Banwell Castle

Banwell Castle is a Victorian mansion from the 1800s with five central windows flanked by two round towers and a terrace decorated with pierced parapet details. The entrance features lion statues on gate piers, and the entire property sits within 25 acres (10 hectares) of gardens and grounds.

This castle was built in 1847 for a London solicitor named John Dyer Sympson on land that had previously belonged to the Bishop of Bath and Wells. The site replaced an earlier structure that had stood there before.

The architecture shows the Gothic Revival style that was popular during the Victorian period, with round towers and decorative pierced parapets that you can see when you walk around the building. These design choices reflect what wealthy people liked to build in their homes during that era.

The site operates as a bed and breakfast with a restaurant, so you can stay overnight and dine on the grounds. It is best to book in advance if you plan to visit, and you can explore the gardens when you arrive.

During World War II, the Royal Air Force operated their Barrage Balloon Section headquarters from this Somerset property, making it a key site in the country's air defense efforts. Few visitors realize that this quiet country estate played such an important military role during the war.