Banwell Castle

Banwell Castle is a Gothic Revival mansion in the Somerset village of Banwell, and it is still lived in by the family that owns it. The owners put it this way: an Englishman’s home is his castle, and this Englishman’s castle is his home. Guests are welcome to stay as bed and breakfast visitors in a building that is listed Grade II*.

The building

The castle was built in the Gothic Revival style by the Bristol architect Henry Lloyd, in the spirit of the eccentric landowners’ houses of its day. The mansion was complete by 1847, built for Joseph Dyer Sympson, a London solicitor, and his wife Amelia Louisa. Before 1753 the land belonged to the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

The castle has had a varied past since. It was let to a series of tenants in the 19th century and left empty for a time after 1897 with caretakers in charge. During the Second World War the RAF used it as the area headquarters of the Barrage Balloon Section. The present owners, the Parsons family, have been here since 1988.

The stay

The atmosphere is that of a private house, friendly, peaceful and romantic, rather than a large hotel. Free wireless internet is available. Breakfast is part of the bed-and-breakfast stay, and the Gatehouse Restaurant offers dining on the estate. The castle also hosts weddings and marquee receptions.

The grounds and setting

The castle sits in 25 acres of gardens and grounds, shared with Banwell Garden Centre. Chickens and peacocks roam freely, and rare sheep, wild deer, badgers, pheasants and bats also live on the land. The elevated position gives wide views south across the Loxton Valley to the Mendip Hills and north across the moors towards the Bristol Channel and the Welsh hills.

Practical notes

The address is Banwell, Somerset, BS29 6NX. As a family home, it is best to contact the castle directly about rooms and availability, and to ask which rooms suit your party before you book.