5 Best castles in Somerset to visit

Battlements, suits of armour, moated fortresses, treacherous plots and ghostly stories…when I first thought about timing this article for the spookiest month of the year, the angle was very much, ‘creepy castles in Somerset’. 

However, while there have certainly been some dastardly goings-on at many of these spectacular buildings, up close in the light of day, surrounded by some of the prettiest Somerset countryside I’ve ever laid eyes on, it’s hard to imagine any gruesome events taking place within their walls.

Darker tales are there for those seeking eerie thrills, but if it’s living out your characters-of-yore fantasies, or soaking up history on a cultural day trip to the county’s most picturesque sites, this handful of Somerset castles, ranging from humble medieval ruins to the grand and intact Dunster Castle, are the best ones to visit.

Stogursey Castle

Stogursey, a charming village to the east of the Quantocks, was chosen by William de Courcy, a steward to Henry I, as his main base. The castle remnants bear witness to nearly a thousand years of history and its historical CV boasts a visit from King John in 1210, as well as a minor role in the War of the Roses, before eventually falling into ruin due to time and neglect.

Only the gatehouse survived in any recognisable form and is now a holiday let under the care of The Landmark Trust. Standing guard at the end of the 13th century bridge, it is the only entrance to the grassy castle ruins on this moated idyll, and is accessible only to guests staying at the gatehouse. But if you’re not living out your royal family fantasies inside this ancient abode, and limited to viewing the ruined walls from across the moat, is the castle still worth a visit, just for a distant gander? The answer is, absolutely yes.

One of the landmarks on the castle loop of the Castle & Coast Way, keen hikers are rewarded with sensational views of the Quantock Hills, Exmoor and Severn Estuary on the 6.5-mile (10.5k) circular walk that starts at Nether Stowey and takes you over the hills to Stogursey Castle. But you don’t have to go that far to see this Somerset wonder.

A raised, short and signed footpath from Castle Street leads to what is surely one of the most enchantingly bucolic scenes in the country: a stone footbridge with small weir cascading into a shallow ford, the yellow thatched gatehouse, and rocky castle walls on their island perch. You can walk all around the moat on one side of the castle, and should you wish to take on the aforementioned hike, you’ll find a signed footpath in the far corner.

Click here for more info and to check availability on The Landmark Trust Website

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

The remains of 14th century Farleigh Hungerford Castle add a touch of gruesome intrigue to Somerset’s castle repertoire. Located around nine miles from Bath, in the River Frome valley, the fortified mansion was occupied by the Hungerford family for some 300 years, but is now in the care of English Heritage.

With its beautiful countryside setting and picnic-perfect grounds, it’s hard to imagine the dramatic and sinister history that saw political disaster, domestic scandal and grisly murder befall its inhabitants.

The audio tour and graphic panels around the site describe the role in which the Hungerford family, starting with Sir Thomas Hungerford in 1370 – the first formally recorded Speaker of the House of Commons – and the castle played in history. Key points of interest around the castle ruins are highlighted, including the castle bread oven, where Agnes Hungerford’s first husband, John Cotell’s body was thought to have been burned after his murder, so she could marry Edward Hungerford.

Visitors can also see the south west tower, where Lady Elizabeth Hungerford was imprisoned for four years in the 1530s, by her husband, Sir Walter Hungerford III, who frequently attempted to poison her. She survived by drinking her own urine and eating food secretly supplied by local women.

With its partly-surviving towers, surrounding wall, gatehouse, moat, well, infamous bakehouse oven and the chapel’s rare medieval wall paintings, it’s a fascinating site, with many hidden treasures. For a chilling glimpse into the past, dare to venture down to the crypt to see the best collection of human-shaped lead coffins in Britain. The coffins still contain the embalmed remains of four members of the Hungerford family. Look closely, and you’ll see that some have faces moulded onto them – death masks cast from the faces of the deceased.

Find out more and check opening times on the English Heritage website

Taunton Castle (Museum of Somerset)

Discover four million years of history inside Taunton Castle, a Grade I Listed Scheduled Ancient Monument in Somerset’s county town. It has housed a museum for over 100 years, saving the castle from ruin and telling the story of Somerset from prehistoric times to the present day, as well as its own history, since being founded in the 12th century by Henry de Blois, grandson of William the Conqueror.

On 31 October, the lights are turned off at the castle for the spookiest night of the year. Make a lantern and journey around the museum by candlelight, discovering tricks and treats along the way. 

Check what’s on at the Museum of Somerset on the South West Heritage website

Dunster Castle

Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by colour-washed, mediaeval thatched cottages, tea rooms, cobbled streets, spectacular grounds, rolling countryside and sea views, Dunster Castle is straight out of a fairytale. Amazingly, this Somerset fortress turned family home, has only been owned by two families throughout its history, and is now looked after by the National Trust. 

As well as acres of space to explore, The Dunster School of Magic returns for another adventure from October 5 to November 3, 2024. Compete in the games and follow the clues to find out what happened to the Pumpkin Games trophy.

Click here to check Dunster Castle opening times and ticket prices

Nunney Castle

Squeezed tightly onto its own little island, the moated, medieval and impossibly photogenic Nunney Castle is free to visit. Built by a local knight, Sir John de la Mare in the 1370s (supposedly with the money he had made by kidnapping French nobles during the Hundred Years’ War), the castle has a largely peaceful history. 

Though ruined, the towers and walls are fairly well-preserved, except for one which took such a blow from a cannonball in 1645 that its owner surrendered the castle immediately. Spot birdlife in the moat before a potter around the characterful village of Nunney village.

Find more information on the English Heritage website

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