What’s On in Sherborne & Dorset Autumn 2026
Discover the best summer events in Sherborne and Dorset, from festivals and markets to castle shows. Plan your stay at The Hillbrook and make the most of it.
The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum at Bovington is a spectacular deep-dive into armoured history. See legendary machines up close — including the only running Tiger I — and experience immersive exhibits before unwinding in style at The Hillbrook Hotel.
Haynes International Motor Museum
Haynes International Motor Museum is an unmissable attraction for car and bike lovers. Whether you’re captivated by vintage classics or modern supercars, you’ll find over 400 vehicles to inspire and amaze — all just 20 minutes from The Hillbrook Hotel.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Fleet Air Arm Museum offers an unforgettable day of aviation history — from Concorde to combat jets. Located in Somerset, it’s the ultimate destination for flight enthusiasts, families, and history lovers. Paired with a stay at The Hillbrook Hotel, it’s a perfect blend of discovery and indulgence.
Castle Cary
Castle Cary captures the best of small‑town Somerset charm — from its golden‑stone Market House and artisan shops to its welcoming pubs and museum. It’s a place where heritage and modern creativity meet, framed by rolling countryside.
Bruton (Hauser & Wirth, Dovecote)
A trip to Bruton brings together the best of old and new — from avant‑garde exhibitions at Hauser & Wirth to the windswept stone Dovecote watching over the town. It’s the perfect day out for art lovers and history seekers alike.
Gillingham Museum
A trip to Gillingham Museum is a journey through time — from Roman artefacts to wartime memorabilia, with a strong sense of Dorset’s rural identity. This free museum offers intimate, engaging displays that make history accessible, enriching any visit to North Dorset.
Blandford Forum
A trip to Blandford Forum is a step back into Georgian Dorset — where elegant stonework meets riverside charm. With museums, breweries, and the bustle of a traditional market town, it combines history, culture, and countryside in equal measure.
Sturminster Newton
A trip to Sturminster Newton blends history, literature, and rustic charm. From the turning wheel of its centuries‑old working mill to fascinating museum exhibits and the landscapes celebrated by Thomas Hardy, it’s a North Dorset gem that captures the heart of England’s timeless countryside.
Sherborne Museum
Step into the captivating past of Sherborne at the Sherborne Museum, a charming repository of local stories and treasures. Housed within a historic 16th-century building, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the town’s evolution, from ancient times to modern-day, revealing the unique character and vibrant history of this quintessential Dorset market town.
