Heritage Reimagined. Culture Reborn.
The Sherborne is where history meets imagination — a home for art, heritage, food and ideas, breathing new life into one of Dorset’s most remarkable historic buildings.
Our charitable mission & vision
At The Sherborne, we bring heritage to life. We protect the stories, architecture, and traditions that make this place unique, while championing bold cultural experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect. Every exhibition, performance, and community programme reflects our commitment to honour the past while embracing the present.
We aspire to be a cultural beacon for the South West, where history is a living dialogue, creativity thrives, and community flourishes. As a registered charity, every ticket purchased, donation made, or coffee enjoyed helps safeguard The Sherborne’s heritage and nurture the culture of tomorrow. Join us and be part of a vibrant, inclusive cultural future.
Eat at The Sherborne
Food and drink are woven into the rhythm of the day at The Sherborne - from morning coffee, freshly baked treats and nourishing lunches to seasonal plates, elegant dinners and unhurried drinks.
The Pavilion Café is our relaxed daytime space, while the Restaurant brings together carefully sourced ingredients, beautifully simple dishes, wines and signature cocktails.
The Pavilion Café
Open daily
The Restaurant
Lunch Wednesday–Sunday
Dinner Wednesday–Saturday
Discover
Heritage alive, art renewed.
Wander through stories of art, architecture, and landscape.
From contemporary exhibitions to the layers of history held in the stone, The Sherborne invites you to discover its evolving character.
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![A classical painting depicting a historical scene with several women and men, one of whom is holding a scroll, and a dog at the front.]()
Art & Heritage
Where historic craft meets contemporary vision, revealing stories held within stone and brushstroke.
Every detail — from sculpted arch to modern installation — invites reflection on how the past continues to shape the present.
The Sherborne’s heritage is not static; it evolves through art, dialogue, and the people who pass through. -
![A building with a distinctive curved copper roof and large glass windows, surrounded by other traditional buildings and a landscaped garden in the foreground.]()
Gardens & Grounds
Terraces, lawns, and sculpture walks invite quiet reflection and unexpected encounters with art and nature.
Here, formal lines soften into wild corners, and each season transforms the landscape into a living gallery.
Take time to wander, pause, and breathe in the calm beauty that surrounds the building. -
![A watercolor sketch of a woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and flowing dress, holding a cane, with a small hedgehog nearby and a cat or similar animal in the background.]()
Exhibitions
Rotating displays bring new perspectives and playful imagination to The Sherborne’s timeless spaces.
From local artists to national names, each exhibition reimagines the relationship between art, place, and community.
Light, texture, and storytelling combine to create an ever-changing experience for returning visitors.
Connect
A place to come together — over food, creativity, and shared experience.
Our café and gatherings celebrate community, seasonality, and a sense of belonging.
Be part of something lasting.
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![Two women are engaged in conversation indoors. The woman on the right has white hair, glasses, and is wearing a black and white patterned shirt with a large pink beaded necklace. The woman on the left has brown hair with a clip, glasses, and is wearing a colorful striped shirt with words like 'flower', 'sunflower', 'spring' written on it. There are framed pictures and a decorative hanging with white shapes in the background.]()
Volunteer
Be part of The Sherborne story.
Join our warm volunteer community and help bring art, heritage, gardens, and ideas to life.
Here, everyone is invited to take part — to belong, contribute, and grow.
Your time makes a difference — and you’ll make friends along the way. -
![A formal dining table set with plates, silverware, wine glasses, water glasses, bottles of wine, and small flower arrangements, in a room with wooden walls and a window allowing natural light.]()
Events & Community
From theatre and talks to gatherings under the stars, our events bring people and ideas together.
The Sherborne comes alive through performance, conversation, and celebration — a meeting point for art and life.
Here, sound travels and stories linger — voices rising, music drifting through stone and glass, ideas echoing long after the final applause. -
![People in a restaurant or event space clapping, smiling, and enjoying a celebration or reception, with some people seated at tables and others standing near a bar area with glasses hanging overhead.]()
Support Us
Help history sing into the future.
By supporting The Sherborne, you sustain a space where culture grows, new work emerges, and music and laughter echo through centuries-old walls.Donate today - every gift keeps this place alive with possibility.
Explore
Find your own way through The Sherborne.
Host a celebration, a performance, or a meeting in one of our flexible spaces, surrounded by art and nature.
Let curiosity lead the way.
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![Group of people at an indoor social gathering near a bar, some engaged in conversations, in a modern space with wooden accents and large windows.]()
What's On
A living calendar of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural moments to inspire and delight.
From morning markets to evening recitals, The Sherborne offers something for every pace and mood.
Come to discover, to connect, or simply to be part of the story as it unfolds. -
![A group of children gathered around a curator explaining a large 3D map in an art gallery or museum, with paintings on the walls and wooden beams on the ceiling.]()
Workshops & Classes
Hands-on experiences that invite you to make, learn, and discover something new.
Led by artists, makers, and thinkers, our workshops encourage creativity in its many forms.
Each one leaves space for curiosity, conversation, and the simple joy of making. -
![Group of children and a woman in an art classroom holding up prints and artwork, with tables, chairs, and art supplies around.]()
Family & Community Programmes
Creativity, connection, togetherness.
Stories, art, play, and discovery for families, schools, and curious minds of all ages.
Where imaginations spark, friendships form, and children learn to feel at home in culture.
Latest News from The Sherborne
Plan your visit
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The Sherborne & Pavilion Café
Open daily, 10am–5pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am – 4pm
Free entryThe Restaurant
Lunch Wednesday–Sunday
Dinner Wednesday–Saturday -
At The Sherborne, we’re committed to making every visit welcoming and accessible. Our galleries, café, and facilities are fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free entry throughout the site. We offer designated disabled parking, accessible toilets, and comfortable seating areas, and assistance dogs are warmly welcomed.
If you have specific access needs or would like support planning your visit, please contact our team in advance — we’re always happy to help make your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
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Families are very welcome at The Sherborne. Our gardens, café, and galleries are designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, and we regularly host exhibitions and events that spark curiosity and creativity in young minds.
Baby-changing facilities are available, and our team is always happy to assist with any additional needs.