Pictures of Dunster Castle & Garden

a Castle in the town of Dunster, in the county of Somerset

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About Dunster Castle & Garden

The high walls of Dunster Castle look down over the quaint village of Dunster from its imperious setting atop of a classically wooded pyramid shaped hill. The castle is built of bright red sandstone, it is immediately eye catching, medieval and feudal in appearance.

The spot the castle is built on was chosen for its natural defensive position, its history probably lies deep in the mists of Saxon times, but the main building as we know it was begun by William de Mohun, a Norman baron. In 1375 the castle came into the hands of the Luttrell family who were to remain there for over 600 years.

Over the centuries Dunster Castle has been subject to many alterations, what we look at today is mainly from the 16th-19th century. It is completely fascinating with many splendid features. Amongst these is a magnificently carved staircase from 1681 and a plaster ceiling in the dining room of the same date.

The imposing 15th century gatehouse is part of the medieval castle that fortunately survived the alterations of the 1800's, these were mostly the work of the architect Salvin, who built a new tower and reconstructed much of the exterior into the then popular Gothic style.

On an historical note - during the Civil War the Luttrell family were for Parliament, but the Royalists seized the castle. In 1646 Dunster Castle became the last castle to fall in the county of Somerset after a siege lasting five and half months.

The castle is surrounded by magnificent gardens, woodland and picturesque tumbling streams crossed by ancient bridges. Steep terraces take you down to the fringe of the River Avill, en-route visitors can see lovely tropical plants, splendid groups of Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas and Magnolia trees. By the Avill stands a restored mill from the 18th century, this grinds flour for sale, interestingly there has been a mill on this site ever since the first fortifications where built here in around 1070. Apart from this there are many other attractive features in the grounds including a magnificent Victorian conservatory. This is a wonderful landscape to wander, not least for the splendid views of historic Dunster village and surrounding countryside.

The castle was given to the National Trust in 1976. It is open to the public.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Dunster Castle & Garden.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Dunster Castle & Garden

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All attractions in Somerset
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Dunster Castle & Garden

Minehead, in the county of Somerset (2.5 miles, 4.1 km, direction NW)
Minehead is a quintessential English seaside resort on the beautiful Somerset coast whose mild climate has been a magnet for...
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Selworthy Green, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction NW)
Selworthy Green is the start of a picturesque walk through steep woodlands to the gorse-gold and heather clad summit of Selworthy Beacon from which there are magnificent views over the undulating countryside.
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Luccombe, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction W)
There really could be no finer example of the perfect English village than Luccombe..
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Porlock, in the county of Somerset (7.0 miles, 11.2 km, direction W)
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Winsford, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (7.4 miles, 11.8 km, direction SW)
One of the prettiest and most unspoilt of villages, steeped in history and mentioned in the Domesday book
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Culbone, in the county of Somerset (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction W)
A small hamlet that is not accessible by car. St Culbone's Church is the smallest parish church in England.
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Withypool, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (10.1 miles, 16.3 km, direction SW)
R.D.Blackmore wrote part of Lorna Doone in the bar of the Royal Oak in Withypool and the famous artist Alfred Munnings had a...
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Holford, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction E)
Holford lies in a peaceful wooded valley at the foot of the lovely Quantock Hills crowning the landscape where the county of Somerset sweeps towards the coast.
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Oare, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (12.2 miles, 19.6 km, direction W)
Thus, it was unsurprising to learn that this was the setting for R.D.Blackmore's famous novel, Lorna Doone.
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Bridgwater, a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset (19.4 miles, 31.2 km, direction E)
Bridgwater emerged from a village of the Middle Ages to become a prosperous river-port. Later, it became known as the place where Monmouth proclaimed himself King.
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Nearby travel help

Cardiff International Airport	(15.8 miles, 25.4 km, direction N)
Barry Island Station	(16.8 miles, 27.0 km, direction NE)
Barry Station	(16.8 miles, 27.0 km, direction NE)
M5 Junction 26	(18.1 miles, 29.0 km, direction SE)
M5 Junction 27	(18.3 miles, 29.4 km, direction S)
Exeter Airport	(30.5 miles, 49.0 km, direction S)
Dunster Castle & Garden to London	(145.4 miles, 233.9 km, direction E)

Accommodation & Hotels near Dunster Castle & Garden

Hotel Name
Yarn Market Hotel	(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
The Langbury	(1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction E)
Glendower House	(2.3 miles, 3.7 km, direction NW)
Dragon House Hotel	(3.1 miles, 4.9 km, direction SE)
The White Horse Inn	(3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction SE)
The Hood Arms Hotel	(9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction E)
The Lion Hotel	(10.5 miles, 16.9 km, direction SW)
White Hart Hotel	(10.9 miles, 17.5 km, direction SE)
Cedar Falls Health Spa	(13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction SE)
Bindon Country House Hotel	(13.6 miles, 21.9 km, direction SE)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts