Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle is a former motte and bailey castle, now a country house, in the village of Dunster, Somerset, England.

Carefully managed by the National Trust this lovely castle is a great visitors attraction
However be warned it is a bit of a walk to the castle, although NT have a shuttle bus that can take people that can't walk to far from the ticket office to the castle.
The castle lies on the top of a steep hill called the Tor, and has been fortified since the late Anglo-Saxon period. There is so much to see and do allow a whole day to visit. Dunster village is also very cute and worth a visit along with the water mill, where you can but flour & porridge ground on site.

More info
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle

Launceston Castle

 Launceston Castle
A mighty Norman castle dominating Launceston town, on top a natural mound. The castle was originally called Dunheved, and was built to control the crossing of the River Tamar in and out of Cornwall. In the 13th century Richard, Earl of Cornwall rebuilt the castle in stone, and fortified the central tower. The castle was used for many years as an assizes and gaol.

As you can see we visited on a lovely sunny day, there is a small exhibition giving the history of the castle. There is a bit of a steep climb even to gain access to the castle and I feel it is lacking benches and info boards along the route. Parking nearby is difficult so would recommend visiting later in the day, we arrived at 4:30 and found one spot by the castle.

Although this castle has a lot of heritage and well worth a visit if you are looking for something to paint / sketch / photograph it isn't this castle doesn't have a lot to offer.

If you would like to know more about this castle see the
English Heritage Website:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/launceston-castle/

Bran Castle

Bran Castle
Commonly known as "Dracula's Castle" (although it is one among several locations linked to the Dracula legend, including Poenari Castle and Hunyad Castle)
The first documented mentioning of Bran Castle is the act issued by Louis I of Hungary on 19 November 1377

If you provide proof of your disability and those of a carer, free admission is given.
Parking which is paid to an attendant is just outside the castle gates, there are lovely Romanian craft & food stalls just outside but these command a tourist price, however there is a traditional bakery on this road with great treats and at a good price
It is a bit of a climb up to the entrance to the castle, there is automated ticket scanner with turnstile to gain admission.
The castle has a general lack of resting seats, it can get very busy and a sheep herding system seems to happen as busy times.

We spent about 2 hours at the castle, very enjoyable but feel it's lacking more history & heritage explanation, they seem to focus on the Dracula image


If you would like to see more about Bran http://www.bran-castle.com

List Of Castles In Wales ... Seen 41 so far!

A

None yet!

B

Beaumaris Castle  ✓
Beaupre Castle ✓

C 

Caernarfon Castle ✓
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly  ✓
Candleston Castle, Bridgend ✓
Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire  ✓
Carmarthen Castle, Carmarthenshire  ✓
Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire ✓
Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire ✓
  Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire ✓
Castell Coch, Cardiff ✓
Coity Castle, Bridgend ✓
Conwy Castle, Aberconwy & Colwyn  ✓
Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd  ✓

D

Dinefwr Castle, Carmarthenshire  ✓
  Dolbadarn Castle, Gwynedd  ✓
  Dolwyddelan Castle, Gwynedd  ✓
Dryslwyn Castle, Carmarthenshire  ✓

E-F-G

Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire ✓
Grosmont Castle, Monmouthshire✓

H

Harlech Castle, Gwynedd  ✓

K

Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire  ✓
 

L

Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire  ✓
Llanblethian Castle, South Glamorgan  ✓
Llandovery Castle, Carmarthenshire  ✓
Llansteffan Castle, Carmarthenshire ✓
  Llawhaden Castle, Pembrokeshire ✓
Loughor Castle, Swansea ✓
  

M

None Yet!

N

Narberth Castle, Pembrokeshire ✓
Nevern Castle, Pembrokeshire  ✓
Newcastle Castle, Bridgend ✓

O

Ogmore Castle, Mid Glamorgan ✓
Oxwich Castle, Swansea ✓
Oystermouth Castle, Swansea ✓

P

None Yet!

R
Raglan Castle, Gwent  ✓

S

 St Briavels Castle, Gloucestershire ✓
St Fagan's Castle, Cardiff ✓
Skenfrith Castle, Monmouthshire ✓

T

Tenby Castle, Pembrokeshire  ✓
 Tretower Castle & Court, Powys  ✓

U-V-W-Y

Weobley Castle, Swansea ✓

 White Castle, Monmouthshire ✓