Terms and Conditions

When visiting Sherborne Castle & Gardens you accept the following terms and conditions and agree to always abide by the Castle and Garden rules and the instructions of the staff.

We welcome well-behaved dogs in all areas of the Gardens on short leads. Please do NOT leave your dog in your car. Dogs (except for guide or assistance dogs) are not permitted inside the Castle.

The Garden Admission price covers entry to the Gardens, Museum, and the Old Dairy with Roman Mosaic. Castle and Garden tickets also cover entrance to timed tours in the Castle, when open.

Disabled person admission: 2 for 1 admission is offered whereby the helper is admitted free of charge and registered disabled person pays full adult price. 

Children under 16 must be always accompanied by a responsible adult over 18. Bicycles and push/stunt scooters are not permitted within the Gardens; please store these in the designated areas in the car park. No ball games are permitted within the grounds of Sherborne Castle & Gardens. There is a large lake within the grounds, in which paddling or swimming is forbidden; children should be supervised at all times. To make your visit more interesting and fun we will provide each child with our Children’s Garden Trail for the Gardens which includes a pencil.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens welcomes amateur photography within the gardens and grounds. We regret, however, that photography in the Castle is not permitted, this includes video cameras and mobile phone cameras. No commercial use of photographs is permitted on any part of the Estate without written permission. Drones and Remote-control vehicles are prohibited from use in or over the grounds.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens endeavour to provide a safe and healthy environment for visitors within the constraints of an historic property, as far as is reasonable and practicable. Please observe all notices during your visit, and follow any instructions given by staff. Occasionally, parts of the Castle, Gardens and Grounds require to be closed for essential maintenance; please do not enter cordoned off areas and observe any directions and signs accordingly.

The Gardens have a well-maintained collection of trees. However, visitors are advised not to shelter under trees during an electrical storm (due to the danger of lightning) and to exercise caution when walking under trees in high winds. The Estate will close the Gardens if adverse conditions threaten visitors’ safety; please leave promptly if requested to do so.

No responsibility is accepted by the owners for damage incurred in the car park, no matter how incurred.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens will not be held liable for any losses, injuries or damages sustained at Sherborne Castle & Gardens, including damage, theft or loss to property and motor vehicles if the cause is due to the negligence of the individual or the unforeseeable actions of other customers or third parties.

The owners reserve the right to refuse entry to Sherborne Castle and its gardens for whatever reason. Being in possession of a pre-paid ticket does not give exemption from this.

To facilitate the security, safety and comfort of all customers and staff, Sherborne Castle & Gardens reserves the right to remove from the Castle and its grounds, without refund, anyone it deems to have behaved in a manner which has, or is likely to, affect the safety and enjoyment of other visitors or staff.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens runs a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy for aggressive or inappropriate behaviour towards our staff.

Whilst Sherborne Castle & Gardens does its best to update and maintain the accuracy of this website, it cannot always guarantee its content. Any potential visitor is advised to ring to check any detail that may be of particular importance.

Terms and Conditions Online Ticket Admission

In addition to the above conditions, the purchase of online tickets or the making of an online booking is subject to the acceptance of the following additional terms and conditions.

Tickets purchased online are issued in the form of a confirmation email. You will be asked to present your email (including the booking reference) to gain admission. Failure to do so may result in refusal of admission for which Sherborne Castle & Gardens cannot be held responsible. Entry will only be permitted on production of a valid booking confirmation email.

Merac Ltd. provides the platform for this transaction, but your purchase and contract is made directly with Sherborne Castle & Gardens who are responsible for resolving any issues with you. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, you should contact Sherborne Castle & Gardens prior to your visit.

Credit/Debit card transactions are made on a separate secure server with full encryption of all credit card data. Your credit/debit card details and personal information will not be shared with any other company or organisation.

Whilst Sherborne Castle & Gardens has been assured of the secure nature of all online payments, they are unable to take responsibility for the loss of money through any transaction which remains at the risk of the customer. It is your responsibility to check your booking prior to your visit and contact Sherborne Castle & Gardens immediately if there is a problem as mistakes will not be rectified on arrival.

Tickets purchased online are valid for the date you have specified when you would like to visit. We cannot refund for tickets purchased online where Sherborne Castle & Gardens has been forced to close due to adverse weather conditions.

The quantity of people in your group, and their respective ages, will be checked on arrival to Sherborne Castle & Gardens against those on the booking confirmation. Any discrepancies will require the difference to be paid on entrance or entry will be refused.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens is unable to offer refunds for members of your group that do not attend. Where you are unsure of numbers, we advise you book for the minimum number required for the specific booking and add to the booking nearer the date.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens operates a policy of no refunds or exchanges for tickets booked online. Tickets remain the property of Sherborne Castle & Gardens and are not for re-sale, tickets are valid only for the date they are booked and cannot be transferred to another date.