An ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens
We're looking forward to welcoming you to Dunster Castle. If you're planning a visit, please read this article to find everything you need to know about travelling here, what's open and what to expect from your visit.
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.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £14.30 | £13.00 |
| Child | £7.20 | £6.50 |
| Family | £35.80 | £32.50 |
| 1 adult, up to 3 children | £21.50 | £19.50 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Entry and parking is free for National Trust members with a valid membership card. Please scan your membership card at our pay and display machines for a free parking ticket.
We operate pay & display in our car park where car park charges will apply for non-members at £5.50 per vehicle per day, £11 for motor homes. If you do not have coins to pay for parking, you can use the Paybyphone app (Location code 806775) or pay via card at our Visitor Reception.
Free parking in designated spaces for Blue Badge holders (subject to availability).
Last admission to the watermill and into the gardens is at 4pm. Last admission to the castle from the Visitor Reception or Ticket Office will be 3.45pm and from the Watermill will be 3.30pm. To avoid disappointment, please allow plenty of time to make your way up the hill if you wish to visit inside the castle.
