One of 'most beautiful towns in England' with two castles and prestigious school

Sherborne, a delightful market town situated not far from Devon, has been named as one of the "best places to live in 2024". Found in northwest Dorset, Sherborne is rich in history, renowned for its stunning honey-coloured architecture and the magnificence of its iconic Abbey.

The accolade was given by The Sunday Times, recognising Sherborne as the "best place to live" in the South West and praising its lively cultural scene. Derived from an original Saxon phrase, scir burne, translating to "clear stream", the town's name was inspired by a beck running through its centre.

Visit Dorset has echoed this sentiment, describing Sherborne as "without doubt one of the most beautiful towns in England", as reported by the Express. Featuring in the Domesday Book, Sherborne's historical importance can't be overlooked. Over many centuries, a series of important buildings have been erected in the town, each with a unique story to tell.

Among these significant structures sits the prestigious Sherborne Castle and Gardens, established by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. Currently open to the public, visitors can wander through the castle and its gardens, following in the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh and past monarchs.

Spread across a sprawling estate, the 42-acre carefully crafted gardens and 50-acre lake are highlights. Moreover, Sherborne hosts the remains of the Sherborne Old Castle. This mesmerising 12th-century structure, earlier serving as a bishop's palace, also bears associations with Sir Walter Raleigh.

In 1645, after enduring an 11-day siege during the Civil War, Sherborne Castle finally fell. Today, the castle grounds provide a peaceful haven, teeming with wildlife and adorned with vibrant flowers.

For those interested in exploring the rich history of Sherborne further, a visit to the town museum is highly recommended. Located in the former gatehouse and almonry of the monastery, the museum's exhibits vividly recount the Medieval era of Sherborne and celebrate its notable past residents.

Another historical highlight in Sherborne is the prestigious Sherborne School. Continuously operational since 1300, the school was originally established in 705AD by St Aldhelm and was re-established in 1550 by King Edward VI. Known as one of the oldest schools in the country, Sherborne School currently serves as a public and boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18. Its sister school, Sherborne Girls School, enjoys a similar reputation of excellence.

When it comes to shopping, Sherborne boasts sophisticated retail options, earning praise from The Sunday Times for its "high-class shops". The town features a mix of independent boutiques and well-known brands including Quba, Crew Clothing, White Stuff, Joules, Fat Face, and Mistral.

Sherborne also caters to antique lovers, hosting a monthly auction where items such as vintage furniture and crockery are sold. Additionally, every Thursday and Sunday, Cheap Street is transformed into the bustling Pannier Market. The Vintage Market is an event not to be missed, hosted every last Saturday of the month at the Digby Memorial Church Hall.

Rightmove detailed that the average price for houses in Sherborne in the previous year hovered around £358,972. The property site recorded: "The majority of sales in Sherborne during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £314,537. Detached properties sold for an average of £522,403, with semi-detached properties fetching £350,353."