Enjoy a fabulous day out at this glorious venue.
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 focus on the kodak moments of history. The castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and has been the home of the Digby family since 1617. 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 cellar museum pact with family curios including Lord Digby’s false teeth. A children’s quiz is available.
© Paul Dibben
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. 33 different areas of the garden are there for you to explore. 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. An audio tour is available which provides a personal intimate tour headed up by the gardeners and family members. 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.
The Tea Room provides locally sourced light lunches, scrumptious west country cream teas and a delicious range of cakes. We serve our own wine which is produced from grapes grown on the Estate and our Coffee is hand roasted on the Estate by artisan coffee roasters – Reeds Coffee. The Gift shop sells unusual gifts and produce made on the Estate including our own Antler Dog Chews, Sherborne Castle Wine and Brandy, honey and ceramics made by Anna Stiles an Estate based potter.
The Castle is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Sherborne a historic market which boasts an Abbey, another castle (ruined), fabulous independent shops with an emphasis on antiques, fashion and gifts.
Free coach parking is available at the castle and drivers are given a tearoom voucher. A memorable day out awaits you!
More information available at www.sherbornecastle.com
