Dunster Castle
Somerset, England
Photo: Hchc2009, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Haxxah and KraZug, CC BY 2.0 · Samuel & Nathaniel Buck, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Bishop's Lydeard, 13.9 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Luttrell family castle remodelled as country home
Pinpoint
Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY
Telephone 01643 821314
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 31 August - 1 November | Castle - Daily 10:00 - 16:00 |
| 2 November - 20 December | Mon - Fri: Closed Sat - Sun: 10:00 - 15:00 |
Individual dates outside these ranges are on the official page.
Checked against the official page on 25 August 2026.
Visitor essentials
- Dogs
- Rated a two-pawprint site; dogs can be walked across the parkland and formal gardens.
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.
At a glance
Who to know
Anthony Salvin · architect who remodelled it into a country house
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
Dunster Castle reviews · 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.
“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
Within reach of Cardiff (24 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what National Trust says
Steep routes with steps and uneven surfaces across the site. A limited number of Blue Badge spaces, plus a drop-off space available when those are full; accessible toilets are by the shop. Mobility scooters are available for hire and wheelchairs for loan, with ramped access and a stairclimber provided, and an induction loop fitted. Full accessibility guides are published on AccessAble.
Taken from National Trust’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
William de Mohun · 1066
First fortified by Norman lord William de Mohun in the 11th century as a motte-and-bailey, the castle passed to the Luttrell family in the 14th century and remained their home for six centuries. Major Victorian-era remodeling transformed it from a fortress into an elegant country house overlooking the Somerset coast.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Daw's Castle is only 4.4 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Daw's Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours with the operator before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track.
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Beautiful setting looking out over the Somerset coastline From the Car Park there is a little bit of a walk uphill, but worth it!!” - Simon Young
- Terrain & accessibility
- “If of limited mobility there is a Shuttle bus that will take you to the Castle.” - Simon Young
- Facilities
- “It was fascinating to trace the workings from the mill race through the water wheels, gearing and millstones and to end up being able to purchase flour and spelt in the gift shop.” - David Attwell
Common questions about Dunster Castle
Where is Dunster Castle?
Dunster Castle is in Somerset, England, at Dunster, Minehead TA24 6NY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Dunster Castle?
Yes - Dunster Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Dunster Castle?
The view out over the Somerset coastline from the grounds - reviewers rate the setting as highly as the interiors.
Is Dunster Castle a ruin or still intact?
Dunster Castle is largely intact - Luttrell family castle remodelled as country home.
