Discover more at Dunster Castle and Watermill
Find out when Dunster Castle and Watermill is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Dogs are welcome throughout the year at Dunster Castle and Watermill, and there are some great spots to stretch those legs, whether you have two or four. Take a walk around the parkland that follows the River Avill, or into the wider estate.
We’ve been working on making it easier for you to find out how dog-friendly your visit will be before you and your four-legged-friend arrive. To help with this, we've created a new pawprint rating system and given all the places in our care a rating. You can find this information in the National Trust members’ handbook.
Dunster Castle is a two pawprint rated place.
These places have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. If there’s a food and beverage outlet, you can have a cup of tea with them, probably outside. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.
Dogs on leads are allowed everywhere except inside the castle. Explore one or all the different areas during your walk.
Why not visit the less formal parkland, a beautiful place to spot wildlife including otters and kingfishers during your stroll? You can take your walk into the garden or join the path which leads to the wider estate and the deer park. A circular stroll will take you through the parkland following the River Avill.
Home to giant redwoods, giant rhubarb and a handkerchief tree, the River Garden is also home to the watermill which is also dog-friendly. When open, you’ll be able to see the wheels turning and possibly milling in progress.
Visit the South Terrace with your four-legged friend, a little piece of the Mediterranean dropped into Somerset. You may spot a herd of Exmoor ponies on the surrounding hills.
The original location of the motte castle, the Keep was levelled out in the 18th century to create a bowling green. Winding your way up the hill there are plenty of different paths to explore, some taking you to the Victorian reservoir, another to Aunt May's Garden.
A walk around its perimeter gives views out across the countryside and on a cloudless day Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, can be spotted.
The castle itself and lawned areas of the garden, otherwise adventure awaits everywhere else!
We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:
Our definition of close or effective control is:
You can find dog bins across the site and noted on the welcome map. There are water bowls found by the Visitor Reception, Ticket Office and on the South Terrace.
Find out when Dunster Castle and Watermill is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade so that you and your dog can get even more out of the special places we care for.
Discover the best places for a dog walk, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks near you. Plus, find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our pawprint rating system and the Canine Code to help plan your visit.
Rest and refuel after enjoying a walk with your dog. Here's a selection of the best walks with dog-friendly cafés at places we look after.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade to create the Dogs Welcome project, helping you and your dog(s) get the most out of the places in our care.
Explore the highlights of the garden at Dunster Castle, which takes you around the world and through four different microclimates
There are several places to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink during your visit to Dunster Castle and Watermill. Find out more about what each outlet has to offer.
Discover a thousand years of history at Dunster Castle. Follow its journey from a Middle Ages fortress to a Victorian family home.
Your dog will enjoy a variety of wide open countryside, an expansive beach and leafy wooded trails in Somerset. Find out where to go and what to expect on your visit.