Sherborne, located in Dorset, is a charming town with a rich history, and there are several ways to reach it depending on where you're coming from. Here are the main options:
1. By Car
- From London/Other major cities: If you're traveling by car, Sherborne is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from London. You can take the M3 motorway from London, and then connect to the A303 westbound, which will take you directly to Sherborne. The A303 is a scenic route, and Sherborne is just off this main road.
- From Exeter or Devon: Head east via the A30 or A303 towards the A352, which will lead you to Sherborne.
- Sherborne is well-connected via local roads, so driving gives you flexibility, and there is parking available in and around the town center.
2. By Train
- From London: You can catch a train from London Waterloo to Sherborne, which is the main train station serving the town. The journey usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, with regular trains available throughout the day.
- From Exeter: You can also catch a train from Exeter St David’s to Sherborne, with a journey time of around 1.5 hours.
- Trains from London and Exeter generally pass through Basingstoke and Salisbury, so you can change trains if needed depending on the route.
3. By Bus or Coach
- There are coach services that run from London and other major cities to Sherborne. Services like National Express or other regional buses often provide routes, and the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on the departure point.
- There are also local bus routes connecting towns around Dorset and Somerset to Sherborne. For example, buses from Yeovil or Dorchester can connect you to Sherborne, with travel times of around 30 minutes to an hour.
4. By Air
- The nearest airport to Sherborne is Bristol Airport, around an hour's drive away. From there, you can either rent a car or take a bus or train (via Bristol Temple Meads) to Sherborne.
- London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City) are further away, but you could take a train from Paddington Station to Reading or Bristol, then transfer to a train heading to Sherborne.
5. By Taxi
- If you are coming from a nearby station or airport, taxis are available to take you directly to Sherborne. While this is often more expensive than public transport, it provides door-to-door convenience.
6. Cycling
- If you're up for an adventure, you can cycle to Sherborne, as it has many scenic routes through the countryside. From surrounding towns, including Yeovil and Dorchester, you can follow minor roads and countryside paths to reach the town. Sherborne is part of the National Cycle Network, so there are mapped routes.
Sherborne is well-connected by both road and rail, so depending on your starting point and preferences, you have several options for getting there. The train journey from London offers a relatively quick and scenic option, while driving allows more flexibility and the opportunity to explore the area at your own pace.