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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. 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.

ABOUT SHERBORNE ABBEY

Sunday 3rd May 2026
5th Sunday of Easter

Pewsheets

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen

Music List

Sherborne Abbey Festival

Each spring, Sherborne Abbey becomes the centrepiece of the Sherborne Abbey Festival, a week-long celebration of music, bringing together world-class performers, local ensembles and outstanding young musicians.

From 30th April to 7th May, the Abbey will host a range of concerts and services, with music filling this historic space in a way that continues a tradition stretching back centuries.

The Festival offers something for everyone; from large-scale orchestral performances and choral works to more intimate recitals and performances by talented students from local schools. Many events are open to all, with opportunities to experience live music in one of the most beautiful settings in Dorset.

The Abbey plays a central role throughout the Festival, providing a unique acoustic and atmosphere that enhances every performance.

For full details of events, timings and ticket information, please visit the official festival website:
www.sherborneabbeyfestival.org 

Services & Events

There are no upcoming events at this time

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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

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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.

VISIT SHERBORNE ABBEY

Monday-Saturday: 8am-5pm/Sunday: 11am-5pm

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.

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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.

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