Car Hire Sherborne

Sherborne sits perfectly positioned along the A40 and A429 corridors, making it easily accessible for your driving adventures through this charming corner of Gloucestershire. This delightful area experiences mild summers, averaging 20°C, which provide perfect conditions for leisurely walks through the surrounding countryside and exploring the village’s stone-built architecture, whilst crisp winters, hovering around 7°C, bring a magical quality to the landscape, particularly when frost settles on the golden Cotswold stone. Spring and autumn offer their own distinct charms, with wildflowers dotting the meadows and the trees along the Windrush Valley displaying spectacular seasonal colours.

The local population of approximately 300 residents ensures that you’ll find the perfect balance between authentic village life and tourist amenities throughout the year. Unlike some of the more heavily touristed Cotswold villages, Sherborne retains a genuine sense of community and tranquillity, with locals still going about their daily routines in the traditional pub, village shop and parish church, yet there remains sufficient infrastructure to welcome visitors comfortably, including quality accommodation options and dining establishments that cater to those exploring this beautiful region.

Attractions In Sherborne

Visit village tranquillity and surrounding countryside attractions, offering traditional stone buildings, local amenities, scenic walking opportunities and access to nearby heritage sites and rural landscapes.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Every day from 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, Bradwell Grove in Burford welcomes visitors to this exceptional wildlife experience. You’ll discover why this park maintains its stellar 4.7 rating from over 15,000 reviews as you explore well-maintained paths, diverse animal collections and beautiful gardens, while the little ones enjoy train rides and expansive play areas.

Birdland Park & Gardens

Daily opening hours of 10 AM to 4 PM make Rissington Road in Bourton-on-the-Water your perfect destination for avian adventures. With an outstanding 4.5 score from over 4,500 reviews, you’ll find yourselves captivated by penguin feeding sessions, underwater viewing windows and accessible pathways that accommodate everyone in your party as you explore this remarkable bird sanctuary.

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

The Old Mill on Sherborne Street in Bourton-on-the-Water houses this automotive treasure, welcoming enthusiasts every day from 10 AM to 6 PM. We particularly love how this museum earned its impressive 4.6 average from nearly 4,000 reviews, showcasing everything from Morris Minors to the beloved ‘Brum’ car across multiple atmospheric rooms filled with nostalgic motoring memorabilia.

The Model Village

Open for tours every day from 10:00 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon, Bourton-on-the-Water’s miniature marvel offers a unique perspective on Cotswold architecture. Though parking can prove expensive and the ticketed area feels compact, you’ll find the surrounding riverside walks and charming village atmosphere more than compensate, particularly during the summer months.

Exploring the broader region becomes effortless when you consider these nearby destinations:

• Bourton on the Water
• Stow on the Wold
• Barnsley
• Poulton
• Moreton in Marsh
• Driffield
• Cirencester
• Cowley

National Trust – Lodge Park And Sherborne Park Estate

Lodge Park in Aldsworth rewards you with stunning countryside views after navigating winding rural lanes that test your driving skills. You’ll discover rooms with fascinating histories, quirky architectural details and peacocks roaming the extensive grounds, creating an authentic National Trust experience that showcases the estate’s varied and colourful past alongside fabulous photographic opportunities.

The Dragonfly Maze

Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, Bourton-on-the-Water hosts this challenging family attraction that tests your problem-solving abilities. You’ll appreciate the family rates, making group visits affordable, though we suggest leaving pushchairs in the car as narrow pathways make navigation difficult when you hunt for clues and solve puzzles together.

Bourton On The Water Village

High Street beckons you to explore this legendary ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ where low stone bridges cross the meandering River Windrush. We love how you can easily park and stroll between charming shops, traditional pubs and cafes whilst capturing those perfect Instagram moments that showcase why this village attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Jurassic Journey

Located on Rissington Road in Bourton-on-the-Water, this prehistoric adventure features over 30 life-size dinosaurs hidden amongst the trees, from baby stegosaurus to towering brachiosaurus. Perfect for families, children can encounter T-Rex, Velociraptors and flying Pteranodon while enjoying hands-on fossil excavation at the Dino Dig area – an engaging educational experience easily accessible from the village centre.

The Crocodile At Compton Abdale

Hidden in the Cotswolds at Compton Abdale sits a delightfully quirky Victorian spring crafted from Cotswold stone into the shape of a crocodile’s head. Built by a local builder from Hazleton in the 19th century, crystal-clear water has been gushing from the crocodile’s mouth ever since, creating a spectacular sight after heavy rainfall.

Naunton Dovecote

Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, then 24-hour weekend access, this village gem in Naunton surprises you with fascinating post-medieval architecture from 17th century. You’ll stumble upon this remarkable dovecote during village exploration, where the adjacent river enhances the tranquil atmosphere, while voluntary donations support conservation efforts – no entrance fees required for this historical treasure. Note that there is no parking at the dovecote but the village centre is nearby.

National Trust – Ewe Pen Barn

Along unnamed roads near Cheltenham, you’ll discover this hidden Cotswold gem offering stunning scenery and diverse wildlife along accessible pathways. The woodland play area provides additional family entertainment, while the combination of gorgeous animals, beautiful landscapes and well-maintained trails creates an ideal countryside escape that showcases the region’s natural beauty perfectly.

Salmonsbury Camp Hillfort

Greystones Farm Nature Reserve on Greystones Lane in Bourton-on-the-Water provides you with access to this ancient hillfort site. You’ll need appropriate walking boots for exploring these historic routes through beautiful countryside, whilst respecting the environment by keeping dogs leashed and ensuring gates remain closed behind you for future visitors’ enjoyment.