4 impressive castles in Somerset

Castles are a large part of the UK’s rich an important heritage and make for a fantastic day out. Read on to discover our choice for the 4 most impressive castles in Somerset!

1 Dunster Castle

The spectacular Dunster Castle is an interesting blend of medieval architecture and country comfort. A former Norman motte and bailey castle, it then became the lavish country home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years. You can explore the impressive interior, which includes a crypt now home to many archive photos and fascinating facts about the history of the site.

The gardens are a real highlight of the castle. Kids can run on the log play area in the River Gardens, while adults will enjoy the subtropical gardens. You can follow a one-mile route around the terraced gardens which takes you up to the highest point of the castle to enjoy some great views of the surrounding area.

Tickets to the castle and gardens cost £9.30 per adult and £4.60 per child.

2 Nunney Castle

The only castle on the list to feature a true moat, Nunney Castle is a very picturesque sight. The walls are tall and intact on three sides, but the fourth side reveals the castle’s true ruined state after it fell victim to cannon fire during the English Civil War. By crossing a wooden footbridge you can wander the insides, seeing the remnants of the building’s original structure – from the old well to the chimneys of the old fireplaces, some of which were placed inside cottages in the village of Nunney after the war.

Entry to the castle is completely free.

These ruins are very scenic and so is the nearby village of Nunney, which is well worth a visit. It sweetly retains its country charm, with many old buildings and a pretty river.

3 Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Farleigh Hungerford Castle is another stunning ruin with a stunning setting in the Somerset countryside. The remains are hugely enjoyable to walk around and a free audio tour provides grisly facts of its history. Those who dare can visit the collection of lead coffins to be found here – yes, really, there are human shaped lead coffins in the crypt! It’s not all gore and horror, however, you can also see rare medieval wall paintings and exhibitions in the priest’s house.

Adult tickets cost £4.10 and children cost £2.50.

For more intriguing history, the truly spectacular Stonehenge is very near this castle. The impressive prehistoric monument is one of the great wonders and mysteries of the world and Stonehenge camping should not be missed.

4 Taunton Castle

Taunton Castle is a 12th century building right in the heart of the town which, since 1874, has been a very interesting museum. Inside the striking building are rooms full of exhibits, galleries and images depicting the history of the county. There is a lot to see here that will interest both adults and children, including the Frome hoard - the largest collection of Roman coins discovered in a single container in Britain.

The Museum of Somerset is free to enter, and is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

The museum at Taunton Castle concludes our list of the most impressive castles in Somerset. All of these castles offer a brilliant insight into the history of our country and the chance to be wowed by architecture that is hundreds of years old.