Dunster Castle Experience Days - A Day with the Head Gardener
An exclusive chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Head Gardener, including a bespoke tour, and a two-course lunch.
- Booking essential
We are hosting an experience day, which offers the chance to spend the day with Dunster Castle's Head Gardener. Responsible for the maintenance of the 18 acres of garden at Dunster Castle, this is an opportunity not to be missed for all those gardening questions.
You'll begin the day with refreshments and an introductory talk on Dunster Castle by James Cordingley, Head Gardener, who has been working in the horticultural industry for more than 18 years. You'll then embark on a tour of the gardens, including areas not usually open to the public. This is a great opportunity to go into depth on the castle's unusual subtropical environment and historic planting plans.
Once the tour is over, you'll head down to the Watermill Tearoom for a delicious two-course lunch. James will accompany you and will be on hand to chat and answer questions.
After lunch and questions, you'll have the opportunity to tour the nursery at Dunster Castle. See how the garden team grow and nurture the plants grown for the gardens and how they grow for the castle garden's unique microclimate. You'll then get hands on with compost and cuttings in a workshop with James where you'll learn techniques to take the best cuttings while maintaining the health of the parent plant.
At the end of the day, finish your experience with a trip to the Stables Shop for souvenirs and local products before heading home.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| All | £65.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
The tours are recommended for ages 13 and over.
- Meeting point
Please park in the Dunster Castle car park then make your way to Visitor Reception, where a member of staff will greet you before escorting you to the castle to begin your day.
- What to bring and wear
Please wear sensible, flat shoes and come well wrapped up. There is some outdoor walking involved so we recommend bringing waterproof clothing just in case.
- Accessibility
There is a steep hill leading up to the castle. Changes of levels, steep and uneven steps and confined spaces within the tour route.
- Other
Once you have completed your booking, our team will be in touch with the lunch menu and will ask for your choices.
Upcoming events
A Country Christmas at Dunster Castle
We have something for everyone this Christmas inside the castle and in the gardens. Soak up the festive atmosphere and make Dunster Castle a part of your Christmas traditions.
Victorian Kitchen Tours
Go behind the scenes and into the past with one of the knowledgeable volunteer guides.
Festive Storytelling
Escape the winter chill and settle down in the warmth of the Morning Room. Enjoy a selection of Christmas stories told by one of our friendly volunteers.
Behind the scenes: Attic Tours
If you've always wanted to see more of Dunster Castle, come on an attic tour with one of the castle's knowledgeable tour guides.