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A warm welcome to

Sherborne Abbey

Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, Sherborne Abbey has developed from Saxon cathedral to the worshipping heart of a monastic community and, finally, to one England’s most beautiful parish churches. For many, it is still the ‘cathedral of Dorset’ and our Benedictine heritage lives on in the daily offering of prayer and praise.

If you have never visited the Abbey, we hope you can do so soon. Marvelling at this glorious building, may you also catch a glimpse of the Glory of God – so that, having arrived as our welcome guest, you will leave renewed, as a pilgrim.

ABOUT SHERBORNE ABBEY

Guided Tours

Guided Tours of The Abbey take place on a regular basis between April and November and pre-arranged tours for larger groups can also be booked – please see ‘Visit Sherborne Abbey’ for more details.

Sunday 2nd August 2026, 9th Sunday after Trinity

Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church: open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holt Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen

Music Lists
Pewsheets

Services & Events

august, 2026

Plans revealed for new facilities

“Improvements to ‘comfort’ at the Abbey are long-overdue, and it was one of my promises, as the new Rector of Sherborne Abbey, to prioritise this work and to make the Abbey an even more welcoming and accessible place to work and visit. These proposals represent the most significant improvement to facilities at the Abbey since the recovery of The Lady Chapel in the 1920s, and I hope they will be welcomed by the local community and visitors alike”.

The Revd. Martin Lee, Team Rector

Find out more

Explore Sherborne Abbey

Free Guided Tours

FREE ENTRY to the Abbey, including our guided tours (donations always welcome). Children’s trails and information guides in many languages.

2026 Tour Times

Spring to Autumn (April to October)

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30 am
(2nd April – 29th October)
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2.00 pm
(1st April – 30th October)

Additional Summer Weekend Tours

Saturdays at 10.30 am
Sundays at 2.15 pm
(4th July – 27th September)

JUST TURN UP! Tours take 45 mins-1 hour
Our guide will be waiting for you in the porch

See More Tour Information

Regular Services

Sherborne Abbey

Morning Prayer: 8.30 am Monday to Saturday

Daily Holy Communion: Monday 9.00 am; Tuesday 12 noon; Wednesday 10.30 am; Thursday 12 noon; Friday 9.00 am; Saturday 9.00 am

Requiem Holy Communion: 1st Friday of every month at 9.00 am

Remembering the Fallen: 3rd Friday of every month at 11.00 am

Sunday Services

Sherborne Abbey
Book of Common Prayer Communion 8.00 am
Parish Eucharist 9.30 am
Choral Evensong 6.00 pm

Benefice Churches:
St Mary Magdalen, Castleton 11.15 am
St Martin of Tours, Lillington 9.30 am
St James the Great, Longburton 10.00 am
St Paul’s @ the Gryphon 10.30 am

See all Services

Opening Times

The Abbey is open for public visiting Monday to Saturday inclusive from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm and Sundays between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm unless services are taking place.

For restricted opening hours due to weddings, funerals etc., please click on ‘Visit Sherborne Abbey’ on the Information tab above.

No admission charge – donations are welcome

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Safeguarding

The Abbey,  along with the Church of England is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  Details of our safeguarding policy can be found here.

More Information

Digby Memorial Hall

The Digby Memorial Hall is located opposite Sherborne Abbey in Digby Road. It is available for hire and is ideal for markets, fairs, fitness classes, lectures, parties, music and exhibitions.

More Information