Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Published:: 22 January 2024

An adult, holding a small child, watches their child playing games on the lawn of the Green Court at Dunster Castle, Somerset — Playing games on the lawn at Dunster Castle | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

There's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy at Dunster Castle and Watermill. Find out everything you need to plan your family day out, from joining us for events and activities for kids, to where to find the play areas.

Planning your family visit

Baby changing facilities available
Free entry for under 5s
Accessible toilets available
The play area in the River Gardens is open
Picnicking is allowed throughout the groups with a dedicated picnic area near the car park
Buggy friendly routes around the gardens
Hip carrying infant seats available to borrow in the house
Children's menu available at the Watermill Tearoom
Pocket money friendly gifts and children's books available in the Stables Shop
Children's books available in the second hand book shop.

Autumn at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Escape into Autumn and ease into the festive season with a variety of activities to enjoy. Don't let wet weather dampen your visit, there's plenty to get involved with rain or shine.

Leaf Bunting Crafternoons: Gather leaves from around the grounds and head to Tenants H to create a beautiful keepsake from your visit.
Self-guided walks: Immerse yourself in nature, take in scenic views or admire impressive architecture, there's a walk to enjoy.
Behind the scenes tours: Explore new rooms you haven't seen before and learn more about the servants who lived and used the spaces upstairs.
Spotter trail: look out for knitted wellies hidden around the castle.

Track the trails you complete throughout the year with our handy trail passport. Get 3 trail stamps by the Christmas school holidays and receive a prize. Pick up for £1 from our Visitor Reception Building.

Autumn events

A family of two adults and two small children (with their backs to the camera) in winter clothing walking along a path flanked by an array of plants and trees with brown and green foliage — Exploring the Dunster Castle gardens during winter | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Family-friendly things to do in the house at Dunster Castle

Grab one of our family Castle Explorer trails and enjoy the castle from a new perspective, with fun activities on the way.
Settle down on the comfy sofas and play some games, getting a real feel for what it would've been like for the Luttrell family to live at Dunster Castle in the Morning Room.
Try on costumes and discover different time periods through history in the Hat Room.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden at Dunster Castle

Let off some steam in the play area in the River Gardens, have a go at balancing on the logs, make music with the wooden xylophone and have a game of Pooh Sticks in the river.
Explore the history in the gardens with our Trail of Tales.

Family-friendly things to do in Dunster Working Watermill

Discover how the mill works and watch our friendly millers turn the wheels.
Watch flour being made, and even buy a bag to make your own bread at home. Milling is usually every Wednesday from 11am to about 3pm, but get in touch if you'd like to make sure.
Get hands on and make your own flour with our model quern.