When we were away in Somerset, we decided to take advantage of our National Trust membership and explore a nearby site. We were so fortunate that it turned out that Dunster Castle was near to us, as we all thoroughly enjoyed it. I fell in love with the gardens, the castle was fun to explore and the children had a great time on the Easter Egg Trail.
The gardens were all winding forest walks, with the sound of a stream running through it, with camellia bushes aplenty. I absolutely loved it…
The children were happy to stumble upon the natural play area, where the Husband also had to play, of course…
The castle itself was set up as a Victorian home, though it’s history actually spans a thousand years.
Then we had to do the Easter Egg trail. I like doing these at National Trust sites, and this one didn’t disappoint. With an Alice in Wonderland theme and a hunt taking us through the grounds, it felt magical and as though we were entering a fairy tale world. Every clue was marked by a playing card, and amongst other things, we had ribbons to find, the Cheshire Cat to spot, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to meet and croquet on the lawn…
There’s also Dunster village to meander around and a working water mill to see, so more than enough to keep you busy.
The only problem with it is that it’s a long way from home, so we can’t pop back there again any time soon. It was a lovely family day out.
I think everyone is NT-ign it on #countrykids today! The Easter egg trail looks lots of fun, but I’m not sure about how much a two year old would love it? We might try it tomorrow, seeing as how you’ve shown they look fabulous!
It’s looking that way! My two year old was very happy on it. He just wanted to run round the gardens and then get his chocolate, he wasn’t quite as aware of the clues as his big sister was!
It looks wonderful there and I was surprised by how many flowers were in bloom this week too. Love the Alice in Wonderland area and very cute tweedledum and tweedledee
It’s lovely to see, isn’t it? Ah, thanks x
It looks wonderful there, such a lovely time of year to be going round the National Trust properties with all the spring flowers coming out. I love the mix of black and white photos, it looks like a really relaxing family day. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Thank you, it was lovely. Thanks for hosting x
Looks like a fab place to visit Jocelyn. I’ve not heard of Dunster Castle before. Happy Easter to you all x
It was gorgeous. Thanks, Jo, you, too x
This looks amazing. Your photos are gorgeous.
Freyja would love this Alice in Wonderland themed Easter Egg hunt!
Thank you. It was such a gorgeous theme 🙂
Looks amazing! I love the NT. I hope you had a really beautiful holiday and I can’t wait to see you soon! Happy Easter! x
It was fab, I do love an NT day out. See you soon, Happy Easter! x
Looks like you had a great day out there, the castle looks amazing.
Thanks, it was beautiful.
This looks gorgeous – I love National Trust properties, there’s always so much to explore even with little ones, especially with the 50 things activities. An egg hunt is a definite bonus! #countrykids
There is always plenty to see and do, and yes, chocolate made it even more exciting!
We also did a egg trail and its so much fun so I know that you had a blast in there =) #countrykids
The kids loved it, and I just adored the grounds x
That sounds like a lovely trail. I noticed Dunster Castle was one of the nearest NT places when we were on holiday, but we just didn’t have time to head over to there. I do love having NT membership though – so much opportunity/excuse to get out and explore/learn something new.
Yes, it gives the freedom of so many brilliant days out and places to explore.
That looks like such a wonderful place to visit with so much to do! We often visit Somerset and I haven’t heard of it before, will have to look it up x
Oh yes, do, it’s beautiful x
Stunning photos. It looks like a lovely place to visit. I love my NT membership, it’s great when you go away too.
Thank you. Yes, so handy for holidays, and we always make sure we find one nearby to explore while we’re somewhere new.
Lovely pictures Jocelyn! I love the old tree with what looks like a doorway in it! How magical. The grounds look stunning too. Glad you had a good day out.
xx
Thanks, Debbie. It felt magical being there and it was so beautiful meandering around those grounds x
Such a beautiful place. Perfect for photos…
Beautiful shots…
It was, thanks very much.
Such amazing pictures hun. Looks like a great day x
Thank you, Aby x
Oh wow, this looks like an amazing place. And so many stunning photos. I wish this place was nearer to us!
As do I! Thanks x
It really does look quite magical, beautiful photos. Looks like you had a wonderful day, and I love that last photo x #CountryKids
Thanks, Sara. It was wonderful x