas, Bournemouth can be a convenient option where direct flights are available.
Southampton Airport
Approximately 44 miles | 1 hour 5–10 minutes by car
Southampton Airport provides another convenient option, particularly for UK and European connections.
The airport is connected to the national rail network via Southampton Airport Parkway.
Bristol Airport
Approximately 60 miles | 1 hour 30–40 minutes by car
Bristol Airport is a useful option for families travelling from across the South West and offers a wide range of UK and international destinations.
London Heathrow
Approximately 95 miles | 2 hours by car
For families travelling from further afield, London Heathrow offers the widest choice of international and long-haul connections.
Clayesmore is approximately two hours from Heathrow by road, although journey times can be longer during busy periods.
We understand that travelling to a boarding school from overseas involves a little more planning.
International pupils can arrange transport between Clayesmore and airports or railway stations through our school transport provider. Our transport team can help families arrange suitable transfers, including journeys at the beginning and end of term and during exeat weekends.
Find out more about School Transport
If you are travelling to Clayesmore for the first time and are unsure which airport or route would be most convenient, our Admissions team will be happy to help.
Admissions
01747 812122
admissions@clayesmore.com
If you are visiting Clayesmore for an Open Day, private tour, Experience Day, parents’ event or school occasion, there are a number of places to stay within easy reach of the School.
Iwerne Minster and the surrounding villages
For the closest options, we recommend looking at accommodation in Shaftesbury or Blandford Forum.
Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is approximately 10 minutes from Clayesmore and offers a choice of hotels, guest houses, restaurants and self-catering accommodation.
The Grosvenor Arms
Shaftesbury
La Fleur de Lys
Shaftesbury
Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum is approximately 15–20 minutes from Clayesmore and offers further hotel and guest accommodation.
The Crown Hotel
Blandford Forum
Other local options
There are also a number of country inns, guest houses and self-catering properties within a 20–30 minute drive of Clayesmore.
Clayesmore operates a comprehensive network of school minibuses across Dorset and into Somerset and Wiltshire.
Routes run on weekdays and Saturday mornings, with additional arrangements available for exeat weekends and the beginning and end of term. International pupils can also arrange airport and railway station transfers through our transport provider.
If you are coming to Clayesmore for the first time, our Admissions team can help with directions, transport and local accommodation.
Admissions
01747 812122
admissions@clayesmore.com