Sherborne Abbey — A Glorious Medieval Church

A Landmark of Faith and Architecture

In the centre of Sherborne, Sherborne Abbey stands as one of Dorset’s most impressive churches.
With Saxon origins, medieval rebuilding, and superb fan vaulting, it offers a rich blend of history and craftsmanship.
Today, the abbey remains an active place of worship and a major town landmark.

It’s a historic church with outstanding architecture.

Over 1,300 Years of Christian Worship

The abbey began as a Saxon cathedral in the 8th century.
It later became a Benedictine monastery, which shaped much of the medieval building.
However, after the Dissolution, it continued as the parish church for Sherborne.

Key historic phases include:

Saxon foundations

Norman rebuilding

15th-century Perpendicular Gothic additions

Post-Reformation parish use

In addition, the abbey has been carefully maintained over the centuries.

Exploring Sherborne Abbey
1. The Nave and Fan Vaulting

The nave contains one of England’s finest medieval fan vaults.
Its elegant stone tracery creates a striking ceiling.
In addition, the light filtering through the windows adds atmosphere to the space.

2. The Choir and Transepts

The choir stalls include beautifully carved details.
The transepts show earlier architectural styles, including Norman features.
Moreover, the layout reflects the abbey’s long monastic history.

3. The Tower and Exterior

The central tower rises above the town.
Its warm Ham Hill stone gives the building a distinctive golden colour.
Furthermore, walking around the exterior reveals different phases of construction.

(Learn more at the official Sherborne Abbey website.)

Stained Glass and Decoration

Sherborne Abbey contains fine stained glass, including Victorian and modern examples.
The Great East Window brings colour into the choir.
Because the abbey blends old and new styles, each window adds to the building’s character.

In addition, monuments and memorials line the interior walls.

Music and Community

The abbey has a strong musical tradition.
Its choir performs at services throughout the year.
Moreover, concerts and community events take place regularly within the nave.

The building serves both as a place of worship and as a cultural venue.

Walks and Nearby Sites

Visitors often combine the abbey with walks around Sherborne.
Popular stops include:

Sherborne Old Castle

Sherborne New Castle

Cheap Street for shops and cafés

Paddock Gardens for peaceful seating

See our guides to Sherborne Old Castle and Fiddleford Manor for more Dorset heritage.

Visiting Sherborne Abbey
How to Get There

Location: Sherborne, Dorset

Parking: Town car parks within walking distance

Train: Sherborne Station (short walk)

Bus: Regular services to the town centre

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily

Free entry (donations welcome)

Facilities

Gift shop

Nearby cafés and restaurants

Level access to most areas

Nearby Attractions

Sherborne Old Castle — Medieval ruins

Sherborne New Castle — Lakeside mansion

Montacute House — Elizabethan country house

Lytes Cary Manor — Medieval manor and gardens

Together, these form the Dorset Abbeys & Castles Trail.

Why Visit Sherborne Abbey?

The Sherborne Abbey experience offers:

Magnificent fan vaulting

Over a thousand years of history

Peaceful interior spaces

Central town location

Whether you enjoy architecture, church history, or quiet reflection, Sherborne Abbey is one of Dorset’s most remarkable historic churches.
It’s not just a building — it’s a landmark shaped by centuries of worship and community life.