Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, Dorset
Founded in AD 705, it’s easy to see why this glorious Hamstone is often referred to as the ‘cathedral of Dorset’. It’s worth a look around when you’re in Sherborne browsing the shops as it’s incredibly beautiful and the history is immense; two Saxon kings are buried here and for over 800 years it was home to a Benedictine monastery. The Abbey is unusual in that it has two fonts – a Victorian one just inside the door and a medieval one in the Bow Chapel, but the thing that really sets it apart is the incredible detail in the van vaulted roof; don’t forget to look up – it is truly breathtaking. Also notice the beautiful stained glass Great West Window, and in St Katherine’s Chapel you can see most of the Abbey’s surviving medieval glass. The Abbey has the claim to fame for the heaviest peal of eight bells in the entire world! If you have little ones with you they’ll enjoy the Abbey Trails, and they might well want a memento of their visit from the Abbey shop which sells gifts and cards, along with new and second hand books.
Sherborne Abbey is open to visitors Monday to Saturday 10.00 am-5.00 pm.
T: 01935 812452 All information correct at the time of writing