History and Heritage

Fortified home of the Luttrells for 600 years, remodelled 100 years ago. Fine 17thC staircase and plaster ceilings. Terrace garden of rare shrubs.

Dunster Castle and Gardens are open daily 10am-5pm with last entry to the castle at 3.45pm and last entry to the gardens at 4pm.
 
A fortress that became a family home for the Luttrells, who lived at Dunster for 600 years, the castle was extensively remodelled in the 1870s to create a Victorian country house. The castle boasts breath-taking views over Exmoor [retain link], Somerset [retain link], and the Bristol Channel as well as holding fine interior features such as a fine 17^th century carved staircase, ornate plaster ceilings, and rare leather wall hangings.
 
Discover how Dunster Castle was used in its heyday and how the family hosted grand occasions from society balls to polo matches with the brilliant ‘Chapters’ guide as well as ‘Castle Explorers, available for children. You can then enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautiful terraced gardens with a collection of palms, sub-tropical plants, and the Dunster Lemon tree. For more information on our gardens, please see here[link to gardens page].
 
Sited on the River Avill, Dunster Castle is also home to a working watermill that sits within the river gardens. Visit the mill to see the waterwheels in action and even purchase some of the freshly-milled flour. Refreshments are available in the newly-refurbished Watermill Tearoom and also outside the castle in the Tenants’ Hall Café.
 
Please see our accessibility statement here.

Facilities in addition to those listed below:
Baby changing facilities
Children's trails
Courtesy vehicle
Stair Climber
Trampers available to book