Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate

Discover Lodge Park, a unique and beautiful 17th-century grandstand complete with a mile long deer course and accompanying deer park.

Created in 1634 for John ‘Crump’ Dutton, Lodge Park indulged Dutton’s passion for deer coursing, gambling, banqueting and entertaining. Here you can find out about the National Trust’s historic renovation of Lodge Park, and the fascinating history of Sherborne Park Estate, Lodge Park and deer coursing. Why not enjoy games and a family picnic on the lawn, explore the parkland walks and trails, designed by Charles Bridgeman, or take light refreshments from the Courtyard Café.

If you are looking for a unique venue Lodge Park is a stunning and stylish setting and available to hire – there are two different reception rooms, stunning views from the balcony and access to extensive grounds. It’s a magical environment for weddings, civil partnerships, corporate functions, private dining, photo shoots or filming and the National Trust can help you to create your own distinctive celebration.

Look out for a varied calendar of events throughout the year including the summer arts programme, open air theatre and opera and living history days.

A visit to the wider Sherborne Park Estate will reward you with an abundance of wildlife, from fallow and roe deer to badgers and foxes. Ancient trees such as veteran oak, ash, beech and lime provide important nesting and feeding sites for birds, bats and insects, and Barn Owls and woodpeckers can sometimes be spotted. Ewe Pen Barn is the starting point for several of the Estate’s main walking routes. Do make sure you leave some time to visit the 18th-century water meadows (home to otters, water voles and dragonflies) and to follow the sculpture trail in the Pleasure Gardens.