When Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown created the lake at Sherborne Castle in 1753 he gave Sherborne the very latest in landscape gardening. Set within the beautiful Dorset countryside, his Lakeside Gardens and ‘pleasure grounds’ are one of the finest examples of ‘Capability’ Brown you will see.
Today there are over 30-acres of lakeside gardens and some 40-acres of grounds in total which are open for public viewing, combined in a rolling landscape of sweeping lawns, borders and majestic specimen trees around the lake. Paths and trails lead around the gardens to gain views of the lake and parklands beyond. Colour is provided throughout the year, from spectacular displays of spring bulbs and daffodils, through herbaceous planting and borders in summer, to the wonderful colours of autumn. A recent programme of tree and plant labelling provides detail to many of the species to be found. The natural and tranquil setting provides an ideal habitat for the abundant wildlife found on the lake and adjacent grounds, with a host of duck species, water-fowl and migratory birds.
