Nunney Castle

Nunney Castle is one of Somerset’s most striking medieval fortifications, a compact moated tower house that feels almost lifted from a storybook. Built in the 1370s by Sir John de la Mare, a knight enriched by royal favour, it was designed as both a residence and a bold display of status. Its tall, slender walls and four round corner towers give it a distinctly French flavour, echoing the castles de la Mare admired during campaigns abroad. Although partly ruined after a Civil War siege in 1645, the interior still reveals its original layout. You can trace the great hall on the first floor, where carved window surrounds and fireplaces hint at the comfort once enjoyed here. The upper chambers, now open to the sky, offer views across the moat and village, helping you imagine the castle’s life as a noble home rather than a battlefield relic. The moat itself is one of Nunney’s most atmospheric features, encircling the tower with still water that reflects its pale stone walls. Interpretation panels explain the siege, the castle’s decline, and its rescue in the 20th century. Despite its size, Nunney Castle delivers a surprisingly rich experience, combining elegance, military history and a rare sense of intimacy.