Sherborne boasts not one, but two, castles. The first castle, a ruin, can be glimpsed peeping through the trees from the train as you approach Sherborne. This castle was gifted to the famous explorer and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh. Sir Walter, an expert sailor born on the Dorset coast, is best known for introducing the British to potatoes and tobacco from America. The second Sherborne Castle is nearby to the old Castle, it is privately owned by the Wingfield-Digby family but open to the public. Guests can explore the castle and the grounds, designed by the famous garden designer Capability Brown. There is even a part in grounds of the castle where, it is said, a servant threw a bucket of water over Sir Walter thinking he was on fire when, in fact, he was smoking a pipe. 

The castles are by no means the only historical point of interest in Sherborne. Sherborne Abbey, founded by St. Aldhelm dates back to AD 705, and contains the tombs of two Saxon Kings. The Abbey has developed into to one of the most beautiful of England’s parish churches with its stunning fan vaulted ceiling. More recently it featured in the filming of ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ in 2015, based on the novel of Dorset born Thomas Hardy.

For a last historical stop-off, and perhaps a much-needed cup of coffee, the newly opened Sherborne House at the top of Sherborne is a feast of old and new. Once a manor house, it went on to become a school before being restored to its former glory with exceptional care being taken to preserve the famous ‘Thornhill Mural’ painted by James Thornill for the Wingfield-Digby family. The building is now an art hub displaying contemporary art in classic surroundings with a lovely café on the ground floor. 

Of course, there is much more to Dorset than Sherborne. For those looking for dramatic views, rolling English countryside and fresh air, it is worth driving down from London, this takes about two and half hours and can be broken up by a to visit to the neolithic monument of Stonehenge. 

For places to stay The Queen’s Arms, just three miles from Sherborne, is a beautiful Georgian country pub. Set in the picturesque English country village of Corton Denham, the inn has ten beautifully decorated rooms, five of which are dog friendly, there is even a two-bedroom cottage so families can enjoy their own space. After a hearty cooked breakfast, guests can set off and explore the dramatic Hardyesque countryside. There are multiple walking routes to take, from the steep slope up to Corton Denham Beacon, with far reaching views all the way towards Glastonbury Tor, to visiting the ancient Saxon hill fort of Cadbury Castle, said to be linked to King Alfred. Finally, there is the Monarch’s Walk, an incredible walk which traces the route Charles II took after from his defeat at Worcester before escaping on a boat back to France from the Sussex coast. He skirted around the village of Corton Denham heading to the village of Trent nearby where he stayed in Trent Manor, before carrying on his way. 

Dorset and Somerset are thriving with small local produces, from award winning cheeses such as Montgomery cheddar in South Cadbury (the next village on from Corton Denham) to home brewed cider that is served in the pub which has been made by the villager John Lawrence. The focus at The Queen’s Arms focus is on the food, everything from the milk-buns and treacle bread through to the cordials in the cocktails are made in-house. Guests can enjoy a classic Queen’s Arms burger or fish and chips through to more elevated food such as rose harissa marinated lamb rump with charred aubergine, sweet pickled peppers and mint yoghurt, Cornish cod, courgette flower stuffed with prawn, red pepper and smoked paprika relish or chilli and ginger glazed aubergine, coconut and peanut satay sauce, crispy shallots, coriander.  An alternative foodie treat is The Newt in Somerset, just 15 minutes from The Queen’s Arms, where guests often go to explore the impressive gardens, grounds and a restored Roman villa, 

Finally for a spot of retail therapy, head back in Sherborne, and explore their wonderful independent boutique shops. Circus is a colourful treasure trove of jewellery, gifts and designer clothes including dresses from Dorset born designer Alice Temperly (best known for being a favourite of The Princess of Wales). There are multiple antique shops to discover too, from the shabby chic French style in D’Uberville, the treasure trove of goodies in the Sherborne Antiques bazaar, through to elegant items in Piers Pisani and Macintosh Antiques. 

There is so much to discover in and around Dorset (and Somerset), there hasn’t even been time to talk about Haynes Motor Museum, Fleet Air Museum, Bovington Tank Museum, The Cerne Abbas Giant and the Jurassic coast, it just means you may need to find an excuse to come again. A warm welcome awaits. 

Doune Mackenzie-Francis, is a trained chef and member of the Guild of Fine Food. She worked at Leiths School of Food and Wine before moving with her family to Dorset. She is the owner of The Queen’s Arms in Corton Denham www.thequeensarms.com for more tips on place to explore go to www.thequeensarms.com/explore