10 best things to do in Sherborne

t the weekend we visited Sherborne which is a beautiful town located in North West Dorset. Close to the Somerset border and on the River Yeo it is full of history and stunning honey-coloured brick buildings. Which you can not help but fall in love with. Previously the capital of Wessex it was settled in Roman times and has a history dating back to at least the 12th century. It makes a wonderful day trip and is one of the best towns we have visited in Dorset. Not to mention it is home to two castles and the stunning Sherborne Abbey. 

Things to do in Sherborne Dorset

We found ourselves with one full day to explore the historic town while enjoying a short break at The Eastbury Hotel and Spa. I would say that a day is probably not long enough. You could easily spend two days visiting the historical sites and take it a little slower. Especially with the kids. Sherborne boasts not one but two castles, an amazing vaulted Abbey, a free museum and plenty of opportunities to eat and drink. Just like many of the towns and villages we have visited, I am sure we will be back in the future. 

New Sherborne Castle & Gardens

This is the largest attraction within the town and is only a ten to fifteen-minute walk from the hotel. A beautiful country house with gorgeous gardens and the stately home of the Digby family. There are two different walks both of which take around fifty minutes and are a short distance. When Charlie saw that there was a fossil house that’s the route we took. The map points out various places of interest and it was a nice walk around the parkland giving lovely views of the rolling hills and specimen trees. The castle gardens were designed by Capability Brown. The route also took you close to Old Sherborne Castle. 

After our walk, we headed back toward the castle. Where we had a picnic and fed the ducks. There are various outbuildings to have a nose in and the acres of gardens and herbaceous borders are beautiful. At midday, the house itself opens which we had brought tickets for. There are no photos allowed to be taken in the house but the kid’s trial is very good. It really helped keep Harry engaged all the way through. It was very interesting learning all about the history of Sherborne Castle & Gardens and Sir Walter Raleigh who made a lot of alterations to the property when he was given it by Queen Elizabeth the first. 

Things you need to know

• Top Tip – there is no cafe on-site at the moment so definitely bring a picnic. Cold drinks can be purchased at the ticket kiosk. 
• How long do you need – we spent around four hours at the castle. Including going inside and spending time during the children’s trail around the rooms. 
• Entry prices and opening hours – Standard prices are £10 for the gardens only or £14.50 for the house and gardens for the adults or £4.00 for children. There are discounts that apply for Historic Houses, English Heritage and RHS members. Season ticket also available. 
• Website – Find out more on their website – Sherborne Castle.

Old Sherborne Castle

Located on the outskirts of the town Sherborne Old Castle is in the care of English Heritage. Although it now just ruins the Southwest gatehouse is still very impressive. Sherborne Old Castle dates back to the 12th Century. It has a rich history of being linked to the Bishop of Salisbury who was King Henry I’s Chancellor and most senior advisor. As well as Sir Walter Raleigh’s desire to refortify it. And then Oliver Cromwell wanted to see it destroyed and did destroy it after the civil war. 

• Top Tip – If you are planning on visiting Sherborne New Castle then this is only a short walk (approx 10 minutes) from the new castle. It is not possible to reach the old castle from the new castle grounds. Although you do walk very close to it. And you can peep through the fence. But you would miss the front of the gatehouse. 
• How long do you need – an hour at most as it is just ruined but there are some information boards explaining its history and what you can see.
• Entry prices & opening hours – There is no need to book ahead, open 10 am to 5 pm and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Prices are £6.60 for adults, £4.00 for children and £17.20 for a family of four with a donation.
• Website – Find our more on their website – Sherborne Old Castle

Sherborne Abbey

Magnificent Sherborne Abbey was the other thing on my to-do list and one of the best places in the town. The ancient abbey has the most amazing nave and fan-vaulted ceiling. Located right in the centre it’s easily accessible from the shopping area. Even if you are not one for churches it’s still worth a look. It did not disappoint. The ceiling of Sherborne Abbey is decorated with intricate wooden carvings its whole length. You can’t help but look up at the vaulted ceiling. Although you may visit for the ceiling make sure you also stop for stained glass windows which are also beautiful. 

