The Watermill tea-room is opposite the working watermill in peaceful surroundings alongside the River Avill and at the entrance to the River Gardens. Morning coffees, light lunches and traditional, afternoon teas are available daily from the tea-room which is approximately a 10 minute walk from the carpark.
The tea-garden makes for beautiful and relaxing surroundings in which to enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or to indulge with a slice of hand- made chocolate cake or a scone.
The adjacent watermill is fully operational; you can see milling every first Wednesday of each month up to October and the organic flour produced is sold in the mill shop.
Four legged friends are able to sit in the tea-garden but we ask that they don’t go into the tea-room.
The Camellia House
Why not take tea with a relative of the tea-plant – the Camellia? Hot and cold drinks along with light refreshments and locally made ice cream are available to take out from the Camellia House. These include delicious hand- made flap jacks and slices of cake.
There are a small number of tables within the cosy Camellia House from which to admire the Camellia plants themselves or choose a bench outside on the sheltered, Mediterranean inspired South Terrace and take in the views. On clear days the views extend all along the Somerset coast as well as toward the distant, rolling Quantock Hills.
The Camellia House formed part of Anthony Salvin’s remodelling of Dunster Castle during the early 1870s for the Luttrell family. A true plantsman’s garden would not be complete without a Camellia house.
Picnics
A picnic area with picnic benches are available near to the main car park, with views over the surrounding parkland, up to the Castle and out to the Bristol Channel. Alternatively feel free to picnic anywhere in the Castle grounds.
*Dusk if earlier.