Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Published:: 22 January 2024

A group of visitors walking past an archway entrance at Dunster Castle — A group visit to Dunster Castle in spring | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

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 grounds 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

From 18 July, little adventurers can dive into our Summer of Play, where families are invited to play their way around Dunster Castle and earn their title as a 'Knight of Dunster Castle'.

Packed with hands-on fun, there’s something new to enjoy each week, from trying your hand at archery and forest school activities to meeting sword‑fighting knights. Head to the Tournament Arena on Green Court to test your skills with hobby-horse jousting, wooden sword play and target games (and don’t forget a photo in the stocks!).

Then wander over to 'Knight’s Court', our lively outdoor performance space, where little ones can dance, practise their jester skills and become stars of the show.

Finally, make your way to 'Camp Dunster' in the River Gardens- home to our newly refreshed natural play area. Here, children can learn all about medicinal mediveal herbs, become knights of the “oblong table” and design their very own coat of arms while enjoying creative play in the shade 🌿

With so much to see, do and discover, it’s the perfect way to fill your summer with family adventure 🌞

An adult and children explore inside the working watermill at Dunster Castle, Somerset — Visitors inside Dunster Castle's watermill | © National Trust Images / 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.