Adult Only Touring Caravan Park & Camping
Self-catering Holiday Lodge Accommodation For hire
Sparkford Somerset
VISIT SHERBORNE DURING YOUR STAY AT LONG HAZEL PARK, CARAVAN PARK & CAMPSITE
Just over the border in North Dorset is the market town of Sherborne. Sherborne is just 7 miles away from our caravan park in Somerset and the site of many historical places of interest, including an Abbey; a manor house and two castles. Much of the old town, including the abbey and many medieval and Georgian buildings, is built from distinctive ochre-coloured ham stone. Sherborne has 378 listed buildings in the town.
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It is possible to get to Sherborne using our local bus network.
Sherborne Abbey is a Saxon cathedral (704-1075), a Benedictine abbey church (998-1539) and most recently a parish church since 1539. The cathedral was built by King Ine of Wessex to cover Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and is a Grade 1 listed building.
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The architecture ranges from Saxon, with elements from c. 1050 remaining. Most of the walls are Norman, dating from c. 1140. The Lady chapel dates from c.1240 and is Early English. A new chapel-of-ease was built in the mid-14th century and further chapels built in an early Renaissance style.
Sherborne House is a Grade I listed manor house, built c.1720 for Henry Seymour Portman to sit half way between his properties in Somerset and Dorset.
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In 2004 Sherborne House was featured on the BBC series "Restoration" and plans were announced shortly after to renovate the house and turn it in to a cultural and arts centre.
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The Sherborne opened in early 2024, creating a new destination for the arts in Dorset. With galleries for painting and sculpture, there's also a restaurant and bar on site championing local food.
Sherborne is home to two castles; an old romantic ruin and a second built in the 16th Century.
The original castle was built in the 12th Century and is taken care of by English Heritage. Originally built as a bishop's palace, the castle became a strong Royalist base and was central to fighting in the Civil War. The castle was captured under Oliver Cromwell for being "malicious and mischievious" and was subject to an 11 day siege, falling to ruin in 1645.
Sherborne new castle is a 16th Century Tudor mansion on the outskirts of the town in the parish of Castleton. The castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh and originally known as Sherborne Lodge.
The castle stands within 1200 acres of parkland, forming part of the Digby Estate. The estate was leased to Raleigh by Queen Elizabeth in 1592, where he decided to build a new house for his visits between travels from London to Plymouth.
In 1752, 42 acres of gardens were designed by 'Capability' Brown, including a large lake which separates the new castle from the old castle grounds.
Sherborne Museum is situated in the old gatehouse and almonry of the Abbey's monastery, which features a unique Medieval wall painting.
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The museum is dedicated to the natural history of the town, as well as geological, historical, social and industrial heritage of the area.
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Exhibits in the museum include a touch-screen version of painting, the Sherborne Missal and a large collection of Edwardian botanical watercolours.
Sherborne Abbey holds an annual festival of music each May. The week long celebration is held across various locations in the town of Sherborne, including the Abbey itself.
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Performances range from opera to jazz, swing, classical and choral music and are held as all-day events or alongside private dinners.
Sherborne has several regular events on their calendar, with many held annually at Sherborne Castle.
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The Sherborne Castle County Fair is held in May, with country activities and stalls and one of the largest Rare Breed shows in the country.
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The Classic and Supercars Show is held in July, with 2000 cars, stalls and live music to enjoy.
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The Autumn Colours weekend is held in October to show off the landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown.
Sherborne has a great number of independent shops and cafes.
The main shopping area is centred around Cheap Street, where you will also find large high street shops.
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Of notable interest is the Sherborne Antiques Market, which features 42 traders, including several antiques experts currently feauted on television.​ For art enthusiasts, there is the Jerram Gallery and the Swan Gallery, both featuring extensive collections.
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​Sherborne holds markets on Thursday and Saturday each week, along with a Dorset Farmers' Market on the third Friday of each month. On the third Sunday of each month there is also The Sherborne Market and The Monthly Market is held on the first Saturday of each month.​
