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Gilded Treasures Exhibition: 50 Years of the National Trust at Dunster Castle

Celebrate a golden milestone with us through this special exhibition.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

In 2026, Dunster Castle celebrates 50 years in the care of the National Trust. To mark this golden anniversary, Gilded Treasures invites visitors to discover remarkable golden objects from the castle’s collection.

Displayed throughout the castle, the exhibition highlights items featuring gilded decoration and golden detail. Alongside these objects, uncover the story of how Dunster Castle was generously gifted to the National Trust in 1976 by Lt. Col. Walter Luttrell, which included the estate and thirty acres of surrounding parkland.

Gilded Treasures offers a chance to reflect on the legacy of ownership, care and conservation, and to celebrate five decades of Dunster Castle being preserved for everyone, for ever.

Please note that last entry to the castle is at 3.45pm, closing at 4pm.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

The castle sits on top of a steep hill. A courtesy vehicle is available to take visitors from the car park to the castle entrance. Two all-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire in a morning or afternoon slot. Please contact us to book these in advance to ensure availability.

Suitability for children

Children welcome

What to bring and wear

Wear comfortable clothing and dress for the weather. No stilettos allowed in the castle.

Contact info

Dunster Castle and Watermill

Upcoming events

Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekdays) 

Where meals were made, stories were shared and servants kept the castle running. Head to the once state-of-the-art Victorian Kitchen with one of our knowledgeable tour guides and discover the heart of Victorian life at Dunster Castle.

Event summary

on
17 Jul to 30 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 123 other dates or times

Summer of Play 2026: Summer Knights' Quest 

The gardens are transforming into a medieval playground this summer!

Event summary

on
18 Jul to 31 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 44 other dates or times

Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekends) 

Where meals were made, stories were shared and servants kept the castle running. Head to the once state-of-the-art Victorian Kitchen with one of our knowledgeable tour guides and discover the heart of Victorian life at Dunster Castle.

Event summary

on
18 Jul to 31 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 31 other dates or times

Behind-the-Ropes Tours (weekends) 

Join one of our knowledgable guides and discover Dunster Castle beyond the visitor rope.

Event summary

on
18 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 13:30 to 14:30+ 63 other dates or times