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Dunster Castle

📍 Somerset, England

4.4 ★★★★½ 4,200 reviews

About

Dunster Castle is a former motte and bailey castle, now a country house, in the village of Dunster, Somerset, England. The castle lies on the top of a steep hill called the Tor, and has been fortified since the late Anglo-Saxon period. After the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, William de Mohun constructed a timber castle on the site as part of the pacification of Somerset. A stone shell keep was built on the motte by the start of the 12th century, and the castle survived a siege during the early years of the Anarchy. At the end of the 14th century the de Mohuns sold the castle to the Luttrell family, who continued to occupy the property until the late 20th century.

Getting There

🚂 Dunster Station (WSR)

West Somerset Heritage Railway from Bishops Lydeard. Seasonal steam service.

🅿️ NT Car Parks

National Trust car parks in Dunster village and at the castle. Free for members.

🚗 By Car

In Dunster village off the A39 near Minehead. Well signed from Minehead and the M5.

Terrain & Accessibility

📐 Steep Hill to Castle♿ Shuttle Available🚶 Castle Interior: Good💺 Seating Available

The castle is on a steep hill above the village. The National Trust runs a Land Rover shuttle for those with mobility issues. Once inside, the castle is well maintained with good access to main rooms. The subtropical garden is terraced and steep in places.