Sherbourne Castle

Sherborne Castle is a magnificent 16th-century Tudor mansion located just southeast of the historic market town of Sherborne, Dorset. Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and home to the Digby family since 1617, it is often called the “New Castle” to distinguish it from the nearby 12th-century ruins of Sherborne Old Castle.

Things to Do
Explore the Mansion: View nationally important collections of furniture, paintings, and porcelain within the state rooms, plus Raleigh’s original kitchen.
Wander the Gardens: Walk through 42 acres of English Landscape Gardens designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, featuring a 50-acre lake, specimen trees, and vibrant herbaceous borders.
Visit the Family Museum: Located in the castle’s cellars, it houses family curios (including Lord Digby’s false teeth), Civil War relics, and archaeological treasures.
Lakeside Walks: Follow scenic trails to landmarks like Raleigh’s Seat, the Cascade, and the new Fossil House.

Visitor Essentials
Typical Duration: Most visitors spend 4 to 5 hours to fully experience the castle tour, gardens, and museum.
Best Suited To: History enthusiasts, garden lovers, photographers, and families. Dogs are welcome in the gardens on short leads.
Best Times to Go: The castle reopens in April 2026 for the spring season. Spring offers narcissus and the ‘Sherborne’ daffodil, while autumn (October–November) is spectacular for Japanese maples reflecting in the lake.

Unique Features
Unlike many historic sites, Sherborne Castle has remained a privately owned family home for over 400 years, offering a more intimate, “lived-in” atmosphere. Its landscape is also one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s first and most intact commissions, specifically designed to incorporate the nearby medieval ruins as a picturesque focal point.

Membership, Offers & Booking Tips
Membership Benefits: Historic Houses members typically receive free entry, though they should obtain timed tour tickets for the castle at the Visitor Entrance upon arrival.
Group Discounts: Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more, including guided tours of the castle or gardens.
Dining Perks: Visitors often receive a 5% discount at the nearby Walled Garden Restaurant (located in the Castle Gardens garden centre) when presenting their castle ticket.
Booking Tip: While garden-only tickets are often available on the day, it is highly recommended to pre-book timed castle tours in advance to ensure availability, as slots can fill up quickly.