The Benedictine abbey dates back to the 8th century and has been a place of worship for over 1,300 years. Sherborne Abbey served as the seat of the Bishop of Sherborne from the 10th century. After the Norman Conquest of England, the Bishop of Sherborne moved his bishop’s seat to Old Sarum and the abbey became a dependent priory of the cathedral there. However, in the 12th century, the bishopric was moved back to Sherborne and the abbey regained its independence.

• Top Tip – If the kids need a little encouragement then there is a little carved mermaid somewhere in the magnificent Abbey for them to find. A member of staff will be able to point you in the right direction. 
• How long do you need – We only spent about twenty minutes wandering around and listening to the choir
• Entry prices & opening hours – Sherborne Abbey is free to enter although there is a donation machine on the way out. Opening hours are 8 am to 4 pm every day of the week unless there are special events such as the Sherborne Abbey Festival.
• Website – More details on their website – Sherborne Abbey

Town Trail in Sherborne Dorset

Sherborne town trail will take you around the main points of interest within the town and is a great way to s the years of history. The beautiful walk has 17 different points on it. With 16 and 17 being the two castles. Points 1 to 15 are around 1.5 miles in length and it will take about an hour to walk without stopping on the route although you are free to explore at your own pace. At different points around the trail, there are plaques to point you in the right direction. 

• Top Tip – If you would rather have a map for the kids to follow around. Then the trail is available in a paper leaflet which we picked up from the Abbey. A point to note is that the tourist information centre has now shut with information being available on the Visit Dorset website instead.
• How long do you need – An hour minimum although I think you can probably spend the whole day doing the trail and seeing all the points of interest independently.
• Entry prices & opening hours – It is free! And you can do it whenever you want although you will need to be mindful of the points on the trail and their opening hours.
• Website – You can find more details on the Visit Dorset – Sherborne Town Trail website and print out the route.

Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre

This is something that the boys really wanted to see but it was closed when we visited. As it does have very limited opening hours. You can see the vintage waterwheel and steam engines in operation. The waterwheel is 26 feet in diameter which makes it one of the largest in Dorset. It was in operation from 1869 to 1959. 

• Top Tip – Make sure you check the open days in advance as they are limited. Tea and coffee are available only so bring a picnic if you are visiting over lunchtime. 
• How long do you need – Around half an hour
• Entry prices & opening hours – Select days over the summer period open 11.30 am to 3.30 pm. Normally only one a month. Entry is free but they do rely on a donation to operate. 
• Website – check opening days on their website – Sherborne Steam & Waterwheel Centre

 

Sherborne Museum

A volunteer museum is located close to the Abbey on Church Street. The small museum holds various pieces of history from Sherborne itself and the surrounding area. Exhibits vary from a unique medieval painting through to childhood memories of the residents. It is one of the many free things to do in Sherborne UK.

• Top Tip – They often run events and are also on the museum loan programme meaning that there is always something new to do or see. 
• How long do you need – About half an hour depending on how interested the children ar in reading all the information. 
• Entry prices & opening hours – It is free to enter, although they do ask for a donation. The summer period is from April to December and the museum is open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm during this time. Although it is volunteer-led so maybe best to check ahead. 
• Website – find out more on their website Sherborne Museum

Pannier Market

There is an open-air market day each Saturday and Thursday which runs from 9 am to 3 pm in Sherborne Dorset. There is also a farmer’s market where you can buy local produce. Held on the 3rd Friday of each month which runs from 9 am to 1 pm. The market place is located at the bottom of Cheap Street at the Parade and runs partly up the hill. The street is pedestrianised so it makes it much easier to navigate with kids.

• Top Tip – As we visited the castle in the morning we did not arrive at the bottom of Cheap Street until around 2 pm and found most of the market has packed up or was closing down. So my advice would be to arrive early.
• Website – You can find out more on the Sherborne Market website.

Shopping on Cheap Street

Cheap Street in the town centre is lined on both sides by unique independent shops. As well as some well-known high street brands. The perfect place to go shopping in Sherborne. It is a cute high street which goes up a small hill lined with Georgian buildings and wooden-fronted Tudor-style buildings. It is the ideal place for a bit of souvenir shopping. Or if you are looking for a truly unique gift shop.

