Walton Castle

Reign in style in this majestic 17th-century castle in stunning Somerset countryside.

Steeped in history, Walton Castle has been renovated for modern living, offering a stunning location to gather in a big and impressive way. It’s the perfect holiday retreat for 16, a fairy-tale like venue for special occasions, and an ideal property for corporate events.

With the woods of North Somerset on one side, and Wales across the Bristol Channel on the other, our Grade II listed hilltop castle enjoys 360-degree-views of some of the most beautiful landscape in Britain.

The main part of the accommodation is housed across four levels in an octagonal keep, which sits in the centre of a beautifully maintained lawn and cobblestone courtyard.

On arriving through the main entrance hallway, steps take you up to the impressively large kitchen with beautiful circular granite dining table. There is a spiral staircase down to the lower ground floor where there are two double bedrooms which share a 'Jack and Jill' style en suite bathroom. On the first floor there is a grand sitting room with large stone fireplace and a 50” plasma TV. There is also a library and reading room through an archway. On the second floor, there is a magnificent master bedroom with en suite bathroom boasting a roll-top bath as well as a private terrace which is the perfect place from which to enjoy a drink while admiring the gorgeous views.

Surrounding the keep are eight turrets, each located 30 yards across the courtyard from the main building.

Superbly presented communal turrets include the 'entertainment turret', ideal for enjoying an aperitif over a game of pool, and the two largest turrets, equipped for larger parties, dining and dancing. We can recommend fabulous local caterers who can prepare and serve a feast with fresh local ingredients.

Five turrets are self-contained double bedroom suites, with soft furnishings and en suite showers. So you can enjoy the luxury of having space to be together or spaces to be apart.

Other social spots include the sunken patio with a stunning wooden hot tub , the indoor heated swimming pool and second patio area, perfect for barbecues. There are sitting spaces in the courtyard and during the summer months, the attractive lawns are ideal for receptions for larger groups. The gardens are secure so children and dogs can play and run free.

You can tailor your visit with a whole host of experiences and activities - including Castle Cluedo, medieval dinners, archery, wine tasting, outdoor pursuits and more.

Beyond the grounds, explore the beautiful surroundings with your hounds at your heels (dogs are welcome at Walton Castle). Clevedon Seafront and the beautiful Victorian Pier, the UK’s only Grade 1 listed Pier, now complete with its new Heritage Centre and Museum, are half an hour’s stroll. Great coastal walks both north and south are also accessible.

Or wander up Hill Road (one of many parts of Clevedon featured in Broadchurch TV series) which has many independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, such as Il Giardino (possibly the best Italian restaurant for 100 miles), Junior Poon, The Limehouse and Scoozi. There’s a Sainsbury's local for essential supplies and major supermarkets within a ten minute drive of the castle (Asda, Aldi, Lidl, and a large Tesco supermarket with petrol station).

Nearby Bristol, with its fantastic attractions include the ‘Floating Harbour’ with its iconic ferries, Isambard Brunel’s 'SS Great Britain', the Bristol Science Museum and Aquarium.

Access to M5 Motorway (Junction 20) is just 2 miles (9 minutes' drive) away. This offers fast access to North Somerset’s many attractions: the lovely Mendip Hills, the World Heritage City of Bath, and Cheddar Gorge within an hour. Day Cruises from the Pier are often available from May to September on the historic MV Balmoral.

Nearby attractions include Clevedon Golf Course which surrounds the castle grounds. The River Wye and Blagdon Lake are conveniently placed for fishing. Horse racing is available in Chepstow and Wincanton, as is sailing on the Bristol Channel and Chew Valley Lake.

Bristol International Airport, with international and domestic services, is 11 miles and Yatton train station is 5.5 miles – with regular train services to London Paddington, taking 90 minutes.

DAYS IN
Swim and play in the private heated swimming pool.
Relax in the hot tub.
Play pool, table football or darts in the entertainment turret.
Play boules or croquet on the lawn.
Play giant Jenga, or Kubb on the lawn.
Play games on the PS games console.

ACTIVITIES

The castle team have over 75 years experience in event management, and are only too happy to oblige when it comes to creating the perfect stay - whatever that may mean to you!

How about a Medieval Day to make the most of your castle surroundings? Complete with jousting, archery, falconry, sword fighting, and - of course - a Medieval Banquet, everyone can join in the fun. Or, take the chance to work together in a team, embracing your inner Poirot to solve a murder mystery, or putting your heads together to find your way out of a locked tower. And no trip is complete without a game of ‘Cluedo in the Castle' to really get those little grey cells working.

Slow things down a little as you treat yourself to some in-castle pampering by qualified therapists (or take a trip to Bath for a blissful afternoon at the iconic Thermae Bath Spa or the Royal Crescent Spa). Top it all off with a ‘Taste of Somerset' experience, where a private chef will showcase all the very best local produce and cuisine for real foodie heaven. Budding sommeliers can even enjoy a tailored wine tasting session too.

