AttractionEnglish Heritage

Sherborne Old Castle

Sherborne, Dorset

A fortified bishops' palace wrecked by Cromwell after an eleven day siege, free, with open level Dorset parkland for your dog.

For more than half its history this was not a castle at all but a grand fortified palace of the bishops of Salisbury, and you can still explore the ruins of its great tower, chapels and strong south west gatehouse. In Elizabethan times it was leased to Sir Walter Raleigh, who tried to modernise it, gave up, and built the new Sherborne Castle across the lake instead. Cromwell described it as malicious and mischievous, like its owner, before it fell in 1645 after a fierce eleven day siege and was deliberately wrecked.

Whilst you work out what the slighting did to it, your dog gets open, level parkland with the ruins spread across it and the lake and grounds of the newer castle beyond, so there is real room and good views.

Free to enter. There are no posted dog rules here, so keep your dog on a lead around the ruined walls, where there is loose masonry, and under close control on the grass. There are no facilities at the old castle, but Sherborne town is close by.

At a Glance

Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01935 812730

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sherborne Old Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Sherborne Old Castle, and entry is free. The site offers open, level parkland with the ruins spread across it, giving your dog good space to explore alongside the historic remains and views across the lake and grounds of the newer Sherborne Castle.
Are dogs allowed at Sherborne Old Castle year round?
There are no seasonal restrictions mentioned for dogs at Sherborne Old Castle. As an open, free-to-enter site, it's well suited to a visit at any time of year, though it's always worth checking with English Heritage for any temporary closures before you travel.
What should I know before visiting Sherborne Old Castle with my dog?
There are no posted dog rules at the site, but it's sensible to keep your dog on a lead around the ruined walls, where there is loose masonry that could pose a hazard. The parkland is open and level, so under close control on the grass your dog should have a comfortable visit. There are no facilities at the old castle itself, but Sherborne town is close by if you need to pick up supplies.