Accessible Sherborne
There are many places to visit in Sherborne which are accessible to all, including those in wheelchairs, with pushchairs or who are less mobile.
Shopping
Cheap Street, which is Sherborne’s main shopping street, inclines steadily. There are narrow pavements on each side of the road widening out towards the bottom of Cheap Street.
Many of the shops are in old, listed buildings so we suggest you contact them in advance to check if there are any restrictions for access.
Designated Accessible Parking
Most of the car parks in Sherborne are operated by Dorset Council. They are open 24 hours a day with charging times between 8am and 6pm each day. Parking charges apply in these car parks, however Blue Badge holders gain 1 extra hour for free when purchasing a ticket.
The car parks at the Railway Station and Sainsbury’s supermarket both have accessible parking spaces and are not operated by the council.
Disabled badge holders are advised to refer to the disabled parking notices in each car park.
Culverhayes car park has 10 accessible parking spaces plus free, RADAR key operated public toilets. This car park has a height restriction of 2.1m between 6pm and 8am. There are two 22kw Electric Vehicle chargepoints at this car park.
Coldharbour car park is long stay and has 2 accessible parking spaces plus two 22kw/60kw Electric Vehicle chargepoints.
Digby Hall car park is short stay and has 4 accessible parking spaces.
Old Market Yard car park is short stay and has 5 accessible parking spaces plus free, RADAR key operated public toilets and two 22kw and one 50kw Electric Vehicle chargepoints.
Newland North car park is short stay and has 2 accessible parking spaces.
Accessibility on trains and buses
If you’re arriving by train, there is a ramp available at Sherborne Station for wheelchair users to depart the train, however there are steps when exiting the station. There are accessible toilets on the station platform with the use of a RADAR key. You can read more information on the South Western Railway website.
If you plan to travel around the area by bus with First Somerset, you can read more information on their website. They operate the X10 bus service between Yeovil and Blandford Forum and the X58/X58A bus services between Yeovil and Wincanton. All of these buses stop in Sherborne.
Accessible Toilets
Free, RADAR key-operated public toilets in Sherborne town centre can be found in the following locations:
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The entrance to Culverhayes car park off Ludbourne Road (postcode DT9 3ED or What 3 Words location: almost.booklet.moderated).
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At the corner of Digby Road and Cooks Lane (postcode DT9 3NS or What 3 Words location: skim.clap.bombshell).
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Old Market Yard car park off Hound Street (postcode DT9 3AB or What 3 Words location: solo.haggling.swordfish).
You can find more information on the Dorset Council website and also view a map of where they are located.
RADAR keys are available for a nominal charge to anyone with a disability and can be purchased online through the Disability Rights UK website.
Gardens
Pageant Gardens is near the railway station, within a few minutes of the town centre. It has sloping access and a level access point from South Street. There are several benches in the garden and the paths are level and suitable for wheelchairs and motor scooters. The railway station car park is next to the gardens. Accessible toilets are located on Digby Road.
Access to Paddock Garden on Newland is suitable for wheelchairs as all parts of the garden can be reached by sloping gravel paths. There is a scented garden area with seating. There is limited free parking on the road outside the garden entrance. Old Market Yard car park is located at the end of the road next to the garden and has 5 accessible parking spaces plus RADAR key operated public toilets.
Both gardens are free entry.
Accessible Visitor Attractions
At Sherborne Castle and Gardens there are 3 floors and 4 sets of stairs inside the castle. Some of the most notable rooms are located on the ground floor which is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Also on the ground floor, there is a photo slide which shows portraits, porcelain and furniture on display in the second and third floor rooms. If you need to sit down while visiting the castle, there are resting chairs in most of the rooms. Out in the gardens, the paths have a smooth gravel surface suitable for wheelchair users and benches are located through the grounds so you can take a rest while exploring. In the Castle Yard, you will find the toilets, tearoom and gift shop which are all accessible. There are more accessible toilets in the garden toilet block. Guide dogs are welcome. Accessible parking is available. For more information call 01935 813182.
The grounds of Sherborne Old Castle are mostly grassed with 10-15 steps leading into the Barbican. There are benches located in the grounds. There are about 10 car parking spaces 200 metres from the castle entrance along a smooth gravelled path - these are not specifically allocated for disabled visitors. If you call in advance, visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off by the castle shop. The shop is located close to the castle entrance, is wheelchair accessible and has an induction loop. Unisex accessible portaloo is available on site. Assistance dogs are welcome. For more information call 01935 812730.
Sherborne Abbey entrance is level access with no steps and is wheelchair friendly. There is also level access to most parts of the Abbey. There are steps down to Lady Chapel at the east end of the building. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome. There is a RADAR key accessible public toilet 200 metres away in Digby Road. For more information call 01935 713777.
There is a wheelchair ramp into St. Johns Almshouse with a step down into the chapel. It is mostly flat inside and to the gardens. There is a stair lift to the upper floor to view costumes at the top of the stairs. For more information call 01935 813245.
At Sherborne Steam and Water Wheel Centre, disabled access is available to the wheelhouse and Hindley Building. Access to the Visitor Centre is only by steep grass slope or steps. There is limited parking on site, or alternatively parking is available on Oborne Road. For more information call 01963 250206.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
Accessible Taxis based in Gillingham cover the Sherborne area for local and long distance transfers. They offer 4, 6 and 8 seater vehicles. A charge to cover the cost of travel from Gillingham to Sherborne for the pick-up or drop-off is made.
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