Many moons ago, before children, we visited Dunster Castle. A National Trust property in Somerset. Just as a couple. The day we visited, they happened to have a visiting group of morris men. Among the group was a person wearing a horse mask. The jaws of which could slam shut making a loud noise.
Needless to say, the person decided to creep up behind me and clap those jaws together. I jumped. As you would. For some reason, my husband thinks this is funny. Every time Dunster Castle is mentioned, he brings up the story.
We have been married 18 years. He needs a new story.
Time to make new memories. Time to visit again.
The castle has a prime position on a hill. The perfect place for a castle. It does mean all paths to the gates are steep, but great for justifying a visit to the shop to buy a bag of fudge.
Doesn’t everyone?
OK. Maybe just me.
Last Sunday, we headed to the castle.
The rooms are a mixture of show cases and interactive. The children loved seeing the rooms and asked lots of questions. Equally they loved the rooms that they could sit in the comfy chairs and read a book or play connect 4. They all had a go at arranging the cutlery at a place setting and folding napkins.
The dressing up room was fun too. I think between the three of them, they managed to try on every outfit. Covering several different eras of the castles history.
The staff were welcoming without hovering. It felt a very friendly property, with lots of people wanting to share their enthusiasm for the castle.
The crypt had an exhibition about the ghosts in the castle. The children listened to the commentary and read the display boards. They couldn’t resist the shadow play opportunity. There was lots of play acting. Working together.
There was also information about bats, with interactive displays to test your knowledge. Unsurprisingly all three of them could answer all the questions, which pleased them. They have lived with bats all their lives.
The stables were impressive too. We also visited the pet ceremony and the garden keep, which gave great views towards the sea. I envied the children’s enthusiasm to race up the steps and find different routes, while us oldies walked sedatedly around.
Finally on to the Dream garden. A garden full of every cottage garden plants you could imagine. I would have loved to have spent more time in this garden.
The flowers were beautiful.
It was a lovely afternoon. Full of history and beautiful views.
So the big question. Did I manage to usurp my husband’s story? Ha! If only. He took the journey home as an opportunity to tell it once again. I guess that is a no then. It seems I am fated to relive the story for many years to come.
This looks like such a gorgeous castle and a great place to visit with kids. And gosh that creepy horsemask man… I would have jumped too had some creep come snapping his jaws around me 😀 #countrykids
What a fab day out for the family, it’s always lovely to watch as your kids bond and learn at the same time isn’t it? I’m not surprised you jumped when the man in the horse mask snuck up behind you, I’ve seen one here in Cornwall do the same and they can be rather odd sometimes. I bet after running through the gardens around you as you explored really wore the kids out before heading off!
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids
What a gorgeous place- and I do love all the National Trust activities. I can imagine I’d have jumped (and probably said something rude) if I’d been snapped at by a horse’s head too! #countrykids
I had an ex boyfriend of who was part of a Morris Men group and did Mummers plays at festivals.He had a Hobby Horse in his front room that I swear used to have those eyes that followed you everywhere.I’ve just checked if we can get there as I don’t drive and it’s now on my list of NT places to go.
Looks like a great day, I have never been here before, looks like some where we would all like 🙂 Lovely pictures..
I so agree with you, he does need a new story 😉 That castle looks spooky, T does love dressing-up so I’m sure she’ll enjoy this bit too. Looks like a fun family day-out 🙂 #countrkids
We nearly visited Dunster Castle when at Butlins earlier this year and ran out of time. Definitely going to make sure we visit it next time – my girls would love the dressing up room and those gardens are just beautiful. #countrykids
We’ve been here too and absolutely loved it. I d adore National Trust properties. Mich x
Gorgeous photos. I visited Dunster Castle many years ago-before children too but luckily no terrifying horseman jumped out at me!
#countrykds
hehe a good story lasts forever! How mean of him to jump out at you though 🙁 This is a fabulous National Trust property by the look of it – they do some brilliant things don’t they?! And the flowers are stunning! I just veered off to read your bat post too – that was amazing, I can’t believe you reared a bat! What an experience! #CountryKids
My other half gets totally stuck on daft stories too! looks a lovely castle
Lol! Love your husband’s favourite story. We love National Trust too and also find the staff and volunteers lovely. Your flower photos are beautiful 🙂 #countrykids