Discover more at Dunster Castle and Watermill
Find out when Dunster Castle and Watermill is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Dunster
- Published:
- 29 June 2024
Come and soak up the festive atmosphere at Dunster Castle and Watermill this winter. During weekends throughout December you are invited to see the castle’s seasonally decorated rooms, take a stroll through the garden, enjoy a festive treat at the Watermill Tearoom and pick up the perfect gift in the Stables Shop.
A Luttrell family Christmas
See the castle decorated for a country Christmas, inspired by family memories of the festive season at the castle. Wander around the house and enjoy the decorated trees and natural garlands, created from plants from the gardens by Dunster's garden team. You can settle down and play games in the Morning Room, dress up in the Hat Room and spot friendly knitted robins hiding in the rooms.
The castle is open from 10am-3pm at weekends throughout December and daily 16 December - 5 January. Last entry at 2.45pm.
Please note that you do not need to prebook. You can purchase tickets upon arrival from one of our Welcome Points.
Festive needle felting
Wednesday 20 November
10am-1pm
Feeling crafty this festive season? Join Forest Catkins for a needle felting workshop in the warmth of the Watermill Tearoom. The workshop will demonstrate each step and include a hot drink and festive bite. Take away your festive decoration to give to someone special this Christmas or enjoy year after year.
Christmas wreath making
Wednesday 27 November
10am-1pm
Make your own Christmas wreath using foliage gathered from the Dunster Castle estate. There's beauty to be found in nature during these colder months so why not bring the outdoors indoors this winter.
Reindeer Service Station
7 December to 23 December
The stables are the Exmoor pit stop for Father Christmas and his reindeer this Christmas Eve. Come and see where the reindeer will be stopping to rest before continuing on the next leg of their journey.
Winter Evenings - Christmas Extended Opening
14, 15, 21 and 22 December
Experience Dunster Castle after hours with an illuminated path leading up to the castle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, explore the castle and savour a variety of delicious seasonal treats in the Tenants’ Hall. Please note, the last entry to the castle is at 5:45pm.
12 Days of Christmas Trail
26 December to 5 January
Dog walking, playing games and wearing ill fitting jumpers. Find out what the household were doing between Christmas and New Year and join in with some of the activities,
Season's eatings at the watermill and Watermill Tearoom
You can still see the working watermill over the festive season and discover how flour is milled. Why not treat yourself or buy a thoughtful Christmas gift for the home baker in your life? Pick up a bag of Dunster Watermill flour, a Watermill gift pack or even a bag of seasonal muesli (while stocks last). Head around the corner to the Watermill Tearoom for a selection of festive treats including spiced apple juice, mulled wine and seasonal cakes or to try your hand at some Christmas crafts.
The watermill is open from 10am-4pm at weekends throughout December and daily 21 December- 5 January. Last entry at 3.30pm.
The garden, parkland and shop
Take a stroll through the beautiful subtropical garden at the South Terrace and Keep or explore the River Garden, where the River Avill flows past giant redwoods, or let off some steam in the natural play area.
Fancy a longer walk? Enjoy the winter views by heading up to Conygar Tower, Bat’s Castle or Grabbist Hill from the car park or explore Dunster village on our gentle circular walk. Don't forget to stop by the Stables Shop and browse a selection of goodies for that all important gift inspiration.
The garden is open from 10am-4pm at weekends throughout December and daily 21 December-5 January. Last entry at 3pm.
The parkland and car park are open daily 10am-5pm and the tearoom and shop are open daily 10am-4pm.
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