Sherborne is a small town in England. A market town and civil parish in northwest Dorset, it's sited on the River Yeo on the edge of the Blackmore Vale. Much of the old town, including its abbey and many medieval and Georgian buildings, is built from distinctive ochre-coloured ham stone.
Understand
In 2011, Sherborne had a population of 9,500, which has been steadily rising from the 1841 population of 3,500.
Visitor information
Get in
By train
- Sherborne railway station, 50.944°, -2.513°. The station opened in 1860 and is served by South Western Railway trains from London Waterloo, Salisbury and Exeter St Davids. The station is manned and has WiFi, a cafe and toilets. 2021-11-18
By bus
- South West Coaches X11 is a daytime service from Yeovil and Dorchester, with 6 buses M-F, none at weekends.
Get around
Taxis
- Beaver +44 1935 816 620
- P & J Cabs +44 1935 816 877
See
- Sherborne Old Castle, Castleton, DT9 3SA, 50.947701°, -2.502103°, +44 1935 812730. ruins, destroyed in 1645 by a fierce siege. adults £3.60, children £2.20, concessions £3.20
- Sherborne Abbey, 50.946667°, -2.516667°. has one of the finest examples in Britain of a fan vaulted ceiling.
- Fleet Air Arm Museum, 51.0136°, -2.6448°. comprehensive collection of naval aircraft
- Sherborne New Castle, 50.946°, -2.5006°. built in 1594 by Sir Walter Raleigh
Do
- Pack Monday Fair. Annual street fair starting on the Monday following 10 October. 2021-11-18
Buy
Sherborne is an excellent place for a spot of retail therapy - the town's boutiques offer delightful and varied shopping, and its antique shops are full of fascinating finds. The ever-popular town markets and Farmers' Markets offer the perfect opportunity to purchase some tasty local produce and unique gifts.
Eat
Whether you prefer some heart-warming pub grub, elegant high teas, fine cuisine or simply a family-friendly dining experience, you can be sure that Sherborne will offer you many delicious local specialities to tempt your taste-buds! Contact Sherborne Tourist Information Centre (dead link: January 2023) for some expert advice.
- Chetnole Inn, Chetnole DT9 6NU, 50.872°, -2.567°, +44 1935 872337. Country pub with simple rooms, it's the food that gets the great reviews. 2021-11-18
Drink
- The Cross Keys, 50.94699°, -2.51563°. Pub with meals (mains from £15) and 3 bedrooms. 2021-11-18
Sleep
- Eastbury Hotel, Long St, Sherborne DT9 3BY, 50.94793°, -2.51094°, +44 1935 813131. Given a skillful Edwardian makeover in 2018, this upscale place scores highly for comfort, service, and cuisine at Seasons Restaurant. B&B double £140 2020-07-23
- Grange at Oborne, 50.96610°, -2.49412°. 18 room country house hotel with restaurant (mains around £20). from £70 2021-11-18
Connect
Emergency
The emergency numbers for the United Kingdom: serious emergencies (police, fire or ambulance) - 999; non-emergency police - 101; non-emergency health issues - 111. SMS messages can be sent to 999 after registration by sending a text message with the word 'Register' to 999. 911 redirects to 999 on mobile phones. Power outages - 105.
Sherbone is patrolled by the Dorset Police. The headquarters is at Winfrith and there are also 21 stations, including one in Sherbone (dead link: March 2023) which is open two days per week.