There’s plenty to explore and discover in our local area. We are close to a number of historic and picturesque places, we have written few suggestions below for shopping, beauty, museums and landmarks to help you plan your trip. Sherbone holds markets on Thursday and Saturday and a much larger market the third Sunday of every month.

We have included a lot of information below, including; in and around Sherborne, in and around Bruton, museums, the coast, cycling and walking and fitness, food markets. So keep scrolling to find what may interest you.

In and around Sherborne.

antiques

Sherborne hosts an array of antique shops and auction houses. For reasonably priced items try D’urberville on the market square at the bottom of Cheap Street, which also has a delightful coffee shop, or Acreman Antiques, which can be found on Acreman Road. For the more serious collectors, Piers Pisani and Macdonald’s Antiques are the places to visit.

clothes

The Circus Boutique is hard to miss when walking down Cheap Street. Its colourful array of designer clothes, jewellery and covetable objects are hard to resist.

Caroline Nicholls and Florence Leather Collection follow closely behind with their beautiful clothes and accessories.

Fantastic homewares and clothes for children can be found at Blue Zebra. Gorgeous kitchenware can be found at Cilla & Camilla.

hair and beauty

There are a number of brilliant hairdressers in Sherborne. We particularly recommend Robin James Aveda Hair Salon or Salon Fish

For a massage and beauty treatments in or near Sherborne, try:

The Lazy Barn Trent:+44 1935 851824

Margaret Balfour: 01935 816177

The Sanctuary: 01935 815085

Robin James Aveda Hair Salon: 01935 812 112

 History & Gardens

Dorset and Somerset are steeped in history and mysticism. There is so much to explore locally, here we have just given a snapshot of some of the highlights.

Sherborne Castle and Gardens:

See where Sir Walter Raleigh lived, and wander round the Capability Brown garden and lake. 

Sherborne Abbey: 

Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, the Abbey has developed from Saxon cathedral to one of the most beautiful of England’s parish churches. For many it is still the “cathedral of Dorset”. 

The Cerne Abbas Giant:

No one quite knows who carved the Cerne Abbas Giant onto the chalk hillside, but he remains today as imposing and mysterious as he always was. You can walk up and around the carving, walking boots recommended.

Glastonbury Tor:

Can be glimpsed from the top of the Corton Denham beacon. Only around 30 minutes drive away, it’s a great place to explore.

Haynes Motor Museum:

Classic cars abound that will delight children and adults alike. Great for a rainy day. 

LONGLEAT:

Approximately 40 minutes from the pub, there is plenty to do from exploring the house and garden to the safari, rides and a playpark. 

Stone Henge:

45 minutes away towards London, but worth stopping on the way to or from us, as you will pass right by it. 

Fleet Air Museum:

A Royal Navy Museum with lots of interactive exhibitions, see concord and fighter planes in all their glory

Minterne Gardens:

A beautiful house and a Himalayan garden in Dorset 

Stour Head House and Gardens:

A world-famous garden that will keep children and adults occupied for hours. The house is well worth a visit too. Just further along is Alfred’s Tower which is great for a walk with dogs.

Food/Markets:

We are surrounded by wonderful produce and producers, creating a real buzz in the local culinary and craft scene. If you wish to explore more of what the area has to offer, here are a few suggestions.

dorset food & drink event:

Once every month, the main high street in Sherborne is closed as local producers take over to sell their wares. The event is well worth a visit to find interesting gifts and sample delicious local produce. Further details can be found here.

Farmer’s Market:

Every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Sherborne hosts a farmer’s market offering fresh produce and local craft items.

The Story PiG:

Located in Sandford Orcas, the next village down from Corton Denham. We buy our pork from here. Drive or walk over to visit the pigs, have a cup of coffee in the tepee, and pick up some fresh vegetables from their vegetable garden.

The Coast

LYME REGIS:

Renowned for its fossils, there is a lovely beach and lots of little shops to explore and fish and chips for after.

ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY/MONKEY WORLD/TANK MUSEUM:

These three places are all very close to one another so may be worth combining the two, if visiting this way.

CORFE CASTLE:

A beautiful ruined castle run by the National Trust, based near Studland bay

STUDLAND BAY AND THE ICONIC HARRY’S ROCKS:

All part of the National Trust with heath or beach walks to explore 

WEYMOUTH:

A classic British seaside town, including donkey rides, sand sculptures, Punch and Judy, pedalos and much more. Weymouth Beach & Harbour.

WEYMOUTH SEALIFE CENTRE:

Lots of wonderful fish to see and a mini water park to enjoy afterwards on a hot day, bring swim stuff and towels. 

Walking, Cycling & Fitness:

WALKING:

There are several great walks on our doorstep with far reaching views towards Glastonbury and the Somerset Levels. The ridge along Corton Denham to the Beacon is a very popular walk and many people stop for a well-earned pint at the Queen’s Arms afterwards. Walks can range from 40 minutes to 2 or 3 hours and the pub can provide maps. The Queen’s Arms regularly features in ‘The Times’ Walking column by Christopher Somerville, you can view his recommended route (Starting from the Queen’s Arms) here. You can also download this hand drawn walking map by local artist, Nina Pitman.

PERSONAL TRAINING:

If you miss your work-outs and want to keep fit whilst visiting, Alice Cowen offers personal fitness training, with a mix of weights, TRX and HITT that will keep you in top condition. You can contact her directly on 07818 000680 to arrange a time, advanced booking is recommended.

YOGA:

Yoga can be arranged via Melinda Rush who exudes an aura of positivity. Her website focuses on fertility but she is an all-round Yoga instructor. She has a studio nearby at Stoke Trister or you can arrange a private class by emailing: mel@melindarushe.com

CYCLING:

Cycling is a popular activity around us, with challenging hills and lanes to keep the wheels turning, for inspiration try this guide.

GOLF:

Sherborne Golf Club is a mature 18-hole course which measures just over 6,400 yards. With a variety of teeing options that offer the elite to beginner golfer. 

TENNIS:

Sherborne Tennis Club offers a pay and play option for non-members. With four hard courts available. Book here.

Dorset is fantastic for keen walkers.

Golf is available locally.

In and Around Bruton

Bruton has become a hot spot for food and creativity, we are just 15 minutes away, if you wish to explore we would suggest the following:

THE NEWT:

An impressive garden with a number of restaurants. Worth a visit, although you must become a member to get in.  

AT THE CHAPEL:

Great for good pizza and pastries.

HAUSER AND WIRTH:

Art gallery, garden, farm shop and restaurant (Roth Bar and Grill) it is well worth a trip

osip & The Old pharmacy

Both run by Merlin Labron- Johnston. Michelin starred Osip has been garnering praise since it opened. The Old pharmacy is next door and is great for coffee and pastries.