Sherborne, a market town with idyllic charm just a stone’s throw from Devon, was hailed as one of Britain’s “best places to live” by The Sunday Times. Nestled in north-west Dorset, Sherborne exudes historical enchantment with its stunning golden buildings and is crowned by the majestic Abbey, making it a picture-perfect town that brims with history and culture.
The Sunday Times showered Sherborne with praise, dubbing it the “best place to live” in the South West, thanks to its rich cultural scene. The town’s picturesque Saxon moniker, scir burne, meaning “clear stream,” harks back to the stream that meanders through the town center.
Sherborne, with its historical charm, has not gone unnoticed, as highlighted by the Express and Visit Dorset, proclaiming it “without doubt one of the most beautiful towns in England.”
Home to stories etched in history, including being recorded in the Domesday Book, Sherborne has stood witness to the construction of many significant buildings over centuries, each brimming with its own narrative.
Amongst Sherborne’s numerous historical jewels is the renowned Sherborne Castle and Gardens, established by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. Today’s visitors can wander through the castle’s rooms and lush gardens, following the historical paths once trodden by Sir Walter Raleigh and numerous noble figures as reported by Devon Live.
Covering an impressive 42 acres, the beautifully designed gardens and the magnificent 50-acre lake serve as a picturesque sanctuary.
Additionally, Sherborne is home to the evocative ruins of Sherborne Old Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Originally a bishop’s palace, the old castle also shares a connection with Sir Walter Raleigh.
In 1645, Sherborne Castle faced an 11-day siege during the Civil War before capitulating. Presently, its grounds offer a tranquil retreat, humming with wildlife and arrayed with colorful blossoms.
Those keen to unearth Sherborne’s historical layers will uncover a wealth of knowledge at the town museum. Housed in the old gatehouse and almonry of the monastery, the museum shares tales from Sherborne’s Medieval period and pays homage to significant local figures.
Heading over to education, Sherborne School stands as one of Britain’s most venerable institutions, having been an uninterrupted part of the educational landscape since 1300, originating from St Aldhelm’s founding in 705AD, and later refounded by King Edward VI in 1550.
Ranking among the oldest schools nationwide, Sherborne School currently operates as a day and boarding institution for boys aged between 13 and 18. Its female counterpart, Sherborne Girls School, enjoys an esteemed reputation as well.
As for retail therapy, Sherborne presents an assortment of stylish shopping avenues, even earning accolades from The Sunday Times for its “high-class shops”. Patrons can browse an elegant selection of independent stores alongside recognized retail brands including Quba, Crew Clothing, White Stuff, Joules, Fat Face, and Mistral.
Antique aficionados can revel in Sherborne’s monthly auction, featuring a wide variety of collectibles like vintage furniture and fine crockery, while twice weekly, Cheap Street is transformed by the bustling Pannier Market.
The Vintage Market is a must-attend event, taking place on the last Saturday of each month at Digby Memorial Church Hall.
According to data from Rightmove, the average selling price for a home in Sherborne in 2023 was around £358,972. The property portal elaborated: “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.”