Sherborne Castle is a magnificent Tudor mansion built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, surrounded by 1,200 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. The castle combines Elizabethan grandeur with later additions creating a stunning country house. The Digby family has owned Sherborne Castle since 1617, and their collections fill the house with Old Master paintings, furniture, porcelain, and family treasures. Raleigh began building this ‘new’ castle while occupying nearby Sherborne Old Castle. The house demonstrates Renaissance architecture and aristocratic living across centuries. The parkland features a 50-acre lake created by damming two streams, spectacular trees, and beautiful views. The castle hosts events including concerts, living history, and outdoor theatre. Sherborne Castle exemplifies English country house heritage combining architectural splendour, art collections, designed landscape, and continuing family occupation. Essential for appreciating Tudor architecture and Capability Brown landscapes.
Photo by Colin Cheesman from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Sherborne Castle
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
Sherborne Abbey
Magnificent Saxon abbey with England's finest fan vaulted ceilings and 1,300 years of history.
Sherborne Old Castle
Impressive ruined 12th-century castle beside ornamental lakes, former residence of Sir Walter Raleigh.
Sherborne Museum
Local history museum in medieval building covering Sherborne's rich Saxon, abbey, and Civil War heritage.
Sherborne School
Historic independent school founded in 1550 with medieval origins and distinguished alumni.
Almshouse of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist
15th-century almshouse providing charitable accommodation with fine medieval architecture.
The Conduit
16th-century hexagonal monument that housed Sherborne's historic water supply system.