Best lakes around Yeovil Without are found near this civil parish on the northern edge of Yeovil, encompassing both suburban and rural areas. The region benefits from its proximity to significant lake-like features and reservoirs, offering recreational opportunities. Yeovil Country Park, including Ninesprings, is a prime destination for residents and visitors.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
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Nice and well-organized place.
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Sherborne Castle & Gardens, often called the "New Castle," was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 after he decided the neighboring 12th-century ruins were a bit too "medieval chic" for his tastes. Today, it remains the private home of the Wingfield Digby family but is open to those who want to see how the other half lived during the Tudor and Georgian eras. The Castle Interior The house is a grand H-shaped mansion that has managed to hoard four centuries of high-end decor. It’s essentially a very large, very expensive time capsule. The State Rooms: Features a blend of Tudor architecture and 18th-century "upgrades," including ornate white marble fireplaces and Georgian sash windows. Art & Porcelain: The walls are lined with nationally important collections of fine art and furniture that make a modern IKEA catalog look deeply upsetting. The Family Museum: Located in the cellars, this museum covers the castle’s "Great Stories," including Raleigh’s local legacy and the 1753 transformation of the grounds.
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Sherborne is so fancy it has "spare" castles. Sherborne Old Castle started as a 12th-century fortified palace for a bishop who clearly valued "defense" over "patience." Fast forward to 1592, and Sir Walter Raleigh moves in. He tried to modernize the drafty ruins but eventually gave up, presumably after realizing medieval plumbing is just a hole in a wall. He built Sherborne New Castle nearby—a chic Elizabethan mansion. During the Civil War, Parliament got annoyed and "slighted" (read: blew up) the Old Castle. Now, the ruins serve as a romantic backdrop for the New Castle’s "Capability" Brown gardens.
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Set in the rolling hills of the Somerset and Dorset border. There are lots of pretty wildflowers and great views across the lovely blue waters, which attract a wide variety of butterflies such as Small Skipper and Marble White.
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Comprising of five distinct zones, the park boasts a diverse array of landscapes and feautres. From the bustling pathways and water routes of Ninesprings to the Riverside walk, where the tranquil ambiance of the woods embraces you, allowing you to escape the urban bustle and wander alongside the meandering path of the River Yeo.
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Once the former home of Sir Walter Raleigh, Sherborne "New" Castle is an ideal place to visit while on a hike around Sherborne. The mansion dates back to the 16th century, while Sherborne Old Castle dates back to the 12th century. Open every day, the Castle and gardens also hold events throughout the year. https://www.sherbornecastle.com/
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Good atmosphere, scenery and facilities (picnic area and loos)
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Excellent gravel either way! Technically no visitors welcome, however, anglers were friendly and it seems fine to stop for a sandwich and a drink in the car park. Best to keep the noise down to a minimum and stay within the car park only.
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The primary attractions include Ninesprings Pond within Yeovil Country Park, known for its woodlands, waterfalls, and diverse landscapes. Another significant spot is Sutton Bingham Reservoir, popular for fishing, walking, and watersports. Additionally, the historical Sherborne New Castle and Old Castle Ruins feature a scenic lake within their grounds.
Yes, both Ninesprings and Sutton Bingham Reservoir offer well-maintained walking paths. Ninesprings has a network of footpaths through diverse environments, including the peaceful Valley Gardens and the 'Railway Walk'. Sutton Bingham Reservoir features scenic views and paths suitable for walking around the water body.
Absolutely. Ninesprings Pond, Yeovil Country Park is considered family-friendly, offering varied natural beauty, well-maintained footpaths, picnic areas, and several play areas for children. It's ideal for peaceful strolls and exploring waterfalls.
Yeovil Country Park, including Ninesprings, is a haven for wildlife, with diverse habitats supporting numerous bird species (like kingfishers and woodpeckers), butterflies, and mammals such as foxes, badgers, and water voles. Sutton Bingham Reservoir is known for its diverse wildlife, particularly overwintering wildfowl and migrant birds.
Yes, Sutton Bingham Reservoir is a popular destination for watersports like sailing and canoeing, in addition to fishing. It's managed by Wessex Water, and you would need to check with them for specific permit requirements.
Yes, Sherborne New Castle and Old Castle Ruins is a notable historical site near Yeovil Without that features a lake. This location offers a blend of a 16th-century mansion and 12th-century castle ruins, set within beautiful gardens and overlooking a lake.
For Ninesprings within Yeovil Country Park, there are designated car parks available. Sutton Bingham Reservoir also has a car park, which includes public toilets and bike racks.
Many outdoor areas, including parts of Yeovil Country Park, are generally dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on leads in certain sections. Specific restrictions may apply around wildlife habitats or designated play areas. It's always best to check local signage upon arrival for the most current rules.
The lakes and surrounding parks offer beauty year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying wildflowers, active wildlife, and watersports. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while winter offers peaceful, crisp walks and opportunities for birdwatching, especially at Sutton Bingham Reservoir for overwintering wildfowl.
Yes, Yeovil Country Park, which includes Ninesprings, features a cafe within the park. Near Sutton Bingham Reservoir, there are cafes in nearby villages, such as one a little further on heading to Coker, which provides a convenient pit stop.
Walks around Ninesprings offer diverse terrain. You'll find well-maintained footpaths, some bustling, others tranquil, winding through woodlands, alongside rivers, and past waterfalls. The park features a variety of landscapes, from semi-ancient woodlands to wildflower meadows.
Yes, there are several routes available. For hiking, you can find trails like 'The Hundred Stone – Summerhouse Hill loop' or 'Summerhouse Hill – Ninesprings Café loop' which pass near the area. For cycling, routes such as 'Ninesprings Café – Sutton Bingham Reservoir loop' are available. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking, MTB, and cycling guides for Yeovil Without.
Yes, in addition to Sutton Bingham Reservoir, which is popular for fishing, there are private fishing lakes nearby. Examples include Bearley Lakes and Watermeadow Lakes, which cater to dedicated fishing enthusiasts, often offering carp fishing and private accommodations like lodges.
Yeovil Country Park, including Ninesprings, is accessible from Yeovil town, which has public transport links. For Sutton Bingham Reservoir, which is a few miles outside Yeovil, public transport options might be more limited, and checking local bus routes would be advisable.


Still not found your perfect lake around Yeovil Without? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.