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Sherborne Castle

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Sherborne Castle Summary

 

Sherborne Castle Description

The first building on the site of the current castle was that of a hunting lodge set in a large deer park. Sir Walter Raleigh fell in love with the Sherborne estate on his way to Plymouth and Queen Elizabeth I persuaded the current owners the Church, to relinquish the estate to the Crown. The lease (of 99 years) was transferred to Raleigh and he attempted to modernise the existing 12th century building (the current old castle) without success. He then planned and built a new home on the site of the hunting lodge.

Sir Walter Raleigh erected his new house in 1594, which he called "Sherborne Lodge" to distinguish it from the Old Castle. A stained glass window bearing his initials and coat of arms and the date 1594 survived in the Tudor building until the last century. The rectangular, four storey house with its hexagonal corner turrets, forms the core of the current castle.

Sir Walter Raleigh died on the block accused of treason and his estates were forfeited to the crown. Sir Walter lived in the house for little more than ten years. King James I allowed Sir John Digby to purchase Sherborne Castle in 1617 and his family has lived here ever since.

Set in 20 acres of glorious landscaped gardens around a 50 acre lake, Sherborne Castle contains a fine collection of pictures, porcelain and furniture. Prince William of Orange was entertained there in 1688, and George III visited in 1789. Lancelot ‘Capability Brown’ created the lake in 1753 and gave Sherborne the very latest in landscape gardening, with beautiful lakeside gardens and rolling landscapes.

The Castle was opened to the public in 1969 and hosts a variety of events in the Gardens during the summer season, you can get more information on their Public Admission Programme on the Sherborne Castle Website.

Venue Hire

You can enjoy the splendour of Sherborne Castle as the venue for your event, and revel in the exclusive ambience for a private function, business meeting, wedding, small conference or event.

They have a civil marriage licence for wedding ceremonies either in Sir Walter Raleighs 'front parlour' now known as the Solarium, the Tudor Entrance Hall or in the elegant lakeside Orangery. The Orangery is also available for wedding receptions and private functions for up to 60 guests.

For Meetings and Small Conferences they have an attractive and spacious room overlooking the lake and gardens that is available throughout the year. The meeting room is on the first floor of the old nursery block built in 1762 for the children of the 7th Lord Digby.

The ground on the lake side of the Orangery is ideal for a marquee of up to 250 guests.

  • 10 Acres of land available for a marquee village
  • Major Promotional Event Location
  • Product Promotion and Launch Location
  • Offroad 4-wheel-drive events through surrounding forestry

Contact Address:

Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 5NR

Opening Times - 2011:

Castle, Gardens, Shop and Tearoom:

  • 2nd April - 30th October: Daily except Mondays and Fridays (but open on Bank Holiday Mondays), 11 am - 4.30 pm (last admission)

The Castle interior opens later on Saturdays from 2 pm.

Admission Prices - 2011

Castle & Gardens:

  • Adult - £9.50
  • Seniors - £9.00
  • Child (0-15 years) - Free (maximum 4 accompanied by adult)

Gardens Only:

  • Adult - £5.00
  • Seniors - £5.00
  • Child (0-15 years) - Free (maximum 4 accompanied by adult)

Groups (15+):

  • Adult/Seniors - £8.50
  • Child (0-15 years) - £3.50

Private views (15+):

  • Adult/Seniors - £10.50
  • Child (0-15 years) - £5.00

Season Tickets:

Gardens & Grounds Only: full year

  • Adult / Seniors - £45.00

Castle Only: full year

  • Adult / Seniors - £54.00

Groups Welcome (minimum 15 people)

Season Tickets are sold throughout the year, with the cost adjusted monthly, pro rata

No concessions or group rates for gardens only.

Further information including opening times and prices

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Additional Info for Sherborne Castle

  • YesGardens
  • YesDogs allowed
  • YesWeddings
  • YesDisabled Access
  • YesEducation
  • YesRefreshments
  • YesPicnics
  • YesGuides
  • YesConferences
  • YesGifts
  • YesLive Entertainment
  • YesShop

Heritage Groups

  • YesHistoric Houses Association

Credit Cards Accepted

  • YesMastercard
  • YesVisa

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