Family Fun at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Published:: 22 January 2024

Two adults and two small children walking in the parkland with Dunster Castle in the background, Somerset — Exploring the parkland at Dunster Castle | © National Trust Images / John Millar

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.

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.

Exterior view of Dunster Castle and Garden in Somerset

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