Banwell Castle

Banwell Castle stands in the village of Banwell in Somerset. It is a Victorian Gothic Revival mansion built in 1847 by John Dyer Sympson. The house was later expanded in the 1880s by Sir Elskin Baker. It was once owned by the Bishop of Bath and Wells before passing through several families. The castle is recognised for its architectural significance and is a Grade II* listed building. It was used as a headquarters for No. 955 Squadron during World War II. The gatehouse served as a local Air Raid Precautions centre. The estate has been home to various notable figures over the centuries. Visitors find a terrace with a trefoil parapet and statues of lions. The coachhouse features a tall turret and once held a granary. A walled kitchen garden lies 170 metres south-east of the house. The decorative dairy and garden walls add to the estate’s charm. The castle remains a family home but hosts weddings and events.