Dunster Castle and Watermill

The result of hundreds of years of planning, building and restoration a walk around the gardens at Dunster Castle takes you around the world and through four different microclimates.

This varied walking route takes in the impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower as well as the Castle, with panoramic views over the Bristol Channel, surrounding countryside and the moorland of Exmoor. You will need to book your visit in advance.

Whether it’s exploring the River Garden, completing a spotter trail or ticking off some '50 things,' there’s plenty to keep little (and not so little) ones entertained.

Somerset is full of possibilities for summer fun, with walks, picnics gardens to explore with the family. If you're planning a visit to Barrington Court, Dunster Castle, Lytes Cary Manor, Prior Park Landscape Garden, Montacute or Tyntesfield, you'll need to book ahead.

The Tenant's Hall pop-up café is open daily, 10am-4pm, serving a limited range of takeaway hot and cold drinks and some light snacks. We’ve introduced new safety measures including closure of our seating areas, screens at our till and collection points, and waymarked routes. We’ll also only be accepting card payment. Government guidelines require you to wear a face covering; please bring one with you.

From 3 August you'll be able to get 50 per cent off your bill, up to a maximum of £10 per person on food and drink bought at and consumed at our café (excluding alcoholic drinks), through the government's Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The scheme applies from Monday to Wednesdays only and ends on 31 August.

Our Stables Shop is reopening soon. For the safety of staff and visitors we're introducing social distancing measures and changes to payment, which will be via card only. It is through your purchases that we are able to continue looking after Dunster Castle for everyone, for ever.

Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps you're in need of some retail therapy? You can browse our full range via our online shop. Your purchases and support enable us to continue to care for the nature, beauty and history we all miss.

While Dunster Castle remains closed, you can find out about the history of the castle here.

Explore the history of the building and follow the milling process as you virtually journey through three floors of traditional machinery while the watermill is closed.

As one of the earliest-surviving stable blocks cared for by the National Trust, the stable interior at Dunster Castle is complete, with original stalls and unusual hanging partitions.

As we gradually and safely open more of the places we care for, there’ll be more opportunities to explore gardens and parklands near you. If you’re a member, you can access all these places free, together with most National Trust car parks. It’s so important for everyone to have fresh air, birdsong, big skies and open spaces to enjoy. Your membership will go towards looking after all of this for generations to come.

For 125 years, people like you have helped us protect some of the UK's best-loved places. Everyone needs nature, beauty and green spaces now more than ever. But our income has dropped sharply due to the coronavirus crisis, and our essential conservation work is at risk. Please give what you can to help us look after these places, so people and nature can thrive.