Name: Dunster Castle and Watermill
Rating: 5.0

Dunster Castle and Watermill

Dunster Castle, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6NY, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Dunster Castle and Watermill Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times, with an impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower giving a reminder of its turbulent history. The castle that you see today became a lavish country home during the 19th century for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years.

The terraced garden displays varieties of Mediterranean and subtropical plants, while the tranquil riverside wooded garden below, with its natural play area, leads to the historic working watermill. There are panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside from the castle and grounds.

Prices starts from £19.80 with for adults, £9.90 for Child and £29.70 for Family. If you are looking for Best place to visit with family and kids then you should visit this place once for day out with kids and families.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Castle: Ancient castle that became a lavish country home during the 19th century.
Watermill: Working Victorian watermill, with three floors of traditional machinery and milling days.
Garden: Terraced garden home to Mediterranean and subtropical plants, with a riverside wooded garden and bowling green.
Parkland: Grade II* listed parkland with river, which is home to otters, kingfishers and salmon.
Reservoir: Unusual Victorian reservoir built to supply water to the castle and gardens.
Play area: Natural play area created from a giant redwood, with a wooden xylophone.
Shopping: Shop in the 17th-century stables, with original gifts and local products. Second-hand bookshop, Gatehouse Books.
Things to see and do at Dunster Castle and Watermill: With 1,000 years of history the castle and watermill at Dunster have plenty of great stories to tell. From a collection of painted leather hangings, the only one of its kind in the UK, to a working watermill, Dunster has plenty to see and enjoy.
Visiting the garden at Dunster Castle and Watermill: Famous for spectacular views over the Somerset countryside and Bristol Channel, the garden at Dunster Castle will take you on a journey around the world. Known for its diversity of plants and features, the garden encompasses four different microclimates for you to experience, with subtropical, Mediterranean and temperate plants beside the river, in the herbaceous borders and on the terraces.
Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill: There's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy at Dunster Castle and Watermill. Find out everything you need to plan your family day out, from joining us for events and activities for kids, to where to find the play areas.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: Watermill Tearoom and Tenants' Hall pop-up café.
Parking: £6.50 all day, members free (please scan your card), motor home £13 (space dependent). Paybyphone facility for those without coins - Just Park, site ID 80572. Car park gates locked at 6pm daily. Our car park is small and parking spaces are limited. In poor weather we may suggest parking in the Dunster Steep village car park. Please check our website before travelling. We cannot guarantee parking for motorhomes. Strictly no caravans or trailers.
Dogs allowed: Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the castle.

What to see

History of Dunster Castle: Dunster Castle has sat at its commanding location since the Middle Ages: a perfect site for a castle, both visually impressive and easily defended. Find out how it has been transformed through the ages from a fortress to a family home, having been owned by only two families throughout its history.

For more information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill/history-of-dunster-castle

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission (until 15 March 2026):

Adult(18+): Starts from £19.80 with Gift Aid & £18.00 without Gift Aid.
Child(5–17) (under 5s free): Starts from £9.90 with Gift Aid & £9.00 without Gift Aid.
Family(2 adults and up to 3 children): Starts from £49.50 with Gift Aid & £45.00 without Gift Aid.
1 adult, up to 3 children: Starts from £29.70 with Gift Aid & £27.00 without Gift Aid.

Admission (from 16 March 2026):

Adult (18+): Starts from £20.90 with Gift Aid & £19.00 without Gift Aid.
Child (5–17) (under 5s free): Starts from £10.50 with Gift Aid & £9.50 without Gift Aid.
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): Starts from £52.30 with Gift Aid & £47.50 without Gift Aid.
1 adult, up to 3 children: Starts from £31.40 with Gift Aid & £28.50 without Gift Aid.

For more information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill#place-prices

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Parkland: 10:00 - 17:00
Shop: 10:00 - 16:00
Watermill tea-room: 10:00 - 16:00

Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill#place-opening-times

Address: Dunster Castle, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6NY, UK

Post Code: TA24 6NY

Council: Somerset

County: Somerset

By road: Enter from A39 onto the parkland driveway. Car park is 300 yards from the main road.
By train: The closest train station is Dunster Station (West Somerset Railway) 1 mile (about a 25 minute walk to the entrance).As a thank you for arriving car-free, enjoy a free hot drink in our cafés when you show a member of our Welcome Team a bus or train ticket with the day’s date on it, or a bike helmet.
By bus: Travel to Dunster by bus for just £2 each way 28/X28/28A - Taunton - Minehead - bus service operated by Buses of Somerset, alight Dunster Steep, ½ mile.
Cycling: Cycle lane from Minehead to Dunster along A39. Cycle parking is available behind Visitor Reception. As a thank you for arriving car-free, enjoy a free hot drink in one of our cafés when you show a member of our Welcome Team a bus or train ticket with the day’s date on it, or a bike helmet.
Parking: £6.50 all day, members free (please scan your card), motor home £13 (space dependent). Paybyphone facility for those without coins - Just Park, site ID 80572. Car park gates locked at 6pm daily. Our car park is small and parking spaces are limited. In poor weather we may suggest parking in the Dunster Steep village car park. Please check our website before travelling. We cannot guarantee parking for motorhomes. Strictly no caravans or trailers.