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Closed until 28 Mar 2024
Sherborne Castle & Gardens
Sherborne Castle & Gardens
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Mar 28, 2024
About
Sherborne Castle & Gardens is a wonderful day out. Visit our historic Castle and walk through 400 years of history, explore 42 acres of “capability” Brown landscape gardens.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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4.5
605 reviews
Excellent
359
Very good
180
Average
41
Poor
12
Terrible
13
mr_bukaroo
Leicester, UK145 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Visited this dog friendly attraction yesterday with the family. If you are thinking of coming check the website first as to what is open, only the the gardens were open when we visited, which wasn’t an issue, but will be if you want to go in the castle(it’s a house really). Cost for the gardens was £12 and no oap concessions which was a little disappointing. Had a nice walk through the gardens and then doubled back and walked through the wood alongside the lake. So spent around 2-3 hours here and had a nice walk. If you want it go in the castle as well it costs more. If you want or go to the ruins then you need to take the sign posted turning just before the castle and gardens. We didn’t bother as we saw the ruined castle at old wardour castle a few days earlier.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting and providing such a comprehensive review. We Would love to see you and your dog back here very soon. Thank you for your review
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David W
Ringwood, UK1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
Beautiful panoramas of lake and surrounding countryside. Most informative, well-presented, tour by Jean our guide: amazing memory to achieve such a comprehensive hour-long tour. Elegant and interesting house interiors. Friendly and helpful staff at entrance. Excellent food at garden centre cafe. Shame an entrance to the old castle is not from within grounds of the house. Overall, a brilliant day.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are absolutely thrilled you had a brilliant day out. Thank you so much for your lovely review and I’ve passed on your kind words to Jean who is delighted. A warm welcome awaits you on your return,
Written 4 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
futurecast
137 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I really enjoyed my visit to Sherborne Castle, especially the house tour which was excellent! It was a relaxed and personal experience, with a thoughtful and educated guide. Who took the time to explain everything in great detail, allowing us to ask questions and snoop about as we pleased (within the boundaries/rules of the room).
As an aside, the grounds were also impressive when you consider the engineering taken by Brown and his team. The lake, hill and vistas all created by man - literally.
As an aside, the grounds were also impressive when you consider the engineering taken by Brown and his team. The lake, hill and vistas all created by man - literally.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for recommending a visit to our castle and garden and for taking the trouble to write a review. Please do return again very soon and please bring the sunshine with you.
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David W
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is an excellent place to visit and the house is terrific. First ever use of Historic Houses card,which means admission to the house was free! The guides were informative ,and it was quite a discovery to see the actual pipe that Sir Walter Raleigh was smoking at the gallows after he fell out of favour with Queen Elizabeth the First.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that you managed to see Sir Walter Raleigh’s pipe. It is a real link to the past. We are delighted that you had a lovely time and thank you for your gorgeous with you please do return very soon.
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cruisegirl50
Weymouth, UK76 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We visited the castle & gardens today (27/8) & we absolutely fell in love with this place! We didn’t want to leave!
The gardens and lake are truly beautiful, so peaceful to walk around with nature trails to follow, beautiful plants & trees. Designed by Capability Brown they are a perfect example of gardens from that period.
We took a tour of the castle and were blown away by the beautiful rooms furnished with lovely furniture, paintings, porcelain & family heirlooms passed down over the generations from Sir Walter Raleigh (who built the castle) to the present day. Our tour guide Tony was exceptional. His passion & knowledge of the castle and grounds was amazing - the best tour guide we’ve ever had ( & we’ve had quite a few!).
We will definitely be back & please plan a visit if you are ever in Dorset. You won’t be disappointed.
The gardens and lake are truly beautiful, so peaceful to walk around with nature trails to follow, beautiful plants & trees. Designed by Capability Brown they are a perfect example of gardens from that period.
We took a tour of the castle and were blown away by the beautiful rooms furnished with lovely furniture, paintings, porcelain & family heirlooms passed down over the generations from Sir Walter Raleigh (who built the castle) to the present day. Our tour guide Tony was exceptional. His passion & knowledge of the castle and grounds was amazing - the best tour guide we’ve ever had ( & we’ve had quite a few!).
We will definitely be back & please plan a visit if you are ever in Dorset. You won’t be disappointed.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are absolutely delighted that you had a lovely time and didn’t want to leave! We have passed on your lovely comments to Tony who is thrilled. Thank you so much for visiting us and giving us such a brilliant review.
Written 30 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FamilyGuy-LFC
London, UK15 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Well worth a visit for all - if you like English history, it is a must!
The garden is a Capability Brown masterpiece, particularly in summer, admired by Kings and Poets across the centuries.
The rooms are beautifully furnished with some pictures and ornaments of such high quality that they could be in a National Museum, particularly the portrait of Elizabeth I. The Irish Elk antlers really should be returned to Dublin.
