The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.7 / 5 · 8,645 reports TICKETED

Dunster Castle

Somerset, England


Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle, further view Dunster Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
National Trust
Condition
Intact
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY

Telephone 01643 821314

Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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.

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.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.7 / 5 across 8,645 Google reviews

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

Further reading

book
See Inside Castles

Katie Daynes & David Hancock

Find it on Amazon
model-kit
CubicFun - Neuschwanstein Castle 3D Puzzle (121pc)

Architectural 3D puzzle model, stocked by UK and US retailers.

Find it on Amazon
Look Inside a Castle cover book
Look Inside a Castle

Conrad Mason

Find it on Amazon