Sherborne is a picturesque town nestled in the Dorset countryside. Honey-hued sandstone buildings line the streets and give Sherborne a golden glow. Stroll around the atmospheric historic centre, explore centuries-old castles and learn about the town’s connection to English icons like Oliver Cromwell and Sir Walter Raleigh.
Things to do in Sherborne
In its heyday, Sherborne Abbey was one of the most influential churches in England. Today it’s beautifully maintained and features a magnificent fan vault ceiling, whimsical stained-glass windows and a soaring central tower. Guided tours offer more information on the abbey’s fascinating history.
Explore the crumbling ruins of Sherborne Old Castle. The ancient stronghold was built in the 12th century and besieged by Oliver Cromwell in the 1600s. Gaze up at the Great Tower and walk around the ruins of the gatehouse, chapel and castle kitchen. Visit in summer to see the grounds carpeted in bright pink wildflowers.
Walk in the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh at Sherborne New Castle. The iconic Elizabethan explorer commissioned the castle in the 16th century, but it wasn’t completed until much later. Tour lavishly decorated rooms and stroll around the beautiful gardens designed by famous English landscape architect, Capability Brown.
Browse independent boutiques, art galleries and antique shops in the lively town centre. Walking along the high street feels like stepping into a period drama. It’s lined with half-timbered buildings, elegant Georgian manors and townhouses built with honey-coloured limestone. Enjoy afternoon tea at a cosy café and dine at traditional British pubs with gleaming mahogany bars and stone fireplaces.
Getting around Sherborne
Sherborne is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Dorset, a 1.5-hour drive from Bristol and 2.5 hours from London by car or train. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Sherborne and explore Dorset at your own pace. Heathrow Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.