The main shopping area is centred around Cheap Street (Image: Getty)

       Located in rural Dorset, the market town of Sherborne is often referred to as a haven for shopping with a unique mix of independent stores, high-street brands and market stalls.

       The main shopping area is centred around Cheap Street with the historic medieval and Georgian architecture adding to the charm.

       The high street is also home to several cafes and restaurants for shoppers to enjoy a bite to eat or a drink, with many offering spectacular views of the town’s limestone buildings.

       Visitors can also browse some of the art galleries and antique shops in the town while taking in the historic beauty of Sherborne.

       The town also hosts two markets, the Pannier Market is held every Thursday and Saturday at The Parade while the Farmers’ Market is on the third Friday of every month along Cheap Street. Both offer numerous stalls with local produce and handmade goods.

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       Sherborne is often referred to as a haven for shopping (Image: Getty)

       The town has a population of around 10,000 but its beauty and historic buildings mean it is often likened to a tiny cathedral city.

       Sherborne is surrounded by green countryside and dates back to the eighth century but its development was boosted in the 16th century with the founding of Sherborne School, which is one of the oldest in the country.

       The school and Sherborne Abbey are both located just off Cheap Street with many shoppers stopping by to admire their grand architecture. The town also has two castles on the outskirts dating back to the 12th and 16th centuries.

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       The high street has a mix of independent stores and high-street brands (Image: Getty)

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       Sherborne has several historic medieval and Georgian buildings (Image: Getty)

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       Earlier this year online culture magazine Muddy Stilettos named Sherborne as the best place to live in Dorset.

       Their feedback said: “The picture postcard market town in north-west Dorset has gorgeous medieval and Georgian properties, an eclectic array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, excellent schools, a magnificent abbey and not one but two castles.”

       They also praised the local property market, adding: “Lots of period properties as well as new builds.” Rightmove states that the average property price in Sherborne was ￡373,653 over the last year.

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