8 things to do in Sherborne, Dorset
The historic Dorset town of Sherborne is easily one of the South West’s most underrated destinations.
Home to two castles, a towering abbey founded in the 8th century AD, and a rare high street still packed with independent cafes and quirky curiosity shops, Sherborne is perfect for a weekend getaway.
If you’re planning a Dorset holiday, here are the best things to do in Sherborne.
1. Take a tour of Sherborne Abbey
Sherborne Abbey has loomed large over the town since it was first established way back in the 8th century AD.
With Anglo-Saxon foundations, rounded Norman arches and Victorian artworks, the abbey is a microcosm of English history.
Step inside, and you’ll even find the crypts of King Aethelbald and King Aethelbert, elder brothers of King Alfred the Great, who were interred here during the 9th century AD.
Enthusiastic volunteers run guided tours of the abbey, taking you through Sherborne’s past and revealing the history hidden within this ancient building.
Best of all, the tours are completely FREE, but you’ll need to check timings with the abbey in advance as they vary throughout the year.
2. Step back in time at Sherborne Old Castle
Sherborne’s Old Castle lies in ruins on the edge of town. Dating back to the 12th century AD, its now crumbling walls were raised by the Normans, who wanted to cement their power in the heart of Anglo-Saxon England.
The castle was later owned by the Elizabethan seafarer and celebrity Sir Walter Raleigh, before the Parliamentarians besieged it during the English Civil War.
Although its towers and ramparts are now dilapidated, cross the deep moat and you’ll still discover a sense of Sherborne Old Castle’s former glory.
Sherborne Old Castle is managed by English Heritage, but entry is FREE.
3. Explore Sherborne (New) Castle and Gardens
From Sherborne Old Castle, you’ll spot a Tudor-style mansion on the banks of Sherborne Lake. This is Sherborne Castle, which was originally designed as a hunting lodge by Sir Walter Raleigh.
Before he was beheaded on the orders of King James I, the explorer, pirate and seafarer was leased the Sherborne Estate by Queen Elizabeth I. With the ‘Old’ castle in a state of disrepair, however, he built a comfortable, more modern lodge opposite.
The Digby family, who still reside here to this day, took possession after Raleigh’s execution and have spent the past few centuries extending and renovating both the mansion and the gardens.
The castle and gardens are open to the public. The Walled Garden Restaurant next door is a fantastic place for a spot of breakfast or brunch before or after your visit.
4. Uncover hidden histories at Sherborne Museum
Sherborne has centuries of history beneath its medieval flagstones. The best way to learn more is with a visit to the quaint Sherborne Museum, which you’ll find in the former gatehouse of the old monastery, just outside the abbey.
The museum tells Sherborne’s history through the stories of the people who’ve lived here, be they Anglo-Saxon kings, Norman abbots, the influential Digby family, or writers, farmers, shopkeepers and soldiers.
Like many sights in Sherborne, the museum is also FREE to enter.
5. Browse for antiques on Cheap Street
I love how Sherborne’s high street is still the bustling heart of the town.
It’s how a high street should be, and the sheer number of antique sellers, curiosity shops and family-owned cafes speaks volumes of Sherborne’s independent character.
Cheap Street is the backbone of Sherborne’s commercial hub, carrying on an age-old market town tradition dating back its earliest Anglo-Saxon founding. You’ll soon notice, of course, that the majority of outlets here are far from ‘cheap’ (this is an affluent Dorset town, after all), but it costs nothing to browse!
My favourite store is the Sherborne Antiques Market, a veritable museum packed to the rafters with nostalgic signs, posters and toys, alongside Victorian furniture and Georgian vases. Pop into Oliver’s for a coffee, or a cheeky cocktail at Cafe D’Urberville.
6. Have a drink in one of Sherborne’s oldest pubs
As you’d expect in a town as old as Sherborne, there’s no shortage of historic pubs where you can enjoy a tipple.
Although the exact age of many of Sherborne’s finest taverns are unknown, common consensus holds The George – which you’ll find at the top of Cheap Street – to be the oldest. Dating back to the early 16th century (at least!), The George was possibly serving ale when Sir Walter Raleigh moved into Sherborne Castle.
My personal pick is the Plume of Feathers, another 16th century establishment which you’ll find opposite Sherborne Abbey.
The Plume of Feathers is where the traditional English pub meets the Italian bistro, and you can sip on Dorset ales while tucking into small plates of arancini, ravioli and risotto.
7. Visit The Sherborne for art, history and pizza
Sherborne’s newest attraction is, somewhat surprisingly, also one of its oldest. Since the 1700s, Sherborne House has been a magnificent local landmark, but for years, the red brick Georgian townhouse lay badly in need of restoration.
In 2024, however, Sherborne House reopened as ‘The Sherborne’, a brand new cultural and artistic hub that’s well worth a visit during your stay in the town (entry is free!). The historic stately rooms (where the likes of Charles Dickens once stayed), now host local and international art exhibitions, alongside permanent displays exploring The Sherborne’s heritage and long journey towards rejuvenation.
Attached, you’ll also find Macready’s (named for the Victorian actor William Charles Macready who once owned Sherborne House), where you can enjoy exquisite pizza, cooked in a genuine Italian pizza oven.
8. Enjoy the Eastbury Hotel’s Spa
And finally, after a long day of sightseeing in Sherborne, it’s time to put your feet up, relax a little and perhaps treat yourself to a spa session. When I last visited Sherborne, I had the pleasure of staying at The Eastbury, a gorgeous Georgian townhouse from the 1700s now converted into a fabulous 5-star hotel.
If you have the budget, I’d recommend staying in this historic hotel, not least because you’ll also have access to their spa! Located in the secluded surrounds of their Walled Garden, it’s the perfect place for a sauna and hot tub session to round off your Sherborne getaway.
Click here to read more about The Eastbury Hotel and for rates!
It’s also a dog-friendly hotel, and I’ve never seen a town welcome dogs quite so thoroughly as Sherbone. Take a look at my dog-friendly Sherborne guide to learn more about this!