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1592 on the site of a Hunting Lodge. Sir Walter lost Sherborne on his arrest by Charles I in 1603 (his Native American style tobacco pipe can be seen in a glass case).
Charles I sold Sir Walter's home to Sir Digby in 1617, he then executed Sir Walter in 1618.
Through good luck and good judgement, Sir Digby's descendants still own and live at Sherborne some 400 years later - it is now a beautiful family home, complete with family pictures and cracked crockery.
The 'below stairs' exhibits are engaging, everything from bread ovens to man traps. However, the voices of the people from Dorset and India who were essential to the Digby’s living such a privileged life are mainly silent.
Overall Sherborne Castle is is a must see in Dorset.
The garden is a Capability Brown masterpiece, particularly in summer, admired by Kings and Poets across the centuries.
The rooms are beautifully furnished with some pictures and ornaments of such high quality that they could be in a National Museum, particularly the portrait of Elizabeth I. The Irish Elk antlers really should be returned to Dublin.
Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1592 on the site of a Hunting Lodge. Sir Walter lost Sherborne on his arrest by Charles I in 1603 (his Native American style tobacco pipe can be seen in a glass case).
Charles I sold Sir Walter's home to Sir Digby in 1617, he then executed Sir Walter in 1618.
Through good luck and good judgement, Sir Digby's descendants still own and live at Sherborne some 400 years later - it is now a beautiful family home, complete with family pictures and cracked crockery.
The 'below stairs' exhibits are engaging, everything from bread ovens to man traps. However, the voices of the people from Dorset and India who were essential to the Digby’s living such a privileged life are mainly silent.
Overall Sherborne Castle is is a must see in Dorset.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for writing such an extensive review. Thank you also for highly recommending us. The voices of people from India, you note our silent this is because the family has no connection to India. We are thrilled you enjoyed the history. And we look forward to seeing you here again very soon..
Written 18 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andys286
Tonbridge, UK336 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
As members of Historic Homes, we had free admission. We went for the house tour (don ‘t think you can get into the house without a tour). It was very interesting hearing the sad history of Walter Raleigh. Recommend a visit! Sadly no cafe, but garden centre next door is available for a cup of tea.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting. We are delighted that you found the history of the castle interesting. Thank you so much for recommending us and taking the trouble to write a review. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon.
Written 12 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom H
5 contributions
Aug 2023
Visited this location several times before which we really enjoyed. Today was a bit of a disappointment however.
Since the last time we visited, the car park has been moved from the front of the castle to next to the entrance to the grounds right by the main gate for some bizarre reason. This is all very well but not when you have a elderly person with you who finds it difficult to walk. The walk from the car park to the castle is too far now. The person I was with sat down near the lake so I went off to get refreshments only to find the cafe in the grounds had disappeared and is now situation in the garden centre (once again near the main entrance a long way from the castle and gardens). The gift shop had also gone.
Needless to say whereas in the past there have always been loads of people in the gardens and grounds, today it was practically deserted despite being very sunny.
Why on earth change something that seem to be working well ??
Won't ever be returning here again.
Since the last time we visited, the car park has been moved from the front of the castle to next to the entrance to the grounds right by the main gate for some bizarre reason. This is all very well but not when you have a elderly person with you who finds it difficult to walk. The walk from the car park to the castle is too far now. The person I was with sat down near the lake so I went off to get refreshments only to find the cafe in the grounds had disappeared and is now situation in the garden centre (once again near the main entrance a long way from the castle and gardens). The gift shop had also gone.
Needless to say whereas in the past there have always been loads of people in the gardens and grounds, today it was practically deserted despite being very sunny.
Why on earth change something that seem to be working well ??
Won't ever be returning here again.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry you are disappointed with our changes. We were required to relocate our car park by Historic England. Teaming up with the Garden Centre’s super Walled Garden Restaurant has allowed our two businesses to survive in this very challenging economic climate and the gift shop offering has moved to the Visitor Entrance. We just could not compete with Amazon.
Written 12 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol B
Taunton, United Kingdom81 contributions
Jul 2023
Everything was well kept. Beautiful gardens to walk in and picnic in which are set around the lake. We also visited the castle and had a tour which last an hour very interested and well worth a glimpse into the past.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the trouble to write a review and for recommending us.. We are delighted that you’ve had a great afternoon. A warm welcome. awaits you on your return.
Written 27 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
659philfan
Staffordshire, UK23 contributions
Jul 2023
We had a timed ticket to view the inside rooms. The Young guide was very informative talking about all the past family members and filling us in on the family history. The house has a very large number of paintings. The furniture, fireplaces and decoration in the rooms are all worth seeing.
The artifacts in the last few rooms as you make your way out are also very interesting.
We found the Garden Centre very good
The artifacts in the last few rooms as you make your way out are also very interesting.
