Nestled in northwest Dorset is the quaint market town of Sherborne. The picturesque town has been described as “without doubt one of the most beautiful towns in England” by Visit Dorset and recently won the accolade of “best place to live” in the Southwest of England by the Sunday Times. The list of “best places to live in 2024, which ranked areas to live around the UK based on region, with Sherborne named the ultimate winner for the southwest of England, partially thanks to its rich culture.
The charming town is brimming with history, from its stunning honey-coloured buildings to the magnificent Abbey at its heart.
The town was first named scir burne by its Saxon inhabitants, a name meaning “clear stream”, after a brook that runs through the centre of the town, and it is also referred to in the Domesday Book. Since then, the town has become home to countless important buildings, all of which hold historical significance.
Sherborne Castle and Gardens was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and is now open to visitors who can walk in the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh and royalty, and witness over 400 years of decorative styles within its interiors. The Castle is set in 42 acres of landscaped gardens set around a 50-acre serpentine lake.
The town is also home to a second ruined castle, Sherborne Old Castle, which was once a romantic 12th-century construction set in beautiful gardens. First built as a bishop’s palace, the Sherborne Old Castle later became the home of Sir Walter Ralegh, before a fierce fighting during the Civil War which saw the castle fall in 1645 after an 11-day siege. Today visitors can enjoy walking through the castle grounds which are brimming with wildlife and an array of flowers.
Those who are keen to learn more about the rich tapestry of Sherborne can visit the town’s museum, housed in what used to be the gatehouse and almonry of the monastery once associated with the Abbey. Many of the exhibits tell the tales of Sherborne’s busy Medieval life and also pay homage to the many people who have called the town home.
Sherborne is also known for its famous educational site the Sherborne School which has been in continuous operation since 1,300. The ancient school was originally founded in 705AD by St Aldhelm and later re-founded in 1550 by King Edward VI, making it one of the oldest schools in the country. Now is is a public and boarding school for boys aged between 13 and 18. Sherborne also has a similar school for girls, named Sherborne Girls School.
Along with its history, Sherborne was also highlighted by The Sunday Times for its “high-class shops”, most of which are centred around Cheap Street. This traditional high street is packed with boutiques, art galleries, delis and antique shops, with plenty of cafes to stop in along the way. The town is home to many locally run retailers, as well as some more well-known brands including Quba, Crew Clothing, White Stuff, Joules, Face Fat and Mistral.
Antiques, in particular, are one of the most popular reasons to visit the town and antique hunters will love digging through the many treasure troves. The auctioneers hold a monthly auction of collectors’ items and antiques, including furniture, ceramics and glass. Every Thursday and Sunday, Cheap Street hosts the Pannier Market and a Vintage Market is held on the last Saturday of every month at Digby Memorial Church Hall.
According to the latest data from Right Move, properties in Sherborne had an overall average price of £358,972 over the last year, which is higher than the national average. The Right Move experts said: “The majority of sales in Sherborne during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £314,537.
“Detached properties sold for an average of £522,403, with semi-detached properties fetching £350,353.”