Dunster Castle and Watermill
A 13th-century fortress remodeled in 1868, Dunster Castle dominates the village from its site on a hill. Parkland and unusual gardens with subtropical plants surround the building, which has fine plaster ceilings, stacks of family portraits (including one by Joshua Reynolds), 17th-century Dutch leather hangings, and a magnificent 17th-century oak staircase. The climb to the castle from the parking lot is steep. The riverside wooded garden below the castle leads to an 18th-century working watermill with three floors of traditional machinery—milling usually takes place on Wednesday. Operas and other outdoor events are staged in the castle's grounds in summer.