Without a doubt, Sherborne is one of the most stunning towns in South West England. Nestled in wooded hills and glorious green valleys, this gem in Dorset has lots to offer. With lots of references to medieval times and its gorgeous mellow coloured stone, Sherborne is definitely worth a visit!
Take your pick from antiques, art, or take a trip to the Saturday farmers’ market where you’re able to sample the best local produce in Sherborne and the local surrounding area. There’s also a regular vintage market which is worth the trip, and there’s guided walks around the town available to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
The History of Sherborne
In Sherborne town, there’s a beautiful Abbey, two castles (one of which was built by Sir Walter Raleigh), a historic Almshouse and many other ancient and pretty buildings, drawing visitors from far and wide. If you’re looking for a trail of the town, head on over to the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) where the staff will guide you around the places worth visiting during your stay.
Sherborne Festivals and Events
For those looking to kick back, relax and unwind with live events and festivals, you’ll be happy to discover that there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Sherborne the whole year through!
Firstly, there’s an annual Sherborne International Film Festival which is not to be missed. Secondly, at Sherborne Castle there’s the Spring and Autumn colours weekends to showcase the natural beauty of the area and makes great photo opportunities.
Next, if you visit Sherborne Abbey, there’s many performances and concerts definitely worth a visit. These are perfect for classical music lovers, especially when the glorious setting only adds to the magical touch of the area.
Finally, each and every year, the Sherborne Literary Festival attracts huge crowds and proves ever popular within the local town. What’s more, the Fireworks Extravaganza is a must-have to add to your diary!
Specialist Shops in Sherborne
If you’re looking to find a quirky gift, something for your home or garden, or some new clothes, Sherborne has it all. With a huge array of gorgeous boutiques and individually-owned shops means there’s plenty of choice available to shoppers and visitors alike. Plus, there’s oodles of antique shops where you’re certain to find many treasure troves filled with wonderful delights!
Also, don’t forget to head to Cheap Street’s Pannier Market every Thursday and Saturday for lots of tempting fare for you to feast your eyes upon.
Places to Eat in Sherborne
As a popular town in Dorset, Sherborne is a go-to place for foodies and it’s clear to see why! Take your pick from coffee shops, delis, cafes, pubs, cute tearooms, a la carte restaurants, bistros and much more! Conveniently, since the COVID-19 pandemic, many are now offering a takeaway option, or you can pre-order and collect at a time that’s suitable for you.
As mentioned before, there’s regular farmers’ markets offering a great deal of fresh local produce from Sherborne and the wider local area. Also, if you are seeking an impressive 2 AA Rosette restaurant, definitely check out the intimate dining experience at Season’s Restaurant. Book a table now to enjoy stunning garden views from every table, or cascade out onto the terrace for al-fresco summer dining, when the weather is fine!
One for the film buffs!
Did you know Sherborne town has made an appearance in a couple of big films? Firstly, Sherborne School, and other local locations where featured in both ‘The Imitation Game’ and BBC’s historical drama, ‘Wolf Hall’, while Hardy’s classic novel ‘Far From The Madding Crowd’ was partly filmed in Sherborne as part of Hollywood’s 2015 adaptation. How impressive is that?!
Discover more…
Want to learn more about Sherborne? Read our dedicated blog all about Sherborne Town, or learn about Sherborne Schools, by checking out our recent blog. Lastly, if you’re looking at How To Get To Sherborne, our useful blog should help!
