Step back in time at these historic Somerset castles

With clues to its intriguing history scattered throughout its impressive landscape, history buffs cannot visit Somerset without discovering one of the ancient castle sites. Many of these once-mighty structures have been left to ruin, yet they sit in incredible locations with far-reaching views once allowing residents to spot invading armies from afar. You can still picture their towering turrets and strong keeps by the foundations and earthworks they’ve left behind.

There are plenty of these wonderful castles in Somerset for you to uncover; visit a castle near Bristol with its bright lights and exciting art scene, or head to a castle near Taunton where you can make the most of this romantic country location. Get inspired by these beautiful monuments to times past and begin planning a heritage-filled holiday to Somerset.  

Stay in a great place nearby during your getaway so you can spend a few days getting to know Somerset’s exquisite landscape and heritage. Be king (or queen!) of your own castle with a stay in one of our retreats in this region of the South West.

Somerset cottages

Dunster Castle, Dunster

Dunster Castle is a National Trust gem set at the top of a hill overlooking the quaint village of Dunster which is located in a fantastic position, right on the eastern border of Exmoor National Park. Woodland surrounds the structure, offering places to go wildlife watching with little ones, while warming pubs await in the village itself.

This Somerset castle had a turbulent early history before becoming a sumptuous country home for the Luttrell family for over 600 years. There’s an impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower, a terraced garden with Mediterranean and subtropical plants, and a historic working watermill at the other end of the woodland. Far-reaching views over the Bristol Channel cement this fortress as an excellent place for a day out in Somerset.

Dunster cottages

Nunney Castle, Nunney

One of the most beautiful and intact Somerset castles on our list, Nunney Castle near Frome is a medieval feat of architecture complete with a deep moat surrounding it with steep sides and a bridge. Four turrets capped by a conical roof create an impressive outline of this structure. It was built by a knight, Sir John de la Mare, in the 1370s and was modernised during the 16^th century before finally being besieged and ruined in 1645, during the English Civil War.

Reminiscent of French castles, Nunney Castle is now an English Heritage-managed ruin that welcomes families and dog walkers. It's one of the best things to do in Somerset, and the surrounding village of Nunney is a delightful place to explore afterwards, complete with tearooms and a church to visit.

Frome cottages

Nether Stowey Castle, Nether Stowey

Nether Stowey Castle near Taunton, was a Norman motte-and-bailey castle in the heart of the village of Nether Stowey. It’s believed to have been destroyed during the 12th-century Civil War, but you can still walk around its foundations, the last remains of this once magnificent keep. This wonderful walking route will lead you through the picture-perfect village, down country lanes, and through meadows. You’ll pass through a farm so do keep dogs on leads as you explore.

The quaint village setting is a delightful place for a countryside adventure with the family and even boasts a second attraction for you to stop by! If you are a fan of poetry, Nether Stowey is home to Coleridge Cottage, cared for by the National Trust, where Samuel Taylor Coleridge lived and wrote some of his most popular work.

Nether Stowey cottages

Sham Castle, Bath

You might not be surprised to hear that ‘Sham’ Castle near Bath is not a real castle in Somerset but an impressive folly built on a golf course. It’s still a magnificent piece of architecture though and a lovely slice of history, having been built nearly 300 years ago. You can’t walk inside either as this sham of a castle only has one wall encompassing two turrets and two square towers.

From Bath, you can walk along a trail to the end of Sham Castle Lane to see this structure, which is illuminated at night or, if you’re a golf fan, why not take on the Bath Golf Club course?

Bath cottages

Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate, Bristol

If you’re looking for castles in Somerset near Bristol, this is the one to beat as it offers a whole range of facilities including an 18^th-century museum, parkland, lily pond, woodlands and on-site café. Children can race around the playground and it's also a great dog-friendly attraction in Somerset as pups are welcome on walks through the grounds.

The Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate covers 650 acres and is Grade II-listed with a fantastic heritage for you to uncover and plenty of walking routes including the Castle Walk and the Rhododendron Walk. You could easily while away a day roaming the lush grounds, but there’s plenty to do in the bustling city of Bristol too, including additional museums, family-friendly attractions and a fabulous harbour if you fancy exploring further afield.

Bristol cottages

Daws Castle, Watchet

The ruins of this sea cliff hill fort are in a beautiful setting and it provides the perfect place for a day’s walk along the coastline. Just west of Watchet, Daws Castle was founded all the way back in the 9th century by King Alfred to defend Somerset against Viking raiders. It was eventually abandoned during the medieval period when residents moved down to the expanding town of Watchet, which you can see from the castle.

Watchet itself is a delightful harbour town with places to eat, shop and relax beside the water. Follow the South West Coast Path along this section of the coast for exquisite views, to hear the gulls calling overhead and take in the fresh sea air.

Watchet cottages

Castle Batch, Worle

Once a motte-and-bailey castle that overlooked Western-super-Mare, Castle Batch is now a grassy motte with a shallow ditch around it. While this Somerset castle has all but disappeared, the remaining motte sits in public parkland and is a wonderful place for children to play at being knights or to enjoy a picnic with a view of the town below.

The large village of Worle surrounds the castle and is just 3 miles from the seaside resort of Western-super-Mare where beaches and attractions draw holidaymakers every year. Venture down to the Grand Pier theme park where there’s a land train, indoor rides and an arcade, or discover the intriguing museums and galleries by the seafront.

Weston-super-Mare cottages

Historic holidays in Somerset

From the heights of the hilltop Castle Batch to the idyllic seaside destination of Daws Castle, there are plenty of historic sights to see during a trip to this magnificent county. 

Escape to Somerset with a stay in one of our cosy cottages – you may even find a holiday let that’s been standing as long as these castles with its own story to tell!

Somerset cottages