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Things to do inSherborne

Visitor information for Sherborne in Dorset

  • Sherborne
  • Sherborne
  • Sherborne
  • Sherborne

The beautiful Dorset market town of Sherborne was named ‘scir burne’ by the Saxons, meaning ‘place of the clear stream’. The town has an abundance of fine medieval and Georgian buildings built of the honey-coloured Hamstone, quarried at Ham Hill, Somerset.  

The centrepiece of the town is its Abbey. The glorious fan vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows by the renowned artists Lawrence Whistler and John Hayward are a sight not to be missed. Regular guided tours are held on Tuesday mornings at 10.30am and Fridays at 2.30pm from April until September. 

Sherborne’s Old Castle, which is now in ruins, is a charming stop for a few hours.  Built in the 12th century and a favourite of Sir Walter Raleigh, the Castle has battled through two sieges yet still has its North Range and Great Tower still intact. 

The ‘new’ Sherborne Castle stands a short distance from the town centre and has been the home of the Digby family since 1617. Visitors from all over the world have been attracted to its outstanding collections of art and furniture and to admire Capability Brown's landscaped gardens with their sweeping lawns, magnificent specimen trees and herbaceous borders. Visitors tour the interior of the castle at their own pace and there are stewards on hand to answer any questions.

In the town centre there are many independent businesses selling a vast array of items, from handcrafted goods to elegant fashions. Wander round Sherborne’s streets and see what you can find. 

Weekly street markets are held on Thursdays and Saturdays where you’ll find stalls selling everything from fabric to fish and baked goods to books. The Farmers’ Market takes place every third Friday of the month and sells some of the best local produce.  

Sherborne Museum is centrally located in the heart of this beautiful Dorset town and occupies what was formerly the Almonry belonging to the Abbey, now a Grade II listed building. 

Sport lovers can take their pick from Sherborne Sports Centre with its pool, outdoor tennis courts and fitness suites; or the Oxley Sports Centre which boasts a 25-metre swimming pool, a climbing and bouldering wall and 2 squash courts among its facilities. 

Things to do in Sherborne

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Sherborne Events

Latest Sherborne Features

6 Dec 2021
Dorset’s Christmas Markets and Festive Fairs ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you will be when you discover the fantastic selection of Christmas markets and festive fairs that are set to be held around Dorset in the coming weeks. If you’re getting organised with your shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts; if delicious food and drink is on your wish list, then you’ll love the tasty selection available from local producers; or maybe you’d like a day out to get you in the ... Read more...
3 Nov 2021
Dorset Firework Displays in 2021 Celebrate with a bang this weekend as Dorset plays host to a wide range of firework displays and bonfire events. A selection of fireworks / bonfire events can be found below: Read more...
21 Feb 2020
Dorset History Dorset’s past influences much of what we do here today, the many places we visit, and a great number of the photos we take as our own mementos. A county with a rich heritage, there’s plenty of Dorset history to be explored. From a Victorian sea-defence fort to centuries-old castles, via preserved steam trains and a wartime abandoned village, and through a variety of award-winning museums, Dorset’s past is brilliantly brought to life. Take a trip back in time with a visit ... Read more...
4 Dec 2019
New Year's Eve Events in Dorset New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration. We raise a glass to the year that’s gone by, everything we’ve achieved, and that glass is also raised to the year ahead. It is often spent with family and friends, the ones who have been by our side for last 12 months, and the ones we look to spend the next 12 months with. For many of us, a change is about to happen. We step into the New Year with a fresh vision of exciting things to come. Whatever you’re ... Read more...
26 Nov 2019
Dog-Friendly Dorset A fully-fledged member of the family, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out of the holiday loop and will be well-catered for when you come to dog-friendly Dorset. Accommodation When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of accommodation to choose from. Whether it’s camping, a caravan, cottage or lodge you’re after, Dorset has plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from to make the perfect holiday for you and your ... Read more...

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