We found the Garden Centre very good
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for recommending a visit to our castle. The garden centre next door is lovely too and has a great restaurant. I hope you’ve got lots of plants for your garden. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon.
Written 23 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What are the prices for castle and gardens please?
Maria Wingfield Digby
Sherborne2 contributions
Hi
thank you for your enquiry. This weekend we have a special autumn colours event offer. Entry to the gardens is £4 per adult and Castle and Gardens is £8. Up to 4 children go free with every paying adult. We look forward to welcoming you here very soon. Please note that our normal admission prices will apply for the rest of our season. Please refer to our website for all additional information. Thanks Maria
Проводятся ли в окрестностях замка рыцарские турниры? Если "да", то в какие дни?
Maria Wingfield Digby
Sherborne2 contributions
Please could you submit your question in English please.
Loraine
Derby, UK6 contributions
Are dogs allowed?
Creaky blinder
Sherborne, UK55 contributions
Dogs are very welcome on the estate but must stay on the lead.
Bill H
21 contributions
What is the parking arrangement?
Creaky blinder
Sherborne, UK55 contributions
Hi there
There is a very large parking area a and even when very busy you'll find a spot.
Bill H
21 contributions
What is the parking arrangement?
SwordMaiden
Newton Abbot, UK536 contributions
Go into the castle drive, pay admission at the ticket box, you are then directed to the castle and parking. It is a large area close to the castle
Christopher F
Eastbourne, UK4 contributions
Thank you. Just checking access for scooter users. I have read the helpful comments above and looking forward to the gardens later today. Staying at our friends hotel The Grange in Oborne which is a 3 star hotel with 5 star service. They have recommended today at Sherborne Castle.
Regards
Christopher Fox-Walker
TSBristol
Bristol23 contributions
Sorry for the late reply - you've probably found the answer out already!
It's a while since we went but I'm pretty sure there is access for scooter and wheelchairs but I'll be honest I'm not 100% sure.
harv122016
Oak Lawn, IL
I am doing a paper on the home of Sir Walter. I am in the states and need more info about the castle. I am looking for how many rooms and floors it has. I also do not see anywhere, pics except for the exterior of the building. I have been at it for three weeks and have almost nothing to show for hours of searching. Any assistance you can guide me to or give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, Harvey Vail
Renzo1889
Paris, France
You can read “ The creature in the map, a journey to Eldorado”, Charles Nicholl, Morrow. 1995
A good description a the castle during S.W.R stay in 1593.
Cordially,
wienerwoman
Accokeek, MD315 contributions
Hello, I am looking to visit the castle, abbey, and gardens this summer with my father, who uses a lightweight wheelchair. Can someone please tell me if these places are wheelchair accessible and to what extent? Thanks in advance!
Maria Wingfield Digby
Sherborne2 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry. We can answer in relation to the Castle and Garden. The Castle can be accessed by wheelchair on the ground floor only. The areas which are inaccessible can be viewed on a slideshow. Most of the gardens are wheelchair friendly, however there are some steep slopes which are best avoided. The limit of wheelchair access can be seen on our map on the website on the gardens page. The tearoom and gift shop are wheelchair friendly and we have 2 sets of disabled toilets. If you need any further information we would be more than happy to answer your questions, please call 01935 812072. We look forward to welcoming you soon. Thanks for your enquiry.
Jim G
Bournemouth, UK
when is the castle open and what are the prices of entry to the gardens & house? also, are dogs allowed in the grounds
Maria Wingfield Digby
Sherborne2 contributions
We are open from the 1st April to 31st October 2015
Castle, Gardens, Gift Shop and Tea Room open from 11am
Castle, last admission 4.30pm, closes at 5pm. Tea Rooms and Shop close at 5pm. Gardens close at 6pm.
Closed Mondays & Fridays but open Bank Holiday Mondays
For all our admission prices please go to our website. Dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds.
We look forward to welcoming you very soon.
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Claim your listingSHERBORNE CASTLE & GARDENS: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sherborne Castle & Gardens
- Sherborne Castle & Gardens is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Sherborne Castle & Gardens:
- (0.46 mi) The Eastbury Hotel & Spa
- (1.34 mi) The Grange At Oborne
- (0.39 mi) Bridleways Bed & Breakfast
- (1.76 mi) Munden House
- (0.88 mi) Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Sherborne Castle & Gardens:
- (0.67 mi) Tamburino Gold
- (0.78 mi) The Green
- (0.45 mi) Seasons Restaurant at the Eastbury Hotel & Spa
- (0.66 mi) The Plume of Feathers
- (0.70 mi) Abbey Friar
- Attractions near Sherborne Castle & Gardens:
- (0.28 mi) Sherborne Old Castle
- (0.27 mi) Castle Gardens
- (0.69 mi) Sherborne Abbey
- (0.65 mi) Sherborne Walks
- (0.39 mi) Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre