The home of the Digby family set within a "Capability" Brown landscaped garden
Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Easily accessible without car
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Discover Dorset’s best kept secret – Sherborne Castle & Gardens. Enjoy a fabulous day out at this glorious venue.
The castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and has been the home of the Digby family since 1617.
Walk in the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh and Royalty. The castle comes to life through the “Great Stories” and “Great Women of Sherborne Castle” series which focuses on the key moments of history. The castle reflects over 400 years of decorative styles. See magnificent staterooms, nationally important collections of art, furniture and porcelain, Raleigh’s kitchen, fossil display and a Family Museum pact with family curios including Lord Digby’s false teeth. This is an immersive and interactive experience.
The Castle is set in 42 acres of “Capability” Brown landscape gardens which surround a 50-acre serpentine lake. A short and long walk is available taking you to garden features including: a fossil house, cascade, folly, Raleigh’s seat, sunken garden, orangery and gingko lawn, boat house pier with views overlooking the ruins of the Old Castle. Colour is provided throughout the year. In spring, swathes of daffodils, narcissus, anemones and tulips light up the landscape. High summer colour is provided in the herbaceous borders and the spectacular Autumn colours are reflected in the
lake. The garden is home to many notable champion trees and unusual plants. This natural setting is fabulous for watching a host of wildlife on the lake – a photographer’s paradise. It’s a perfect setting to relax, and for a picnic too! We have a children’s trail and dogs are welcome on short leads.
Lunch can be taken in the Walled Garden Restaurant at Castle Garden Centre and remember to take home a bottle of our very own Sherborne Castle Wine available to purchase from the Visitor Entrance.
The Castle is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Sherborne, an historic market which boasts an abbey, another castle (ruined), famous schools, and fabulous independent shops with an emphasis on antiques, fashion and gifts.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
Gardens (April–September)
The gardens are open from 10.30am, with last admission at 4pm and closing at 5pm. The gardens are closed on Mondays, except for Bank Holiday Mondays.
Gardens (October–November)
The gardens are open from 10.30am, with last admission at 3.30pm and closing at 4.30pm. The gardens are closed on Mondays, except for Bank Holiday Mondays.
Castle Timed Tours (May–September)
The castle opens at 12 noon, with last admission at 3pm and closing at 4pm. The castle is closed on Mondays, except for Bank Holiday Mondays. Castle tours are available from 1st May onwards. Timed tour slots are available on the day, though pre-booking is advised. Visitors are advised to check the calendar on the visiting page for specific open days.
Special Events & Seasonal Openings
Easter Trail (1st–12th April 2026)
Open from 10.30am, with last admission at 4pm and closing at 5pm. Closed on Mondays, except for Bank Holiday Easter Monday.
Autumn Colours Weekend (24th–25th October 2026)
Open from 10am, with last admission at 3.30pm and closing at 4pm.
Children's Autumn Pumpkin Trail (24th October–1st November 2026)
Open from 10.30am, with last admission at 3.30pm and closing at 4.30pm.
RHS Member Free Garden Entry
RHS members receive free entry to the gardens on every Wednesday from 1st April–30th September 2026 and from 1st October–31st October 2026. Please note that the gardens are closed on Mondays during these periods.
Group Visits
Sherborne Castle & Gardens welcomes group visits during the standard opening seasons. The following group experiences are available:
- Timed Castle Tours – Available May–September (closed Mondays except Bank Holiday Mondays)
- Private Viewing of the Castle with Tour Guide – Available May–September
- Gardens Group Entry – Available April–November
- Guided Tour of Gardens – Available April–November
- School & Language Student Group Visits – Available May–September
For group bookings and further details, please contact the castle directly.
Gardens only:
Adult – £15
Children (3-15 yrs): £5
Under 3s: free entry
Castle & Gardens:
Adult: £20
Children (3-15 yrs): £5
Under 3s: free entry
Historic Houses members visit for free (on-the-day entry only: advance-purchase tickets cannot be booked for free with a membership card). Our staff at the Visitor Entrance will scan your card on the day of your visit. Timed tour slots of the castle are available to reserve on the day at the Visitor Entrance.
Please also note that dogs are welcome in the Gardens, but not permitted in the castle (except guide or assistance dogs).
Take a tailor-made guided tour of the Castle – customised to your group’s interests. Free coach parking is available, and drivers are given free access to the Gardens. Groups of 15+ receive a discount. Private views available by appointment.
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
Getting here
Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Off New Road , B3145, on reaching Sherborne follow brown tourist signs. 1/4 mile from Sherborne railway station with direct link to Waterloo London
Bus stop is located outside the main gate – routes from Yeovil and Shaftsbury. Railway line from / to Exeter and mainline Waterloo London.
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