One of the prettiest towns in the UK, Sherborne is drenched in history and surrounded by a verdant tapestry of sprawling fields and hummocky hills. Once a thriving medieval hub, this market town is peppered with historic buildings which act as captivating portals to the area’s fascinating yesteryears and sit alongside a mishmash of architectural styles. From its world-famous schools to its 12th century castles, and from its art galleries to its numerous independent boutiques, it is one of Dorset’s best kept secrets and the ideal destination for a well-deserved retreat, whatever the occasion.

Sitting right on the border of West Dorset and South Somerset on the old London Road, Sherborne combines history, culture, activity and entertainment. Delve into the scenery surrounding the mellow-stoned walls of the town and indulge in drawn-out walks in jaw-dropping countryside. Another day, explore the castle commissioned by Sir Walter Raleigh and with grounds later designed by Capability Brown, before stopping to refuel in one of the area’s excellent eateries. Tired and content, return to your luxury self-catering cottage ready to put your feet up.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a chef, you will love the thorough, thoughtful details that go into each of our self-catering cottages in Sherborne. With each one fully-equipped, you can look forward to luxurious breakfasts and delectable dinners pieced together with fresh produce from the local area. Hosting a number of weekly markets, you should definitely pop along to the weekly farmers’ market held each Friday before visiting one of the town’s chocolatiers for some goodies to take home with you.

Of course, if you feel like being wined and dined, there’s a host of excellent places to eat. The Kings Arms, the Queen’s Arms and the Green Restaurant are each recommended for their passionate approach to food, great atmosphere and friendly service to boot, while Oliver’s Coffee House will satisfy your sweet tooth. If you'd prefer to picnic in the countryside, there are some tempting delis to try out such as the lovely Pear Tree, who offer bespoke hamper services. 

For history-lovers, Sherborne holds all the cards. Start your journey through time at the gothic Sherborne Abbey, founded by St. Aldhelm in AD705 and supposedly where Alfred the Great was schooled. Sitting alongside the elegant archways of the picturesque almshouse, the Abbey is open 365 days a year and a must-visit. 

As well as the Abbey, you should also make time to visit Sherborne’s two castles. Now in ruins, the ‘old’ castle used to be the favourite home of famous explorer Sir Walter Ralegh and is a tranquil, romantic spot to spend the afternoon. Meanwhile, Sherborne Castle still stands in all its glory and features outstanding collections of art and furniture, as well as 42 acres of gardens landscaped by Capability Brown. 

If you haven’t yet had your fill, you can also visit other castles in the area, such as Cadbury Castle. If you’d like to stretch your legs, go for a fresh air-filled walk around Sherborne lake, or head back into town to browse the plentiful shops and boutiques before tracking back to your luxury cottage for an evening of R&R.