Nunney Castle

Over the summer, I spent a long weekend in Frome, Somerset for a friend’s wedding and while I was there I decided to take a look around a few of the local sights.

My friend who was getting married suggested I visit nearby Nunney Castle, as well as Stourhead, a local National Trust property. So that’s what I did.

Nunney Castle is a picturesque ruin situated in the delightful village of Nunney, some three miles outside Frome.

The castle, which sits on a small island surrounded by a deep moat, was built by a local knight, Sir John de la Mare in the 1370s and given a makeover in the Elizabethan era.

During the English Civil War, the castle was besieged by Parliamentarian forces as the castle was owned by the Catholic, Charles I-supporting Prater family.

Left to fall to ruin, the castle is today in the care of English Heritage.

After parking near All Saints Church, I ambled the short distance through the village to the castle.

There, I spent some time strolling around the grounds, before crossing the wooden bridge over the moat to take a closer look at the ruins.

When I got to the other side, I was amused to find a sign warning visitors it was a weak bridge and no more than three people should venture across at any one time.

I couldn’t help but think this would have been helpful to know before crossing!

The castle has an unusual shape and is flanked by four round towers, giving it an almost fairytale-like vibe.

Inside, it boasts some interesting architectural features, including arched window frames (above), as well as lovely views over the moat and the honey-hued houses beyond (below).

I was also intrigued to find the initials ER carved into one of the stones (below).

Nunney Castle’s small, so it didn’t take long to look around it, but I had a great time exploring and photographing it from every conceivable angle.

I adored Nunney Castle and was really glad my friend suggested visiting it.

It’s a charming little castle, and its namesake village is very pretty and worth a wander, too.

Info

Nunney Castle, Castle Street, Nunney, Somerset BA11 4LW
Open daily during daylight hours
Free entry
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/nunney-castle