Our verdict
An easy, well-maintained green space right on Sherborne's doorstep — good for a short walk with fine views south over the surrounding farmland, and one of the more accessible spots on this list thanks to its surfaced path.
Sherborne's own Local Nature Reserve, a former quarry off the Bristol Road that later did time as a fairground and landfill site before becoming 2.5 hectares of young woodland, scrub and grassland. Exposed Jurassic cliff faces make it a recognised Dorset geological site, and a hard-surfaced lower path keeps most of it accessible whatever the weather.
Local Nature Reserve — a council-protected green space, usually free to wander.