The Sunday Observer
24th October 2008

 

FOR A GREAT WEEKEND BREAK

THINK SMALL

Why follow the hordes to York or Bath? Britain’s less well-known historic towns ooze character, with stylish hotels and great places to eat. If you fancy an early autumn break, follow Annabelle Thorpe’s guide to the UK’s pint-size gems.

No. 6 SHERBORNE, DORSET

Often overlooked, Sherborne is one of the most picturesque towns in England, with a beautiful abbey, historic almshouses and medieval streets and two castles. The ‘new’ castle(www.sherbornecastle.com), built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, has 30 acres of stunning lakeside gardens, originally designed by ‘Capability’ Brown and lies on the other side of Sherborne Lake from the ruins of the ‘old’ castle which dates from the 12th century. The town itself has a pedestrianised main street dotted with antiques shops, art galleries and quirky, one-off shops (if you need your violin restrung, or a handmade corset, this is the place to come) and the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings is well worth a browse.

EAT: One of the best places to eat is actually a short drive out of Sherborne: The Chetnole Inn (01935 872337 www.thechetnoleinn.co.uk) offers top notch pub food in lovely surroundings.
For the full article go to:
www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/aug/24/shortbreaks.uk