Dunster Castle

We arrived at Dunster Station just after lunch and had to take a 20 minute walk in order to reach Dunster Village and Castle. We didn't bring the pram with us, so it was a slow walk but a memorable one! You see so much more on foot, and take in not only the sites but the smell, the temperature, the sounds, and you experience a general 'feel' for the place. The history kept in these villages is just amazing. Here are just a few of the things we saw along the way...

These Donkeys were full on chasing each other, not sure if it was fight or play but they were certainly getting into each other, biting and all. 

Some of Dunster Villiage with Dunster Castle in the back ground...

The walk around the castle grounds all the way to the top was especially nice.

I love this photo.... you can see that Mick has said 'Look up there', so Emily looks up - but in the wrong direction!!

The hilltop in Dunster has been home to a castle for more than 1000 years. After the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror granted Dunster to the Norman warlord William de Mohun. He and his descendants owned the castle for more than 300 years. 

In 1376, Lady Joan de Mohun sold the castle to Lady Elizabeth Luttrell, whose descendants went on to own Dunster until the 20th century when in 1976 it was given to the National Trust by Colonel Sir Walter Luttrell along with most of its contents. (I just loved seeing the library full of all the old books, which were most likely read in this house!) 

The view from the top, especially important so they could see any enemies approaching. 

Had to include this photo, because Lani sees the swan and goes over and says "Look at this funny fella!' lol

The castle has changed quite a bit over the years, having been transformed in 1617 by William Arnold when he was employed to build a Jacobean country house in the Lower Ward. In 1650, Dunster's fortifications were demolished, leaving just the house, and during the 1680s, the castle was refurbished by Colonel Francis Luttrell. We saw the fine plasterwork ceilings and a magnificent staircase - really quite unbelievable, but nice to see that people had amazing talents back then just as we do today. From 1868 - 72 the castle was again remodelled but this time to emphasise its medieval origins and accommodate a large family and their many servants. This is just some of what you see today...

Again, we weren't allowed to take photos inside the castle, which is so frustrating, so you just get the outside views!

Dunster Village was a nice little place to visit too, and had some lovely shops. We totally enjoyed our day, even though it really was quite cold again.