Dunster Castle and Watermill

Dunster Castle and Watermill Home to the Luttrell family for 600 years, in the historic wool village of Dunster on the edge of Exmoor. Historic castle, beautiful gardens and Watermill.
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🌿 What’s on at Dunster Castle this weekend 🌿Looking for a laid-back summer day out? We’ve got plenty to keep everyone sm...
19/06/2026

🌿 What’s on at Dunster Castle this weekend 🌿

Looking for a laid-back summer day out? We’ve got plenty to keep everyone smiling 😊

🌳 Enjoy the shade of the River Gardens
Perfect for a cooler wander on a warm day, the River Gardens are a peaceful spot to relax and unwind.

🛝 River Gardens natural play area
Our play area has had a little glow up! It’s the perfect place for little ones to let off some steam while staying in the shade.

🪙 Family Trail: Motte & Bailey – Investigate the Vikings’ Raid on Watchet Mint
Become a history detective and follow the trail map to find hidden coins around the grounds. Complete the adventure and win a prize!
👉 £3.50 per trail (normal admission applies

🏰 Step inside for a cool escape
One of the perks of visiting a castle? Thick walls and beautifully cool rooms! Head inside to explore our Gilded Treasures exhibition and discover dazzling highlights from the collection.

🍨 Treat yourself
Round off your visit with a delicious ice cream - the perfect way to cool down and relax in the sunshine.

Whether you’re exploring shady gardens, adventuring on a trail, or stepping back in time indoors, it’s a perfect weekend to visit 🌼



📸photo by James Dobson

18/06/2026

Theatre, music, and a race around the world… 🌍🎭🎶

Join us on Saturday 18th July for Around the World in 80 Days - a fast-paced, funny, and globe-trotting race against time.

Pack a picnic and settle in for a fantastic evening of theatre under the open sky.

Book now 👉 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/alfrescoactors/2102631

Musket Firing Demonstrations will take place today at 11am and 2pm as part of our Civil War Living History Camp.🏰⚠ may n...
16/06/2026

Musket Firing Demonstrations will take place today at 11am and 2pm as part of our Civil War Living History Camp.🏰

⚠ may not be suitable for dogs or people sensitive to loud noises.

📸Photo by Kiera C

𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿? ☀️We've put together this family-friendly long-weekend itinerary, fea...
16/06/2026

𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿? ☀️

We've put together this family-friendly long-weekend itinerary, featuring beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and fun attractions. From cliff railway adventures and rock pooling to castle gardens, discover the best of Exmoor without the stress of planning every detail.

📍 Lynmouth Beach | Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway | Valley of Rocks

Explore the pretty village, scenic harbour and pebble beach and a spot of rockpooling at Lynmouth. Ride the unique Victorian water-powered cliff railway for beautiful views and walk among the famous rock formations and wild goats at Valley of Rocks.

📍 Combe Martin Beach | Ilfracombe Harbour | Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Combe Martin's sheltered beach is perfect for families, with pebbles at high tide, sandy stretches at low tide and plenty of rock pools to explore. Nearby, stroll around Ilfracombe Harbour and enjoy a boat trip before heading to Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park to see life-sized dinosaurs and a variety of animals.

📍 Minehead Beach | Butlin's Minehead | Dunster Castle and Watermill

The large sandy beach is perfect for family days out with a traditional seaside vibe. Enjoy endless fun at Butlin's, from splash pools and flumes to activities for all ages, then explore Dunster Castle and its stunning gardens before wandering the medieval village of Dunster.

✨ Discover more things to do: visit-exmoor.co.uk/things-to-do-around-exmoor

🛏️ Find a place to stay: visit-exmoor.co.uk/staying

⚔️Join us tomorrow and Wednesday (16 & 17 June), 10am–3pm for a living history camp on Green Court and discover what lif...
15/06/2026

⚔️Join us tomorrow and Wednesday (16 & 17 June), 10am–3pm for a living history camp on Green Court and discover what life was really like during the Civil War. 🏰

Don’t miss the live musket-firing demonstrations throughout the day.

⚠️ Please note: musket demonstrations will include loud noises, which may not be suitable for some visitors and dogs.

Come along and experience history brought to life!

Normal admission applies to non-members.

“Don’t come in – I’m not dressed!” 🛠️Our watermill is having a bit of a tidy-up! From Mon 15 – Fri 19 June, the Stone Fl...
14/06/2026

“Don’t come in – I’m not dressed!” 🛠️

Our watermill is having a bit of a tidy-up! From Mon 15 – Fri 19 June, the Stone Floor (2nd floor) will be closed while the millstones are being dressed.

✅ Ground floor – open
✅ Bin Floor (3rd floor) – open

Thanks for your understanding while we spruce things up!

🍸 Happy World Gin Day! Don't forget to stop off at the Stables Shop after your visit today. We’re celebrating World Gin ...
13/06/2026

🍸 Happy World Gin Day!

Don't forget to stop off at the Stables Shop after your visit today. We’re celebrating World Gin Day in style with Exmoor Distillery, sampling their delicious Northmoor Gin 🥂

Pop by to discover the flavours of this local favourite. The perfect treat for gin lovers!



📸photo by Chloe B

🌞 Don’t want to jinx it, but… it looks like the sun might be making a comeback this weekend! 🌿✨Perfect timing to explore...
12/06/2026

🌞 Don’t want to jinx it, but… it looks like the sun might be making a comeback this weekend! 🌿✨

Perfect timing to explore Dunster Castle’s Mediterranean marvels. Think sun-drenched terraces, vibrant planting and sweeping views across Exmoor.

Whether you’re wandering the gardens, pausing to soak up the scenery, or stepping inside the castle, it’s the perfect excuse for a summer day out. Don't forget to grab an ice cream sundae from Camellia House! ☀️🍨

🕙 Open daily 10am–5pm
🏰 Last entry to the castle: 3:45pm

Tag who you’re bringing along for a sunny adventure 👇

📸by Amy W

✨ Tickets are selling fast… don’t miss out! ✨Wild Arts return to the gardens for a truly magical summer evening of opera...
11/06/2026

✨ Tickets are selling fast… don’t miss out! ✨

Wild Arts return to the gardens for a truly magical summer evening of opera under the open sky 🎶🌿

Join us for a spectacular performance of opera favourites, brought to life by four incredible singers and a world-class string quintet. Pack your picnic, gather your friends and settle in for an unforgettable night of music as the sun sets.

🧺 Bring rugs, chairs, tables and hampers – make it your perfect outdoor evening
🎵 Gardens open: 6.15pm | Performance begins: 7pm (with 1 hr picnic interval)
🌙 Ends approx. 9.30pm
🚗 Free parking included

🎟️ Tickets:
General admission £35
Under 25s £15
15% off for groups of 6+

With limited tickets available, early booking is highly recommended… secure your spot before it’s gone!

Book here: 👉https://wildarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173674495

📸Photo by Wild Arts

Address

Dunster
Minehead
TA246SL

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441643821314

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