Sherborne, self-catering holiday cottages, barns, rural retreats and lodges to rent in Dorset, England

If you are looking for a country holiday in Dorset then Sherborne in Dorset could be a great choice. This small market town is a delightful place with lots of historic attractions, narrow streets and modern shopping facilities along with a wide choice of restaurants and pubs. It is situated in the north west of Dorset with excellent road links with Devon and Cornwall. There is a direct route to the county town of Dorchester and from there the south coast is just a short drive away. There are many interesting houses and gardens and some beautiful countryside surrounding Sherborne.

Advice on Cottage Holidays in Sherborne

With fine historical buildings, Sherborne has plenty to recommend it for a self-catering holiday. Points of interest within the town include two castles, one of which is a ruin. The old castle dates back to the 12th century and was active until the 17th century when it was left to deteriorate into the ruins that are still standing. The new castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and its lakes and grounds were the work of Capability Brown. Both the house and grounds are open to the public in the summertime.

Built between 1440 and 1445 the Sherborne Almshouse was restored in the 19th century and is another point of interest to visit whilst on a cottage break in this part of the West Country. There is a wonderful triptych (triple art piece) in the chapel dating from around 1480 that can be viewed as part of a guided tour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Once a Saxon cathedral, then a Benedictine Abbey, now the parish church, Sherborne Abbey is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and contains some real historic treasures. King Ethelbald and King Ethelbert of Wessex, elder brothers of Alfred the Great, are believed to have tombs there. Poet Sir Thomas Wyatt also has a tomb there while memorials, effigies and statues of other notables associated with the abbey from the 12th century are widespread throughout the Abbey. It is a wonderful building that dominates the small town.

One edifice worthy of mention is the early 16th century Conduit on The Parade that was formerly the Conduit House and was used by monks as a wash place.  Close to the old castle there is a Steam and Water Wheel centre that supplied the town’s water prior to a pumping station being built. This piece of history has been lovingly restored by volunteers. More of the town’s past can be researched or viewed in its museum.

With so many historical attractions, a cottage holiday in or close to Sherborne may best suit those with a love for history. When it comes to finding a good quality place to stay, Country Cottages Online feature an excellent collection of cottages including Grade II listed cottages and character cottages.

Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Sherborne, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Dorset.