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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

Suitability

Children welcome

What to bring and wear

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

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.

Contact info

Dunster Castle and Watermill

Upcoming events

Festival of Blossom 

Celebrate blossom with us this spring. Discover subtle touches of blossom across Dunster Castle- wander through the gardens as they begin to bloom and enjoy the gentle arrival of spring throughout the castle.

Event summary

on
21 Apr to 20 May 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 29 other dates or times

Attic Tours (Weekdays) 

Venture up into the attics with a knowledgeable guide for a rare glimpse behind the scenes.

Event summary

on
21 Apr to 2 Sep 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 159 other dates or times

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.

Event summary

on
22 Apr 2026
at 10:30 to 15:30

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
23 Apr to 30 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 223 other dates or times