Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Published:: 25 June 2023

An adult, holding a small child, watches their child playing games on the lawn of the Green Court at Dunster Castle, Somerset — Playing games on the lawn at Dunster Castle | © National Trust Images / 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
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.

Family-friendly events at Dunster Castle and Watermill

We've got a summer jam packed with fun here at Dunster Castle and Watermill from 24 July to 3 September. Help Otter work out why the water wheels have stopped turning on the summer trail, get playing with the lawn games on Green Court, have a go at a Civil War pike drill on our living history days, and enjoy an accessible night of brilliant music on our Opera Evening.

Check here for family-friendly events at Dunster Castle and Watermill this summer.

A woman with two children look at a trail sheet in the gardens at Dunster Castle — A family enjoying a trail at Dunster Castle | © 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.
Get hands on in the conservation room while learning about how the house team take care of the castle and its collection.

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 going the balance 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.
Play with the lawn games up on Green Court, including skittles, jenga and skipping.

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.