0930h

Start with a visit to Sherborne’s magnificent abbey. Visitors can either do their own self-guided tour with a prepared leaflet showing major points of interest, or a guided tour can be arranged.

1030h

Follow this with a tour of St. John’s Almhouse, built between 1440 and 1445 and extended and restored in 1864. Features: a painted triptych (c.1480) in the chapel; the original dining room; examples of traditional uniforms. Public tours only take place from May to September.

1130h

A walking tour of the town centre, pointing out examples of architecture from throughout history including Saxon, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian periods. Features: the Conduit, formerly known as the Lavatorium, a 16th century hexagonal washing area used by the monks; Sherborne school buildings.

1230h

Lunch – either at one of Sherborne’s restaurants or pubs – or at a nearby country pub.

1400h

Visit to the Old Castle, run by English Heritage. Followed by a visit to the gardens and residence of the Digby family at Sherborne Castle, the ‘new’ 400+year old castle, converted from a hunting lodge by Sir Walter Raleigh. Public tours of Sherborne Castle are available from Easter until October.

1600h

A special treat – have afternoon tea at the Eastbury Hotel or at one of the many tea-shops.

Optional visits:

• The Sherborne Museum, featuring an oral history booth and the Sherborne Missal touch-screen.
• The Sherborne Water-wheel. The largest in Dorset, it provided water for the town from 1869 to 1959.