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Dunster Castle Experience Days - A Day with the Head Gardener

An exclusive chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Head Gardener, including a bespoke tour, and a two-course lunch.

  • Booking essential

We are hosting an experience day, which offers the chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Head Gardener. Responsible for the maintenance of the 18 acres of garden at Dunster Castle, this is an opportunity not to be missed for all those gardening questions.

You'll begin the day with refreshments and an introductory talk on Dunster Castle by James Cordingley, Head Gardener, who has been working in the horticultural industry for more than 17 years. You'll then embark on a tour of the gardens, including areas not usually open to the public. This is a great opportunity to go into depth on the castle's unusual subtropical environment and historic planting plans.

Once the tour is over, you'll head down to the Watermill Tearoom for a delicious two-course lunch. James will accompany you and will be on hand to chat and answer questions.

After lunch and questions, you'll have the opportunity to tour the nursery at Dunster Castle. See how the garden team grow and nurture the plants grown for the gardens and how they grow for the castle garden's unique microclimate. You'll then get hands on with compost and cuttings in a workshop with James where you'll learn techniques to take the best cuttings while maintaining the health of the parent plant.

At the end of the day, finish your experience with a trip to the Stables Shop for souvenirs and local products before heading home.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £65.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

The tours are recommended for ages 13 and over.

Meeting point

Please park in the Dunster Castle car park then make your way to Visitor Reception, where a member of staff will greet you before escorting you to the castle to begin your day.

What to bring and wear

Please wear sensible, flat shoes and come well wrapped up. There is some outdoor walking involved so we recommend bringing waterproof clothing just in case.

Accessibility

There is a steep hill leading up to the castle. Changes of levels, steep and uneven steps and confined spaces within the tour route.

Other

Once you have completed your booking, our team will be in touch with the lunch menu and will ask for your choices.

Contact info

Dunster Castle and Watermill

Upcoming events

Event

A Country Christmas at Dunster Castle 

We have something for everyone this Christmas inside the castle and in the gardens. Soak up the festive atmosphere and make Dunster Castle a part of your Christmas traditions.

Event summary

on
9 Dec 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 16 other dates or times
Event

Dunster Experience Days- A Day with the Collections and House Manager 

An exclusive chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Collections and House Manager, including a bespoke tour, hands-on conservation, and a two-course lunch.

Event summary

on
5 Feb 2024
at
10:30 to 15:30
Event

February Half Term Trail 

Walter, Julian and Penelope Luttrell are getting restless in the castle so decide to head outside on a winter adventure. What will you find with them? Answer the questions and complete the activities as you explore the gardens.

Event summary

on
10 Feb to 18 Feb 2024
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 8 other dates or times
Event

Snowdrop planting 

Plant some snowdrop bulbs for yourself or a loved one.

Event summary

on
14 Feb 2024
at
10:00 to 12:30
+ 1 other date or time