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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 22nd March 2026
5th Sunday of Lent
Passiontide begins

Pewsheets

Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen

Music List

FIAC LENT PROJECT 2026

Click here to find out how to donate

Introducing our 2026 Lent Projects

Our Church Mission Society Mission Partner, Sam Malish

Sam is our CMS mission partner, working for CMS Africa in a refugee camp bringing Christ’s peace to traumatised refugees displaced from South Sudan. Our support will give him vital tools to do his job and support him and his family.

Farming Community Network

The Farming Community Network charity supports farmers, farming families and people in rural communities through difficult times and periods of change. 

Founded on Christian principles, FCN is here to support people of all faiths and none. Our support will help to build thriving communities, encourage resilience and help farming people to explore their options. Your donation will support local volunteers in providing excellent support, information and encouragement.

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The Faith in Action Committee acts on your behalf. We have chosen these causes carefully, reaching out to the most needy people at home and overseas. 

Last year we raised a ten-year high £6391. I would love it if we could match that amount this year.  

  Many thanks,

  John Crossman

  Chair Faith in Action Committee

Services & Events

26 March 2026

Choral Evensong

Sung by the Abbey Choir  

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Sherborne Abbey, Abbey Close
Sherborne, DT9 3LQ United Kingdom
+ Google Map
29 March 2026

Holy Communion

Palm Sunday

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Sherborne Abbey, Abbey Close
Sherborne, DT9 3LQ United Kingdom
+ Google Map
29 March 2026

Parish Eucharist

Palm Sunday

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Sherborne Abbey, Abbey Close
Sherborne, DT9 3LQ United Kingdom
+ Google Map
29 March 2026

Morning Service

Palm Sunday

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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
Click HERE for details of any visiting restrictions due to services

FREE GUIDED TOURS 2025
Tuesday 1 April – Thursday 30 October:
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10.30 am

Wednesday 2 April – Friday 21 November:
Wednesdays & Fridays 2.00pm

WEEKENDS
Saturday 5 July – Sunday 28 September:
Saturdays 10.30am /Sundays 11.15 am*
*When a Sunday morning baptism is taking place, the tour begins at 2pm

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

Bespoke tours and larger groups by arrangement (including December-March). Contact the Parish Office beforehand to discuss a convenient date and time.
Tel: 01935 713777
e: asstparishsecretary@sherborneabbey.com
[Office hours Mon-Fri: 9am-3pm [Mon to 1 pm]

DOWNLOAD DETAILS

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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