Home > Things To Do in West Dorset > West Dorset Attractions > Sherborne Castle

Sherborne Castle

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in c1594, it became the home of the Digby family in c1617 and has remained so to the present day. Prince William of Orange was entertained here in 1688 and George III visited in 1789. The castle reflects various styles from the Elizabethan hall to the Victorian solarium. Splendid collections of art, furniture and porcelain are on view. The grounds around the 50-acre lake were landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. Today three floors of the Castle are open for public viewing. The Castle is a perfect place to 'escape', and enjoy the timeless tranquillity in the 30 acres of beautiful lakeside gardens. Enjoy morning coffees, light lunches and afternoon teas in the tearoom. Gift shop. Public events programme through the open season; venue for private, corporate and wedding functions.

Sherborne Castle plays a starring role in the new ITV series, 'A Tale Of Two Castles'.Filmed over ten months, this lively observation documentary series is a colourful behind the scenes portrait of 21st Century life at both Sherborne Castle and St Michaels' Mount in Cornwall, following the present day activities of two very traditional homes. The documentary will be shown on Sunday evenings on ITV1 South West regions from Sunday 13th April at 6.00pm for six weeks.

Opening Times

Open 1 Apr 2007 - 31 Oct 2007

Day	Opening Times
Monday	- Closed
Tuesday	11:00 - 16:30
Wednesday	11:00 - 16:30
Thursday	11:00 - 16:30
Friday	- Closed
Saturday	11:00 - 16:30
Sunday	11:00 - 16:30
Bank Holiday	11:00 - 16:30

Events

Tickets Information

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff*
Adult - Castle & Gardens	£8.50 per ticket
Adult - Gardens Only	£4.00 per ticket
Children Under 15	free

Road Directions

Nearest major road is A30/A303. Castle situated on B3145, 0.5 miles east of Sherborne, follow brown signs from A30/A352.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest station is Sherborne station. Turn right over railway crossing to T-junction. Turn left, castle is 500 yards away. London Waterloo to exeter mainline service, trains operated by South West Trains.

Facilities

Provider Preferences

In town/city centre - Edge of Sherborne town
No Smoking Attraction - From 1st July 2007

Accessibility

Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Braille guide.
Guide Dogs Permitted
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Ramp/Level Access
Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Parking & Transport

On site parking
Parking (free)

Catering

On-Site café/restaurant - Self-service tearoom, for 80 max; further tables outside for fine weather. Morning Coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas.
Picnic Site

Payment Methods

Approx length of visit - 03:30
Blue Badge Guides admitted free
Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.By arangement during normal opening times.
JCB accepted
Maestro accepted
MasterCard accepted
Max group size
Min group size - 15
Open by appointment outside normal opening times
Solo accepted
Special group rates
TIC Staff Admitted Free
Visa accepted