Dunster Castle
Somerset, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Bishop's Lydeard, 13.9 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY
Telephone 01643 821314
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Dogs
- Rated a two-pawprint site; dogs can be walked across the parkland and formal gardens.
Home to the Luttrell family for around 600 years before passing to the National Trust, remodelled in the 19th century by the architect Anthony Salvin into more of a country house than a defensive castle. It sits above Dunster village with views out to the Somerset coast, and there's a shuttle bus up from the car park for anyone who can't manage the uphill walk.
Who to know
Anthony Salvin · architect who remodelled it into a country house
Worth the trip
The view out over the Somerset coastline from the grounds - reviewers rate the setting as highly as the interiors.
Before you go
Don't trust your satnav to take you to the public car park - at least one reviewer was routed straight into the village instead; the on-site cafe can run low on stock by early afternoon on busy days, so eat earlier or have a backup plan in the village.
Reviewers highlight the combination of castle, gardens, working watermill, and multiple tearooms as making for a substantial day out, with staff consistently described as friendly and helpful. Several note the site involves a steep uphill walk from the car park - a shuttle bus is available for limited mobility - and one mentions the cafe had run out of stock by early afternoon on a busy day.
Luttrell family castle remodelled as country home
“Absolutely stunning place with lots to see. The castle is incredible. Sadly the cafe wasn’t very well stocked so had nothing left by 1pm and it was a beautiful day so it would have been nice to have had someone…”- Kerry Gleave, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Beautiful setting looking out over the Somerset coastline From the Car Park there is a little bit of a walk uphill, but worth it!!” - Simon Young
- Terrain & accessibility
- “If of limited mobility there is a Shuttle bus that will take you to the Castle.” - Simon Young
- Facilities
- “It was fascinating to trace the workings from the mill race through the water wheels, gearing and millstones and to end up being able to purchase flour and spelt in the gift shop.” - David Attwell
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Daw's Castle is only 4.4 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Daw's Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours on the operator's own site before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
For your visit
As an Amazon Associate we keep the site funded from qualifying purchases. More on how this works →
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LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle: The Main Tower
A smaller, more focused Hogwarts build than the full castle set, with the flying key room, the wizard chess room and 12 minifigures, for age 10 and up. Something for the kids to enjoy during a wander through the gardens at Dunster Castle.
Find it on Amazon
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Couleeur Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 4 (Vintage)
Basket, waterproof blanket, plates, glasses and cutlery all included in one vintage-look bundle - nothing extra to remember before setting off. A good fit for a full day exploring the castle.
Find it on AmazonSee more picks like this in The Castle Shop →
Common questions about Dunster Castle
Where is Dunster Castle?
Dunster Castle is in Somerset, England, at Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Dunster Castle?
Yes - Dunster Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Dunster Castle?
The view out over the Somerset coastline from the grounds - reviewers rate the setting as highly as the interiors.
Is Dunster Castle a ruin or still intact?
Dunster Castle is largely intact - Luttrell family castle remodelled as country home.
