AttractionEnglish Heritage

Nunney Castle

Nr Frome, Somerset

A compact French style moated castle in the middle of a Somerset village, exterior viewing only, so you and your dog walk the moat circuit.

Nunney looks like it was picked up in France and dropped into a Somerset village, which is roughly what happened. Sir John de la Mare built it in the 1370s to a tall, compact, four towered design closely modelled on French castles of the period, and it still stands in a full moat right in the middle of the village. Parliamentarian cannon besieged it in 1645, and the damaged north wall finally gave way on Christmas Day 1910, which is why one side is now open to view.

While you take in the damage and the French proportions, note the castle is exterior viewing only from the outer moat, so this is a walk around rather than a walk through. That suits a dog well: a level circuit round the moat in a quiet village, with the brook and village footpaths for a longer loop.

Free and open any reasonable time during daylight hours. No dog rules are published. Keep your dog on a lead by the moat edge, which is deep and unfenced in places. No facilities on site, though Nunney has a good pub and a market cross.

At a Glance

Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nunney Castle dog friendly?
Nunney Castle is a great spot to visit with your dog. It's exterior viewing only, so you and your dog walk the circuit around the moat rather than going inside, which makes for a relaxed, level stroll in a quiet village setting. No dog rules are published for the site, and there's no entry fee either.
Are dogs allowed at Nunney Castle year round?
Yes, the castle is free to visit and open during daylight hours any reasonable time, so you can bring your dog along throughout the year. It's a short visit by nature, though you can extend the outing using the brook and village footpaths nearby.
What should I know before visiting Nunney Castle with my dog?
The main thing to be aware of is the moat, which is deep and unfenced in places, so it's wise to keep your dog on a lead as you walk around it. There are no facilities on site, but Nunney village has a pub if you fancy stopping for a drink after your visit. The whole thing is an exterior circuit rather than an explore inside, so it's best suited to dogs who enjoy a relaxed walk rather than a big adventure.