Home > Things To Do in West Dorset > 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 played a starring role in the new ITV series, 'A Tale Of Two Castles'.
Opening Times
Open All Year
Open 01/04/2010 - 31/10/2010
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
* Last admission to the Castle and Gardens is at 4:30pm.
The Castle interior opens later on Saturdays from 2.00pm.
Events
Saturday, 27th March 2010 - Sunday, 28th March 2010
Sunday, 2nd May 2010 - Monday, 3rd May 2010
Monday, 31st May 2010
Sunday, 18th July 2010
Wednesday, 3rd November 2010
Tickets Information
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff* |
|---|---|
| Adult - Castle & Gardens | £9.50 per ticket |
| Senior - Castle & Gardens | £9.00 per ticket |
| Adult/Senior - Gardens Only | £5.00 per ticket |
| Children (0-15) max 4 | free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
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. Local buses/bus services to Sherborne from neighbouring/regional towns.
Facilities
Attraction Facilities
- Dogs on Lead Only
- Garden Centre
- Shop
Provider Preferences
- In countryside - Edge of countryside; extensive parkland, Deer park and Farmland.
- Indoor Attraction
- No Smoking Attraction - From 1st July 2007
- Outdoor Attraction
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
- Coach Parking
- 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
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times
- Solo accepted
- Special group rates
- TIC Staff Admitted Free
- Visa accepted
Establishment Features
- Conference facilities
- Dogs Accepted - On a lead
- Event venue - Public event programme; private event venue.
- Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- Tea / Coffee Shop
- Toilets
Specialist Features
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- Dutch printed material
- French printed material
- German printed material
- Italian printed material
- Japanese printed material
- Spanish printed material
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
Additional Images
Click to enlarge images below:
Copyright © West Dorset 2008
