Thursday, 14 May 2009

Dunster Castle

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek




Some time ago my son, Sam, asked me if I'd like to go on a trip with him to Dunster and of course, I said I would love to.
I like to think that he asks me to come out with him because I'm such good company but it is probably because I help to keep the children in check and it is easier to have some extra help! Kaiko, his wife works long hours in another town, so when I go out with the family, it is only ever with Sam and the girls. Otherwise he is happy for them to all go off as a family.


Sam belongs to the National Trust and so he gets in free. Well not really free because he pays an annual subscription but he can go to as many places as often as he likes.




Dunster is situated in Somerset and is near Minehead on the Bristol Channel. The town is famous for it's castle, but because we went before the castle was officially open, not yet being Spring, we could only walk through the grounds. However these were really beautiful and we took a picnic with us and found a lovely place to eat. Squirrels and a robin came to join us and shared our crumbs and it was then that I knew I'd have to get a better camera. The creatures were too fast for mine.



There are lots of little doorways and archways in the grounds of Dunster. It seems that every turning there was something lovely to see.



The castle ruin at the top of this picture seems to haunt many of the scenes wherever we looked.


There were many lovely little *old world* cottages with thatched roofs. We went on to Minehead after that and had a lovely time. However, I will save that for another post!




Photostory Friday is hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek. Why not join in?

39 comments:

Grace {Formerly Gracie} said...

You're making me homesick for England, which is funny since it was barely our "home" and I complained about living there the entire time. Heh, nothing like a little "you never know what you have until it's gone"...

Thanks for sharing your pics!

Pam Emmons said...

Very cool! I am moving to Germany in a few months and am looking forward to the castles!

scrappysue said...

i love your posts - the uk is so old and cool!!! thanks for sharing

Saz said...

we've both posted on a asimilar theme today. I enjoyed this visit.
FFF x

Unknown said...

I would love to go to some of these place. I've always wanted to visit a castle but I'm sure I'll never get the chance. If I do, with my luck, it'll be haunted!

Jeni said...

Considering the many, many historical places there are to visit in your country, going to see historical places in the U.S. doesn't hold a candle to your options. Ok, we do have some really spectacular places to see here too, but they generally tend to be geographical phenomena and not exactly "history" type things. Loved this post and the pictures were beautiful whether you think you need a new camera or not. Good job!

larkswing said...

That is neat! Love the shots -especially the one with the arch.

What About The Girl? said...

There is something quite charming about cottages and castles...
Love the archway photo!

Wendy said...

I too love the archway photo! And the tree. And the castle proper. Ooooo, they're all good, clear pics. You must have had a wonderful time.
I know what you mean about trying to photograph wildlife. I went to a nature park with my daughter and granddaughter and tried (to no avail) to photograph the otters swimming in the water tank. I got lots of pics of empty water. May do a post on that soon.

Chris said...

Oh wow! we don't get many ancient structures around here -- other than old Anasazi ruins. I love castles -- great shots.

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

These are gorgeous shots. I love castles. When I lived in Germany we got to go visit several. Castles are so fairy tale-ish. Your country has so much history and charm. I love it.

Anonymous said...

Maggie,

I am so afraid with the economy I will never see England's beaut again! Breathtaking, charming, surreal. A land of blossoms and castles.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Such beautiful photos! You really shot some winners here!!! I love the framing...the cropping...the color! Spectacular work, Maggie!!! And such a delightful subject material! Superb post! Bravo! ~Janine XO

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Wonderful shots. Thanks for sharing the castle with us. I love shots through doorways and arches, so cool!

Marian Dean said...

Looks like you had a reasonable weather day. It was rather dull over this side, S/E.
I remember passing through this way in our motor caravan years ago, so your photo's have refreshed our memories. Sadly we didn't manage to stop very often being in a 24 foot vehicle, so we could only stick to the wider roads.
Well done on the photo's .
Love Granny

Daisy said...

So beautiful! So English, I miss trips like this. Thank you for sharing!

Mean Mom said...

Lovely photos, as usual! How can I not have been to Dunster? I didn't realise what I had missed. I must try and visit the next time we are down that way. We are members of the National Trust, but don't take advantage of it as often as we should.

aims said...

Just catching up Maggie -

The May day pics were lovely - so was the dog by the bicycle....

How wonderful that Sam takes you to these places.

Can I come for a visit - when the rats are gone?

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

I always look forward to your shots, you have the most amazing scenery and architecture every time! Amazing!

San said...

Oh, I would LOVE to go there. Such a charming place you've captured in your photographs.

Please ask Sam if he needs additional company on his next journey.

Suburbia said...

I must follow you around Maggie!! It's a while since I've been but it does make a good day out. Thanks for reminding me!

Sx

Jeanette said...

Wow, your pictures gave me goosebumps. It is so lovely there. I'm jealous, but glad that you shared so I can live through you. Just beautiful.

Sarah Lulu said...

Thank you so much for sharing what looked like fairytale pictures.

SandyCarlson said...

I learn so much from these posts. I will think about doing it. I would like to make a meaningful contribution.

Thanks for this!

Indrani said...

That was nice and fun. I liked the shot of the castle, I have never seen one for real.

Rose said...

What a quaint and lovely village! Thanks for taking me along on this tour; it's probably the only way I'll ever see this village. How very nice of Sam to take you along on these outings. Even if you are a help to him, I'm sure he enjoys having your company, too.

SandyCarlson said...

You must be a lot of fun to have around on these excursions. These are lovely, lovely photos.

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

I've only been to Dunster twice and on both occasions it was a stop-off during a coach trip to Minehead, Lynton and Lynmouth. I'm disappointed that I missed so much of the village, looking at your photos. I certainly didn't get a whiff of any castles!

Naturegirl said...

Maggie! This must be your month!
Loved this tour of the castles..reminds me of the ones I saw last summer while visiting Germany!

Casdok said...

What a beautiful part of the world. Must go there some day.

Thumbelina said...

It sounds like a lovely day out with your family, amongst the scenery and history.
I too am starting to consider looking at cameras again and "upgrading". The shots you have posted are great though - nothing wrong with them!

MarmiteToasty said...

Oh wow.... putting Dunster on me list of 'wanna go' places..

x

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful pictures. Simply breath taking. Makes me want to travel...soon. Thanks for sharing your lovely world with us.
XXXXXX

Unknown said...

Seeing castles always make be dream of living in olden days and wearing bustles. :)

Anonymous said...

It looks absolutely lovely, especially the cottages. Must remember to add it to my list of places to go.

Eddie Bluelights said...

Yes, Dunster is a great place - captured beautifully on your photos. I've watched your photograhy improving all the time - very impressed! ~ Eddie

Reasons said...

Lovely pictures, especially that one through the archway.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous pictures. I am such a lover of castles, I suppose living only a couple of miles from Bamburgh adds to my fascination.

CJ xx

Akelamalu said...

Nice post, I like the pictures. :)

Your link on Mr. Linky on Jeff's POW took me to your entry for last months POW. Have you done this months?