National Trust - Dunster Castle and Watermill

Had a brilliant tour of the Water Mill from Stuart- so knowledgeable and the talk was riveting. Amazing that the Mill is in operation even today. Cannot recommend enough! All the staff are so friendly and conscientious. Particular highlight was seeing how the castle had been converted and maintained as a stately family home- much warmer than your usual castle!

We spent a lovely family day in the castle. When you arrive, ask for a map at reception, and they'll show you which paths are suitable for pushchairs. During summer, the castle offers a fun bat trail for kids – for an extra £3, they receive a prize at the end. Although we skipped the paid part, our child still enjoyed searching for hidden bats throughout the castle. The castle itself and its beautiful gardens offer plenty of activities for kids in the summer. Highly recommend!

Dunster castle is a very beautiful place to visit. Being a history nerd I was in my element. Please visit the leather room. There is a man ( im sad i didn't get his name) who will tell you the history about Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. He was so knowledgeable and so lovely to talk too. The castle was gorgeously decorated with christmas trees. Dunster village is just outside the castle grounds and OMG it was like looking at a postcard. Im so jealous of the people what live in the beautiful cottages. Dunster castle is a must visit if you ever visit Somerset.

Such a lovely village, and the structure itself is breathtaking. It's been renovated several times over the years so it's more of a modern old-school mansion as opposed to an old castle (husband is more interested in Norman castles), but it was still really cool to walk around and the views were absolutely amazing. The village itself has so much charm too.

Fantastic building in an amazing location. Extremely rare leather and silver leaf paintings are breathtaking. Extensive gardens; steep in parts with a great kids play area. The mill was an added bonus. Well maintained, producing and selling their own flour with a super cafe nearby.

Dunster Castle is magical and so incredibly beautiful. We visited it on a beautiful summer day, the kids loved the outdoor games and the bat trail activity. The castle inside is very well cared for and the gardens are a dream to explore. Highly recommend. Tickets can only be bought on site :)

The village surrounding the castle is beautiful, and lovely to walk through on the way to the castle including the secret garden ran by the castle gardener. Just be aware there are some rather steep slopes to walk up. There are a few cafes that do cream tea outside the castle and also museums and shops. Once actually in the castle grounds there are also lots of slopes to walk up and down to access different areas. There is lots of information about the castle and how it came to be what it is today and also some original features. The views from the castle are wonderful and can see for miles. There is parking for the castle and also other parking nearby if needed. There is a watermill that is still operating which they use to make flour, you can also buy this in the shop as well as other local produce.

Historically amazing place, the castle was very interesting and well looked after. We enjoyed learning about it's history. The shops however were lacking gluten free options and we had to leave early to get food elsewhere.

We were visiting friends in Exeter, England and one of the things we were interested in doing was visiting a castle. Our friends suggested Dunster. After the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, William de Mohun built a castle on the site. The castle survived a siege during the early years of The Anarchy, which was a was a civil war in England and Normandy between 1135 and 1153. The castle was later bought by the Luttrell family. After Alexander Luttrell died in 1944, the family was unable to afford the death duties on his estate. The castle and surrounding lands were sold off to a property firm, but the family continued to live in the castle as tenants. The Luttrells bought back the castle in 1954, but in 1976 Colonel Walter Luttrell gave Dunster Castle and most of its contents to the National Trust, which operates it as a tourist attraction. The castle is beautifully furnished and when you walk to the top you will get a beautiful view of the countryside. Well worth your time to stop by and explore!

Interesting castle with lovely gardens where are buried all the family dogs, & stunning views over Minehead & the sea to Wales

I have been here twice, - and I will go again in October this year. When I went last time there was a food fair in the castle. You could buy different good cheeses, chocolates, jams, marmelades - all home-made. The gift shop is excellent, I remember. It is well worth seeing the gardens, too. I know they sometimes do tours at night-time.

Dunster castle is situated in a nice place in minehead and it is near to a small town which has ice-cream and gift shops. The castle is very educational for young children and interesting for older people. There are lots of room inside the castle that are fascinating no matter how old you are. Inisde these rooms are old fashioned kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms preserved exactly from their original state. It is definitely worth visiting when you are in and around Somerset and have a couple hours to spare. I would certainly recommend it here even if you have children.

Lovely staff, very helpful and friendly. Amazing venue with some stunning views. You will need your hiking boots though - there are some steep hills. For those who can't they do offer a free bus service to the front door from the car park. Didn't manage to see all of it but would love to come back for a more leisurely look around.