Plan your visit
Free and open to all.
Discover a historic house, galleries of contemporary and heritage art, terrace gardens and a café within the heart of Sherborne.
Sherborne is a town rich in history, charm and cultural life. Wander its independent shops and bustling markets, step inside the magnificent Abbey with its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling, and discover Medieval landmarks, Almshouse and not one but two Castles. With excellent transport links, Sherborne makes for an easy and inspiring day out.
The Sherborne sits at the top of town, just a short stroll from the high street and within easy walking distance of local bus stops and South Western Railway trains at South Street. A visit here invites you to pause, explore and connect — with art, stories, nature and one another.
We recommend allowing at least 1 hour 30 minutes to enjoy the House, galleries and terraced gardens.
Opening hours
Festive Opening Hours
Please note our special Christmas and New Year timings:
Christmas Eve: House, Galleries, Shop & Pavilion 10am–4pm | Macready’s Brunch only; 10am–3pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Macready’s only – Brunch 10am–3pm
New Year’s Eve: House, Galleries, Shop & Pavilion 10am–4pm | Macready’s Dinner 6:00pm–Midnight
New Year’s Day: Macready’s only – Brunch 10am–3pm
Usual opening times apply outside of these dates and will continue as normal after the New Year.
The Sherborne, including House, Galleries, Gardens & Shop
Monday - Saturday
10am - 5pm
Sunday (& Bank Holidays)
10am - 4pm
Exhibition galleries open at 10:30am *last entry 30 minutes prior to closure
Café: open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm & Sunday 10am - 3:30pm
Macready’s Restaurant & Bar
Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Lunch - including Light Lunches in the Pavilion:
Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm -2:30pm
Dinner:
Friday & Saturday, 6pm – 8:30pm
From time to time, areas of the house, galleries, or gardens may be temporarily closed for private hire and events. We recommend checking our Latest Announcements below before your visit, where any temporary closures or changes to access will be clearly listed.
LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
Any temporary closures or changes to access will be posted here.
Monday 24th - Friday 28th November
This week, we’ll be installing Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol.
During the installation there may be some disruption across the galleries — thank you for your patience while we prepare this special exhibition.
Our Friends in the Country display will be moving to our Ground Floor Galleries during this period.
Getting here
Address
The Sherborne, Newland, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3JG
By Train
South Western Railway services run regularly to Sherborne Station, a 10-minute walk from The Sherborne.
By Bus
Local bus services stop a few minutes’ walk away, offering smooth access from surrounding towns.
By Car & Parking
Sherborne offers several convenient car parks within easy reach, including Newland North, Coldharbour, and Old Market Yard. Limited free roadside parking is also available locally.
We have a small number of restricted-mobility parking spaces on site, with drop-off access available. To help us assist you, please call ahead where possible.
Come, stay awhile, explore and be inspired.
Facilities & Access
We want every visitor to feel welcome and supported. Our Visitor Experience team is here to help — please get in touch before your visit if you have specific access needs.
Fully wheelchair accessible, including a lift and accessible toilets. Family-friendly with baby-changing facilities.
Need help?
To book a restricted-mobility parking space on site, or arrange drop-off access, please get in touch with the Visitor Experience team directly:
Email: reception@thesherborne.uk
Phone: 01935 313000
Admission & Visits
Entry to the house, galleries and gardens is included in your visit. Special exhibitions and preview nights may require advance booking. Groups and school visits welcome — contact our Visitor Experience team.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the front terrace.
Dogs are not permitted inside the house, in the rear gardens, shop or Macready’s Restaurant — with the exception of assistance dogs.
What to Explore
View the nationally significant Sir James Thornhill mural in our Georgian house.
Wander the terraced gardens and discover sculptural artworks in seasonal planting.
Enjoy locally-sourced food and drink at Macready’s and from our daily café.
Visit our shop for delightfully curated gifts.
Visitor Guidelines
Some areas may be closed for private hire — check the LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS above for the current status. Where possible, we’ll add these to our What’s On cultural calendar.
Food & drink from Macready’s is only permitted in designated areas.
For group or school bookings, we’ll help you plan a seamless visit.