GOLF

Walton Castle is positioned within the 400 acre Clevedon Golf Course which provides exceptional all year round golf with stunning views across to Wales and the North Somerset countryside. Roll out of bed and onto the course. In 2010 Walton Castle had the pleasure of hosting key members of the challenging Ryder Cup team

Several other outstanding golf courses are within easy driving distance to give even the most experienced golfers a memorable golfing break, including Mendip Spring Golf and Country Club (10 miles) and Burnham & Berrow Championship Golf Course (21 miles).

FISHING

The River Wye and the famous trout lake of Blagdon are conveniently placed for fishing.
Bristol Water Fly Fishing tuition - www.bristolwaterfisheries.co.uk/tuition/

CITIES & TOWNS

CLEVEDON (1.5 miles) is a Victorian seaside town full of old-fashioned charm. Many great writers have penned their finest here and it's easy to see why when you stroll down the Grade 1 listed pier and watch the sun set over the Bristol Channel. The Curzon Community Cinema here is historically unique.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE (12.5 miles) is a traditional seaside town with awarding-winning sandy beaches, donkey rides, water sports, restaurants and shops as well as the Playhouse, Winter Gardens, SeaQuarium and the fantastic Helicopter Museum. The Grand Pier offers a year-round programme of shows, musicals and fairs (please check the web site for events). Sand Bay, just 2 miles away offers an unspoilt beach allowing dog walking and horse riding all year round and Sand Point and Middle Hope, owned by the National Trust, are nearby.

BRISTOL (14 miles) is world renowned as a port and has a wide range of museums highlighting the city's history. Bristol can boast some impressive historical landmarks, too, in the shape Brunel’s awe-inspiring Clifton Suspension Bridge and his beautifully restored steamship, the SS Great Britain in Bristol's historic Harbourside. Visit Bristol Museum & Art Gallery which features outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history and the interactive At-Bristol Science Centre.

CHEDDAR (15 miles) is a large village on the edge of the Mendip Hills, renowned for the Cheddar Gorge and Caves, a SSSI. This largest gorge in Britain includes several show caves such as Gough’s Cave, through which Britain’s biggest underground river runs. Discounted tickets of around 25% are available to guests who stay at Webbington Farm cottages. The Cheddar Gorge cliffs are Britain’s highest inland limestone crags and create a spectacular sight. The village gave its name to Cheddar cheese and has also been a centre for strawberry growing, the crop being transported on the railway, which now provides a fabulous cycle path, The Strawberry Line.

BURNHAM ON SEA (19 miles) has seven miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, sailing, fishing and donkey rides, as well as Burnham & Berrow Championship Golf Course.

WELLS (25 miles), is known as England's smallest city, with its historic centre, the magnificent Cathedral situated within a most attractive Cathedral Close, which also boasts the unique moated Bishop's Palace. The Bishop's Palace hosts events throughout the year, please check their website for details. Close by, Vicars Close is home to the oldest complete medieval street in Europe, and the quaint market square offers an array of interesting shops, boutiques and restaurants, and a colourful twice weekly market.

BATH (26 miles) is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, a World Heritage Site which offers something for everyone. No matter the time of year you visit, you are likely to find events catering for all tastes, from the well-loved Christmas market to music, food and cultural festivals and world-class theatre productions on offer at the Theatre Royal. The streets are lined with every kind of restaurant and a wide range of quality bars and shops. The stunning and well-preserved architecture of the Georgian terraces such as The Royal Crescent are famous. A visit to the celebrated Roman Baths and wonderful Bath Abbey are a must. The American Museum at nearby Claverton Manor makes for an interesting visit, or you could hire a bike or take a gentle boat trip and explore the gorgeous scenery along the Avon and Kennet canal towpath.

GLASTONBURY (31 miles) is an historic town with colourful shops and a mystical atmosphere, well-known for its Tor, music festival and ruined Abbey.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxhall (6.5 miles) has over 100 species of big zoo animals.

Tyntesfield (National Trust) (8 miles) is a fascinating Victorian house festooned with gothic architecture and peaceful, wooded gardens.Puxton Park, Hewish (9 miles). An all-weather adventure park with soft play, aerial climbing and slides in 40 acres of countryside.

Court Farm Country Park, Banwell (10.5 miles). Somersets top award winning farm attraction - open all year round.

Animal Farm Adventure Park, Berrow (18 miles).

Rich's Cider Farm, Highbridge (20 miles). A traditional cider farm with a charming farm shop, where you can buy local produce including cider, ale, cheese and honey, as well as locally-made pottery. See how the cider is made and learn all about its history in the cider museum. While you're there, take a look at the apple orchards and stop in for lunch at their top restaurant.

Brean Family Theme Park, Brean (20 miles) is the UK's largest FREE admission theme park, with over 40 rides and attractions.

Brean Splash Waterpark, Brean (20 miles). A fantastic indoor and outdoor facility. Please check their timetable before you visit.

Wookey Hole Caves & Attractions ... Britain's most spectacular caves and legendary home of the infamous Witch of Wookey (23 miles).

