Discover the charm, history and elegance of Sherborne in Dorset on a delightful two‑day escape. Wander along pretty streets, explore magnificent castles, savour local food and soak up the town’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking culture, countryside or pure relaxation, Sherborne is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a memorable short break.
Here is a 2 day itinerary for enjoying an overnight getaway to this beautiful and historic town.
Day 1: History and market town charm
In the morning
Begin your two day getaway with a guided walk around the town with experts Paul or Julia from Sherborne Walks. Their 2 hour tours cover 1300 years of Sherborne's history, hidden corners, stories, film locations, and fascinating town characters. Tours start at 10am (or 2pm if you'd rather join an afternoon walk) and can be booked online. This is an excellent way to understand the Abbey precinct, Sherborne School, Cheap Street, and Sherborne's two castles before visiting them independently later.
Stop for coffee at The Pear Tree Café or Oliver's Coffee House - perfect for a mid-morning latte and a pastry.
Stroll along Cheap Street (Sherborne's main shopping street) to browse the independent shops, delis, bookshops, galleries and antique shops. Weekly markets are held here on Thursday and Saturdays, with monthly markets on Fridays and Sundays too.
Day one lunch stop
The Three Wishes or Ingredients Deli in the centre of town are great lunchtime cafes. Or if you'd prefer something closer to Sherborne Castle, opt for the Walled Garden Restaurant.
In the afternoon
Explore Capability Brown‑designed landscapes, lakes, and beautifully presented state rooms at Sherborne Castle and Gardens. There's lots to explore inside and outside, so allow 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
In the evening
Sherborne is beautiful in the evening - wander past the illuminated Abbey or take a short walk along the river before dinner.
There's lots of choice for places to eat out in the evening, from bistros and restaurants to traditional and contemporary pubs. The Grange at Oborne, Newell French Bistro, or The Clockspire are all great options.
If you're visiting on Friday or Saturday, why not enjoy an after-dinner cocktail at the stylish Palm Bar at The Sherborne.
Stay overnight
Whether you want to stay somewhere luxurious with breakfast included, in a relaxed pub with rooms or go at your own pace in a self-catering cottage or shepherd's hut, there's lots of accommodation options to choose from in Sherborne.
Some are located in the centre of town within easy walk to eateries and shops, or why not opt to book somewhere in the beautiful countryside on the outskirts of town.
Day two: Architecture and heritage
In the morning on day two
If your overnight accommodation didn't include breakfast, head for Kafe Fontana or The Hillbrook to fuel up for the day ahead.
After breakfast, your first stop of the day is Sherborne Old Castle. Built in the early 12th century, it was twice besieged during the Civil War and after the second siege in 1645 when the buildings were badly damaged, Parliament ordered that it be destroyed.
The remains are very impressive and are now managed by English Heritage, with the added bonus of it being free entry. A model of the castle in its original state can be seen at Sherborne Museum.
Lunch stop on day two
There's some great pubs in Sherborne for a lunch stop, many of which serve Sunday roasts. From The Cross Keys in the centre of town to the Rose and Crown and The Queen's Arms a short drive away, you're sure to find the perfect pub for you.
Alternatively, you might like to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at The Hillbrook or The Eastbury. Or if you want to add a bit of culture to your lunch stop, you can visit the touring art exhibitions at The Sherborne followed by a relaxed lunch in their Pavilion or Palm Bar.
In the afternoon on day two
End your mini-break in Sherborne with a visit to Sherborne Abbey. This stunning building is known for its fan vaulted ceiling and rich Saxon heritage. Free guided tours take place at 2pm on Wednesdays and Fridays between April and November, or you can explore by yourself. You don't need to pre-book for a tour, but it's best to check the Abbey website in advance to make sure a tour is taking place on the day of your visit.
Next up and the final place to visit is Sherborne Museum, which is packed with stories about Dorset’s history and Sherborne’s famous residents. Entry is free, and you'll need to allow about 45 minutes to see everything.
