Things to see and do at Dunster Castle and Watermill

The marble chimney and interiors in the Drawing Room at Dunster Castle, Somerset — The Drawing Room at Dunster Castle | © National Trust Images / Bill Batten

With 1,000 years of history the castle and watermill at Dunster have plenty of great stories to tell. From a collection of painted leather hangings, the only one of its kind in the UK, to a working watermill, Dunster has plenty to see and enjoy.

Find out about the castle

A world-class view

Admire the scenery from the conservatory window with views that reach across to Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. You can also see hints of the old carriage drive.

Rare leather hangings

One of the glories of the castle collection, the Leather Gallery is dedicated to a leather hanging of European importance and depicts the love story of Antony and Cleopatra. The lights in the room have recently been changed to LED bulbs which bring out the intricacies and craftsmanship in this 17th-century work of art.

Two people visit the Leather Gallery at Dunster Castle, Somerset — Visitors in the Leather Room at Dunster Castle | © National Trust Images / Megan Taylor

Books galore

There has been a library at Dunster Castle since the 17th century, however the room you see today was created by Anthony Salvin in 1870-1. The wonderfully colourful wallpaper is embossed to simulate leather.

The Grand Staircase

The impressive Grand Staircase was built in 1680, with each panel carved from a single piece of elm. The intricate carvings depict a fox and stag hunt, some Charles II shillings, and a trophy of arms which commemorate Col. Francis Luttrell's' military career.

A working watermill

See the double overshot wheels in action and the water supplied by the leat from the observation platform. Learn about the history of the mill, through photographs, documents and historic items on display.

A miller in white coat and hat pouring a pan of wheat into a large wooden hopper at Dunster Working Watermill. — Milling wheat at Dunster Working Watermill | © Harriet Pinches

Venture upstairs to see the wheels turning from inside the building and where the grain is then ground into flour. Have a peek at the large collection of old machinery – one for the lovers of craft and groundwork and the traditional methods used through the generations.

From grain to flour

If you’re lucky, the team might be milling on the day you visit. The Watermill will be a hive of activity as the staff and volunteer team work hard to produce flour from grain in order to fulfil orders placed by local businesses.

Why not buy some flour to take home? There are many treats and gifts on offer from the Watermill shop. As well as flour produced in the mill, there are also tasty porridge oats and muesli which are mixed at Dunster (sorry, but it’s a secret recipe).