EVENTS

JANUARY

Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (15 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (26 miles).

MARCH

Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival, Bristol (14 miles).
Enchanted Easter, Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).
Easter Fairytale Kingdom, Wookey Hole (23 miles).
Easter Egg Hunt, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxhall (6.5 miles).

APRIL

Enchanted Easter, Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).
Bath Comedy Festival, Bath (26 miles).
Easter Fairytale Kingdom, Wookey Hole (23 miles).
Bristol Folk Festival, Bristol (14 miles).

MAY

Bristol Folk Festival, Bristol (14 miles).
Badminton Horse Trials, Badminton (34 miles).
International Bath Music Festival, Bath (26 miles).
Bath Fringe Festival, Bath (26 miles).

JUNE

Bath Fringe Festival, Bath (26 miles).
The Royal Bath & West Show, The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset (30 miles).
Let's Rock Bristol!, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (14 miles).
The English Country Garden Festival, The Bishop's Palace, Wells (25 miles).
Bristol's Big Green Week, Bristol (14 miles).
Glastonbury Festival, Worthy Farm, Pilton, Glastonbury (31 miles).

JULY

Bristol Shakespeare Festival, Bristol (14 miles).
Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol (14 miles).
Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, Brean (20 miles).

AUGUST

Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show, Brean (20 miles).
Bath Folk Festival, Bath (26 miles).
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol (14 miles).
Bristol International Kite Festival, Durdham Downs, Stoke Road, Bristol BS9 1FG (14 miles).

SEPTEMBER

The Jane Austen Festival, Bath (26 miles).
Bath Children's Literature Festival, Bath (26 miles).

OCTOBER

Bath Children's Literature Festival, Bath (26 miles).
Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Queen's Road, Clifton, Bristol (14 miles).
Great Bath Feast, Bath (26 miles).
Wells Festival of Literature, The Bishop's Palace, Wells (25 miles).
Fear at Avon Valley Country Park, Keynsham, Bristol (19.5 miles).
Halloween Festival at Wild Place Project, Blackhorse Hill, South Gloucestershire (15 miles).

NOVEMBER

Annual Open Exhibition at RWA, Royal West of England Academy of Art, Queen's Road, Clifton, Bristol (14 miles).
Bath Film Festival, Bath (26 miles).
Burnham on Sea & Highbridge Guy Fawkes Carnival (20 miles).
Weston-super-Mare Guy Fawkes Carnival, Weston-super-Mare (12.5 miles).
Bath MozartFest, Bath (26 miles).
Wells Guy Fawkes Carnival, Wells (25 miles).
Bath Christmas Market, Bath (26 miles).
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol (14 miles).
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (15 miles).
Wookey Hole Santaland, Wookey Hole (23 miles).
The Bishop's Palace Craft Fair, The Bishop's Palace, Wells (25 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (26 miles).
The Christmas Design Temporium, Bristol’s historic harbourside, Bristol (14 miles).
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol (14 miles).

DECEMBER

Sea Santa, magical Porthole Room grotto, Clevedon Pier.
Bath Christmas Market, Bath (26 miles).
Bath on ice, Royal Victoria Park, Bath (26 miles).
Bristol’s Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (15 miles).
Bristol German Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol (14 miles).
Wookey Hole Santaland, Wookey Hole (23 miles).
The Christmas Design Temporium, Bristol’s historic harbourside, Bristol (14 miles).
Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall, Bristol (14 miles).
Festive Food & Craft Market, Tyntesfield (8 miles).
Meet Father Christmas at Tyntesfield, Tyntesfield (8 miles).
Christmas Fun Day at the Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare (10.5 miles). See Santa arrive by helicopter!!
Bath Artisan Christmas Market, Green Park station, Bath (26 miles).
Supper with Santa at Puxton Park (9 miles).

Things you need to know about Walton Castle if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:

• Smoking is not allowed inside any of our properties.
• *There are two additional single beds and one sofa bed available at an extra cost of £25 pppn.
• * Well-behaved dogs welcome by request (additional £25/dog/stay). Dog bed & bowl available on request. Please do not allow your pet/s on the furniture and restrict to the ground floor.
• Please note that a damage deposit of £1000.00 is payable through bank transfer. This is paid prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage.
• Stag and hen parties are accepted.
• Minimum stay is 1 night during midweek or 2 nights at weekends.
• There are wedding packages which include event fee and accommodation together. The venue welcomes all types of weddings and encourages original and individual weddings.
• Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
• All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
• * Covid-19 measures for this property:
  In full compliance with the hospitality industry cleaning protocols and safety guidance.
  Intensively cleaned and sanitised.
  Contact-free check in and check out.
  Complete privacy and exclusive use of the cottage during your holiday.
  Date changes for all existing and new bookings if the lockdown measures are extended or re-imposed.
  Naturally isolated.
  Low occupancy discount for stays until 18th December 2020 for bookings of six guests or less. This is due to the Government 'rule of six'.

*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to Guests free of charge. Should Guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.