Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Published:: 22 January 2024

A family group playing giant snakes and ladders on the Green Court in front of Dunster Castle — Visitors playing lawn games outside Dunster Castle | © NTI/James Dobson

There's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy at Dunster Castle and Watermill. Find out everything you need to plan your family day out, from joining us for events and activities for kids, to where to find the play areas.

Planning your family visit

Baby changing facilities available
Free entry for under 5s
Accessible toilets available
The play area in the River Gardens is open
Picnicking is allowed throughout the groups with a dedicated picnic area near the car park
Buggy friendly routes around the gardens
Hip carrying infant seats available to borrow in the house
Children's menu available at the Watermill Tearoom
Pocket money friendly gifts and children's books available in the Stables Shop
Children's books available in the second hand book shop.

Summer of Play 2025

Get ready for a summer jam-packed with things to see an do at Dunster Castle and Watermill, where families are invited to explore the gardens as they transform into a playground. Over the course of July, each week brings new ways to play for kids and grown-ups alike to enjoy:

Week 1 (3 July) - Challenge friends and family to lawn games on Green Court. Knock down pins in a game of skittles, try your hand at giant dominoes, get competitive with snakes and laddersor get in some target practice with archery and much more.

Week 2 (10 July) - Step on stage and become a star in the Performance Zone.

Week 3 (17 July) - Let your imagination run wild and soak up the magic of the enchanted garden in the River Garden.

Week 4 (24 July) - Come back to enjoy all zones in one fun-filled day out with the addition of the outdoor bat trail and a labyrinth on the parkland. Who will find their way to the middle first?

There will also be creative sessions:

Forest School - Decorate a wood cookie, use traditional whittling techniques and take away your own natural toy or create your very own wicker dreamcatcher. Dates vary.

Storytelling - Settle down for an immersive session of mythical tale-telling around the grounds.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sports England.

More information on Summer of Play can be found here

Two visitors balancing on the obstacle course in the Play Area at Dunster Castle. — Visitors balancing on the obstacle course in the Play Area, Dunster Castle | © NTI/ James Dobson

Family-friendly things to do in the house at Dunster Castle

Grab one of our family Castle Explorer trails and enjoy the castle from a new perspective, with fun activities on the way.
Settle down on the comfy sofas and play some games, getting a real feel for what it would've been like for the Luttrell family to live at Dunster Castle in the Morning Room.
Try on costumes and discover different time periods through history in the Hat Room.
See conservation in action inside the castle.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden at Dunster Castle

Let off some steam in the play area in the River Gardens, have a go at balancing on the logs, make music with the wooden xylophone and have a game of Pooh Sticks in the river.
Explore the history in the gardens with our Trail of Tales.

Family-friendly things to do in Dunster Working Watermill

Discover how the mill works and watch our friendly millers turn the wheels.
Watch flour being made, and even buy a bag to make your own bread at home. Milling is usually every Wednesday from 11am to about 3pm, but get in touch if you'd like to make sure.
Get hands on and make your own flour with our model quern.