Sherborne Castle
Dorset, England
Photo: Mik Peach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Dr John Wells, CC BY 4.0 · JackPeasePhotography, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Wingfield Digby family
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Sherborne, 0.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- 16thC 'new' castle; old castle is EH
Pinpoint
Sherborne DT9 5NR
Telephone 01935 813182
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
The 'new' castle at Sherborne, built by Sir Walter Raleigh in the 1590s a short distance from the medieval ruin he originally tried and failed to convert into a home. It's still privately owned by the Wingfield Digby family and run as a staffed visitor attraction, distinct from the older English Heritage ruin nearby.
At a glance
Who to know
Sir Walter Raleigh · built the 'new' castle in the 1590s
Worth the trip
The contrast with its medieval predecessor across the lake - two castles, four centuries apart, within sight of each other.
Before you go
Don't confuse it with Sherborne Old Castle down the road - they're separate sites with separate tickets, so plan for both if you want the full story.
What visitors say
Sherborne Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 1,199 Google reviews
Reviewers enjoy the guided history tours of this privately owned, still-lived-in house, describing the guides as knowledgeable and entertaining.
The beautifully landscaped grounds and lakeside walk are a highlight, along with the on-site garden centre and cafe.
A few note the house itself is modest in scale but the gardens make the visit.
“Enjoyable tour of this incredible house. Definitely worth a visit. All staff were great and friendly.”- Malcolm Petfield, visitor review
Within reach of Bristol (35 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Walks at Sherborne Castle
Sherborne Castle is on our walks roll because a visitor described a walk here in their own review:
“The walking paths were easy, and I appreciated the informative signage describing trees that are over 100 years old.”- May Moe Wah, visitor review
Also worth knowing: you can arrive by train (Sherborne is 0.6 miles off).
Comparing options? See every UK castle with a walk visitors describe.
One visitor's account, not a route guide. We hold no distances, waymarks or start points. For the actual route, check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map before you set out, and treat coastal and clifftop paths as weather- and tide-dependent.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “We didn’t visit the castle as the next guided tour required a long wait, so we decided to skip it.” - May Moe Wah
- Facilities
- “Coffee from the cafe was great quality, very tasty!” - Lea South (Leasouth)
Common questions about Sherborne Castle
Where is Sherborne Castle?
Sherborne Castle is in Dorset, England, at Sherborne DT9 5NR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Sherborne Castle?
Yes - Sherborne Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Wingfield Digby family. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Are there walks at Sherborne Castle?
Visitor reviews describe walking here - one reviewer wrote: “The walking paths were easy, and I appreciated the informative signage describing trees that are over 100 years old.”. That is one visitor's account rather than a route guide, so check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map for distances, paths and start points before setting out.
What is the highlight of visiting Sherborne Castle?
The contrast with its medieval predecessor across the lake - two castles, four centuries apart, within sight of each other.
Is Sherborne Castle a ruin or still intact?
Sherborne Castle is largely intact - 16thC 'new' castle; old castle is EH.
