Sherborne Castle

Sherborne

Dorset

Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, Sherborne Castle has been the home of the Digby family since 1617. Prince William of Orange was entertained here in 1688, and George III visited in 1789. Splendid collections of art, furniture and porcelain are on view in the Castle. Lancelot 'Capability Brown' created the lake in 1753 and gave Sherborne the very latest in landscape gardening.

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 present castle. Sir Walter Raleigh died on the block accused of treason and his estates were forfeited to the crown.

King James I allowed Sir John Digby to purchase Sherborne Castle in 1617. The four wings were added in the 1620's in a similar style. During the Civil War the old castle was reduced to a ruin by the Parliamentary forces and the name 'Sherborne Castle' came to be applied to the new building. Prince William of Orange was entertained here in November 1688 by the Digby family. In 1724 the poet Alexander Pope visited the gardens laid out by Robert Digby.

Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was called in to create the lake in 1753. The work took two years and gave Sherborne the very latest in landscape gardening. George III visited Sherborne Castle in August 1789 and the following year honoured Henry by creating him Earl Digby. In the 19th Century the last Earl Digby died without heir and Sherborne Castle was left to his Wingfield Digby nephew. It is still in the care of the Wingfield Digby family. In World War I the castle became a Red Cross Hospital for wounded soldiers. During World War II the castle was the HQ for the Commandos for the D-Day landings.

The Castle was opened to the public in 1969 and hosts a variety of events in the Grounds during the summer season.

Opening times 1st April to 31st October

Castle, Gardens, Shop and Tearoom - open every day, except Mondays and Fridays (but open on Bank Holiday Mondays), from 11.00am with last admission 4.30pm.
(Castle opens on Saturdays from 2.30pm with last admission 4.30pm)

Admission Charges

Gardens only:
Adult            �3.50
Child (0-15)        Free (maximum of 4 accompanied by an adult)

Castle and Gardens:
Adult            �7.00
Seniors         �6.50
Child (0-15)       Free (maximum of 4 accompanied by an adult)

Party rate Castle and Gardens for groups of 15 or more:
Adult            �6.25
Child (0-15) �3.00

Private views (min charge for 15 people)
Adult            �8.00
Child            �4.00

Season Ticket (Gardens and grounds only - full year, Jan to Dec adult/seniors �32.00. With castle �38.00 (season tickets are sold throughout the year, with the cost adjusted pro-rata, half-monthly).

Sherborne Castle Estates reserve the right to change dates, times and admission charges without prior notice.

Weddings, Functions and Special Events

The Castle has three rooms licenced for Civil Marriage Ceremonies and the Orangery is available for wedding receptions. For larger parties a marquee can easily be erected adjacent to this elegant lakeside setting.

A room separate from the Castle is available for meetings; seminars or conferences for up to 40 delegates.

Sections of the 20 acre grounds may be hired for special events.

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