children loved exploring staff very helpful nice coffee not really much more to say Nice walk round to the top, lovely views
We visited the morning after Dunster by Candlelight, when the ground floor was still open. Apparently the 2 evenings had been really busy, but it was pleasantly quiet when we were there, allowing us space and time to appreciate the way it had been decorated for Christmas and enjoy the pianist playing Christmas carols. There was even a bowl in the kitchen with some ingredients for making a traditional Christmas pudding, giving off delightful fruit and spice smells. The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful and keen to chat and impart their knowledge of the history of this lovely castle.
Wonderful, friendly staff and volunteers welcome you to this "home" and answer any questions you may have. We were thrilled to be able to participate in the kitchen tour guided by a lady passionate about history. Her explanations were clear, engaging and lively! Even the snooker room was operational!
Fab to walk round if you dont mind walking, the scenery around the castle is stunning. Shame when we visited the main house was closed, but the bits we viewed were very interesting and quite eerie. You need to make sure you wear walking boots as obviously the ground is very uneven and cobblestones everywhere.
A great Castle with views over Dunster. We visited during Dunster by candlelight. The castle is not normally open during the winter (check national trust website for opening hours). However for Dunster by candlelight the castle opens the ground floor and you can see it decorated with Christmas trees. The castle takes on a completely different look in the dark and is worth a visit if your a national trust member as you can get in for free. Look up Dunster by candlelight for more information on this annual event. I have also visited this castle during the summer and it has lovely walks around the grounds. The village of Dunster is also worth a visit. You can get a great afternoon tea in the village in one of the many tea rooms.
We arrived full of expectation to find the gardens were the only thing that we could view. Worth it for me but not my teenage daughter.
I was surprised to find Dunster castle open on 14 March, it was tipping down and a cold day. Revived after hot chocolate and snack in the Camellia room set off . The volunteers are full of knowledge to share if you so wish, exploring the interior of the castle was interesting-look at the medieval panels in the Oratory, the intricate plaster work on the ceiling in the dining room and the painted leather panels upstairs. This was home to a family until 1950's, you get a feel of what it might have been like to reside perched up high with views of the North Somerset coast.Obviously a fortification intended to protect from invaders-the paths up are steep-but there is a buggy service for those who need. Would have loved to visit gardens and restaurant but will visit again.
We are with the national trust this is one of the finest there are seats inside that you can sit down and feel part of this place a must see.
We are so pleased we allowed the time to visit this amazing insight into the history of the area and the families that have lived at Dunster Castle. Allow plenty of time to explore the castle and the grounds. Also check out the walled Dahlia Garden that is being re-created in the old section of the village.
Dunster is a medieval village, which looks like it hasn't changed for centuries. It's more than just a castle. The castle is nice, but quite small, with lovely grounds and a great tea shop, which uses flour from the mill. However, I prefer walking around the village, which is a step back in time and has some nice pubs.In December, Dunster by candlelight is an atmospheric procession with people in costume and a street fair, including a blacksmith.