Dunster Castle and Watermill

An ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens. Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times, with an impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower giving a reminder of its turbulent history. The castle that you see today became a lavish country home during the 19th century for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years.

The terraced garden displays varieties of Mediterranean and subtropical plants, while the tranquil riverside wooded garden below, with its natural play area, leads to the historic working watermill. There are panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside from the castle and grounds. Dogs welcome across the site on short leads except inside the castle. The parkland

Take a circular stroll through our parkland following the River Avill.

Less formal than the garden, it’s a great place to spot wildlife including otters and kingfishers or even the salmon using the salmon trap to get upstream. You can also extend your walk into the garden or join the permissive path whitch leads to the wider estate and deer park taking you past Iron Age forts and England’s tallest tree.

The River Garden

A flat, wooded garden with the River Avill cutting through it, the river garden is home to giant redwoods, giant rhubarb and a handkerchief tree. The working watermill is dog friendly and when open you can see the wheels turning and perhaps milling in progress.

The South Terrace

The South Terrace is a little bit of the Mediterranean dropped into Somerset, with its palm trees and far reaching views across the Bristol Channel. Created in 1820 the formal Victorian planting in spring fills the air with the scent of hyacinths and in summer the tall banana plants and dahlias fill the boarder with colour. You might even spot a herd of Exmoor ponies on the surrounding hills.

The Keep

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’s plenty of different paths to explore, some taking you to the Victorian reservoir, another to Aunt May's Garden; a small lawned area where the Luttrell children used to play but all eventually leading up to the Keep. A walk around its perimeter gives views out across the countryside and on a clear day Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor can be spotted.

Please note: Dog bins are located across the site and noted on the welcome map.