The Best Things to Do in Sherborne, Dorset, Sherborne, England

Sherborne in Dorset is one of England’s prettiest towns. I’d forgive anyone who thought they’d stumbled into a BBC period drama whilst strolling its dreamy little streets. It’s a popular film location for that very reason and there’s the added bonus that’s there’s a range of lovely things to do in Sherborne.

Charming Georgian buildings and half-timbered Medieval dwellings of honey-coloured stone give the town a welcoming glow. Along with oodles of quaintness you’ll find a raft of history in its ancient abbey and two castles.

Sherborne has been home to Sir Walter Raleigh and Alan Turing. Sherborne makes for a perfect UK staycation and we loved exploring the town from our base at The Eastbury Hotel and cottage.

Cheap Street is filled with an enviable range of independent stores, cafes and boutiques. There are galleries, arts and craft shops plus the town is home to the renowned Sherborne School.

Before we move onto my list of the best things to do in Sherborne let’s learn a bit about the town’s history.

The name Sherborne comes from the Saxon words “scir burne” which means place of the clear stream. The town is located on the River Yeo.

Once the capital of Wessex, a cathedral was first built in the area in 705. Two kings, Ethelbert and Ethelbald, the older brothers of Alfred the Great were buried in Sherborne Abbey. In 1075, when the Bishop’s seat moved from Sherborne to Old Sarum (Salisbury), the Cathedral became a Benedictine abbey. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).