Christmas & New Year at The Sherborne

A season to gather, discover and celebrate

This Christmas, step through the doors of The Sherborne for art, food and festive moments in one of Dorset’s most remarkable historic houses.

Meet friends for lunch, linger over dinner, explore the galleries and gardens, or bring everyone together for a celebration of your own. From seasonal menus and winter exhibitions to music, film and beautifully hosted parties, there is always more to discover.

Our Christmas menus will be served from Friday 13 November, bringing together the best of the season with thoughtful cooking, beautiful ingredients and the warmest of welcomes.

Whether you are planning lunch with friends, dinner with family, an end-of-year gathering or a Christmas party, The Sherborne offers something a little different: wonderful food surrounded by art, history and contemporary culture.

Our Restaurant & Bar is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and for evening dining from Wednesday to Saturday, with additional seasonal opening times listed below.

For larger tables and private celebrations, please contact our team at reservations@thesherborne.org.uk or call 01935 311617.

Christmas dining at The Sherborne

Gather around our table

The Restaurant; Christmas Opening Hours

Our opening hours change slightly over Christmas and New Year. Please check the details below before you visit.

Normal service:
Lunch, 12 - 2:30pm
Dinner, 6 - 9pm
Lunch: 12–2.30pm
Drinks from 4pm (No dinner service)
Closed.
Closed.

Sunday Lunch: 12–2.30pm
Normal service:
Lunch, 12 - 2:30pm
Dinner, 6 - 9pm
Lunch: 12–2.30pm
Dinner: 6pm–midnight
Tasting menu with a glass of fizz at midnight
Normal service resumes:
Lunch, 12 - 2:30pm
Dinner, 6 - 9pm

Christmas parties and private celebrations

More than a party. A setting your guests will remember.

Celebrate differently this Christmas at The Sherborne.

From intimate dinners and drinks with friends to office parties, larger receptions and end-of-year gatherings, our historic and contemporary spaces create an extraordinary backdrop for bringing people together.

Centuries of stories within the house.

Depending on the style and size of your event, celebrations can take place in the Restaurant & Bar, the light-filled Pavilion, the historic Main Hall or the beautifully atmospheric Best Parlour.

Our team can help you shape an occasion around:

Private or group dining
Drinks and canapé receptions
Christmas lunches and dinners
Office and team celebrations
Family gatherings
Live music and entertainment
Exclusive or private use of selected spaces

With art on the walls, seasonal food on the table and centuries of stories within the house, a celebration at The Sherborne feels wonderfully removed from the everyday.

Email Louise to find out more →

A Season of Wonder

From twinkling lights and festive shopping to seasonal dining and New Year celebrations, discover a wonderful season of festivities at The Sherborne.

Festive Illuminations at The Sherborne
Friday 13 November 2026 | From 5pm

Join us as The Sherborne begins the festive season with a little sparkle! Gather with friends and family for the switching on of our Christmas lights, bringing a magical glow to our beautiful historic setting. A wonderful way to welcome the season and celebrate together.
As darkness falls, the evening continues inside….

Learn more →

Festive Shopping Day at The Sherborne
Sunday 6 December 2026 | 10am–4pm

Step into the festive spirit at The Sherborne. Discover a wonderful selection of independent makers, thoughtful gifts and seasonal delights, all within our beautiful historic setting. Enjoy a little Christmas shopping, explore the house and make a day of it with something delicious from our café or restaurant.

Learn more →

New Year's Eve at The Sherborne
Thursday 31 December 2026 | From 6pm

Say farewell to 2026 in style at The Sherborne. Join us for a special New Year's Eve dining experience, with beautifully prepared food, wonderful company and a warm, celebratory atmosphere. The perfect setting to raise a glass to the year ahead.

Learn more →

Give something inspiring

Looking for a Christmas gift that's a little out of the ordinary?

Explore The Sherborne Shop, where you'll find a carefully curated collection of beautiful objects, books, cards and gifts inspired by art, creativity and culture. Perfect for curious minds and those who appreciate something a little different.

For a gift that lasts beyond Christmas, why not give a year of inspiration with a Founding Membership? It's a wonderful way to share The Sherborne and support the extraordinary things that happen here.

And for those who love good food, art and memorable experiences, discover more ways to treat someone special.

Every purchase, membership and visit helps support our cultural programme and the care of our magnificent Grade I listed house.

Explore The Sherborne Shop →

Discover Founding Membership →

Buy a Gift Voucher →

Explore What's On →