• Top Tip – Don’t forget the kid’s pocket money as they will be tempted by some of the treats on show. It is a great place to pick up some delicious food and picnic items from the mouth-watering delis

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Enjoy an ice cream

One sure way to keep the kids happy in the heat or as bribery while looking around the historic market town of Sherborne Dorset is ice cream. On the way into the town, you pass Ecco Gelato which I can highly recommend for ice creams as big as your head! Open 11 am to 6 pm during the week and 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.

• Top Tip – The ice cream parlour has plenty of seating if you want to rest weary legs and also has a wide range of hot and cold drinks available.

Enjoy a drink in one of the many pubs

One of the best things about Sherborne as far as the husband is concerned is the number of pubs in the town. We stopped for a drink in The Plume Sherborne which we visited on the recommendation of some local friends. It did not disappoint with a secluded courtyard full of flowers and vegetables. It was the perfect place for us all to rest while sightseeing. I would definitely recommend a visit and even on a hot Saturday afternoon in July there was space in the beer garden. They also offer pub food. But if fine dining is more your thing then you may want to try Seasons at The Eastbury Hotel who will give you a warm welcome.

• Top Tip – Outside is table service which they charge for so you may want to take it in turns to go to the bar.

Things to locally to Sherborne Dorset

All these things to do in Sherborne are obviously within the Sherborne area. However, there are plenty of places for day trips and family days that are suitable for children. Including some of our favourites in the local area all within easy reach most within an hour’s drive:

• Fleet Air Arm Museum – representing the flying arm of the Royal Navy with over 90 aircraft including the first British Concorde – 8 miles
• Monkey World – we love Monkey World and visited a lot when the boys were younger. It is a firm family favourite and one of the most popular attractions locally – 30 miles
• Longleat Safari Park – for animal-mad kids the safari park makes a great day out along with Longleat house – 27 miles 
• Cheddar Gorge – for something completely different, the kids won’t be able to stop themselves from saying wow when they see the rocks on either side of the road – 35 miles
• Wookey Hole – for some old fashion fun with a little bit of quirkiness in these pleasure grounds and caves – 28 miles
• Durdle Door – One of Dorset’s most photographic and iconic landmarks with a pebble and shingle beach close to Lulworth Cove on Dorset’s Jurassic coast – 33 miles
• Weymouth – A large sandy beach, full of quintessential English seaside fun including a great sea life centre – 27 miles.
• Lyme Regis – A quaint seaside town and a great place to search for fossils is – 31 miles away

 

And some more things to do near Sherborne for the whole family…

• Corfe Castle – A beautiful village with a National Trust Castle that offers a lot of activities for kids during the holidays – 38 miles.
• Brownsea Island – Catch a chainlink ferry across to this beautiful island full of pine trees and the scouting movement – 42 miles.
• Stone Henge – This could be a good stopping point on the way to Sherborne if you are coming from the East – 39 miles.
• Haynes Motor Museum – For all those that love cars of all sorts and this is the museum for you and is high on the boy’s list – 9 miles.
• Cerne Giant – Part of the National Trust the ancient naked figure is sculpted into the chalk hillside above Cerne Abbas. You can view it from the car park or take a walk up if you desire, free entry – 12 miles.
• Dinosaur Museum – The museum features a wide range of exhibits and displays, including life-size models of dinosaurs, fossils, and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the anatomy and behaviour of these ancient creatures. – 18 miles
• If travelling from Sussex as we do then you could also go via Peppa Pig World, the theme park has many rides for all age groups and plenty of outdoor play area – 55 miles.

 

Thomas Hardy and Sherborne Dorset

Thomas Hardy was a renowned English novelist and poet who lived in and wrote about the rural countryside of Dorset. Hardy was born in the town of Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, and spent much of his life in the area. He drew inspiration from the landscape and the people of Dorset, and many of his novels, including “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” and “Far from the Madding Crowd,” are set in the region. 

Sherborne was also an important location for Hardy. As he attended school at the King’s School a Sherborne school and later worked as an architect’s assistant in the town. Today, visitors to Dorset can explore the Thomas Hardy Trail, which takes you to the places that inspired Hardy’s writing, including his childhood home, the parish church where he is buried, and the town of Sherborne. The trail provides a fascinating insight into the life and work of one of England’s greatest writers, as well as the beauty and charm of the Dorset countryside.

Have you visited Sherborne in Dorset? It was one of our favourite road trips. I would love to hear about what you got up to on your visit. Please let me know in the comments below

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