Nunney - Castle Ruins & Village

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Nunney Castle Ruins & Village, with Explorers helping track down the golden 'Diamonds' that Col. Prater is said to have hidden somewhere in Nunney village after escaping through a secret tunnel.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll explore historic village streets, pass through the marketplace, investigate around Nunney Castle and its real moat, follow a public footpath across fields and stiles, and loop back through the Quarry Garden to the car park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. It uses public footpaths across fields and stiles, may be muddy, has no pavements in places, and includes steps and slippery ground around the castle in wet weather.

Take extra care throughout the village, as there are no pavements and most of the route runs alongside public roads. Keep an eye out around the unfenced moat, slippery castle ground when wet and any livestock warnings on the footpath. The church should only be visited if it is open, and access to the castle bridge approach may not always be possible.

Getting There

By car: Start your quest at The Old Quarry Gardens car park at the top of Castle Hill on the right (BA11 4NL). The Old Quarry Gardens car park is the recommended car park for this adventure.

By public transport: Make your way to The Old Quarry Gardens car park at the top of Castle Hill on the right to begin the Treasure Hunt. The circular route brings you back through the Quarry Garden to the car park at the end.

Need the Loo?

Plan ahead, Explorers - no public toilets are available along the route, so it is worth making arrangements before you begin your 1.5-hour hunt.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged Explorers are joining your group, keep them under close control throughout. 🐾

The route includes roads with no pavements, a public footpath with livestock warnings, stiles, potentially muddy sections, an unfenced moat and slippery castle grounds in wet weather, so leads and careful paws are a sensible plan.

Food & Drink Stops

Golden 'Diamonds' rarely reveal themselves to hungry Explorers, so pack plenty before setting off.

There are limited chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks, though there is a pub on Church Street. Picnic ideas are suggested at the optional detour, the market cross and by the river, while the extra Brook-side walk is described as a great choice for a picnic on a nice day.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Nunney Castle

The castle is the big scene-setter for this quest, complete with a real moat and plenty of ruined drama. Stone from the ancient quarry was used in the castle's original construction, and Col. Prater's tale gives Explorers a suitably golden reason to linger nearby. Take care around the unfenced moat and remember that the bridge approach may not always be accessible.

The Market Cross

The route goes through the marketplace and past the Market Cross monument by the ducks. It is a worthwhile village stop and a good place to pause, picnic and soak up a little more of Nunney's character before the treasure hunt pulls you onward.

Nunney Church

If the church is open, it is well worth a look inside. To the left of the organ, you can see two monuments: one to Sir John Delamere and his wife, who built the castle, and one to Col. Richard Prater, who defended it during the 1645 siege.

Optional Brook-side Walk

For an extra wander, you can continue along the lane through Combe Farm and down through a kissing gate to a footpath alongside the Brook. It is about half a mile there and back, can be muddy after rain, and makes a great picnic choice on a nice day.

Beehive Cottage by the Bridge

Keep an eye out for Beehive Cottage by the bridge, described as the only thatched house left in the village. It is one of four former Toll houses and was the bridge toll house; it used to be three separate cottages with a large 'flying freehold' and was once sold 'within living memory' for just £6!!