When I go to relax in a castle property, I love to hide myself away and have the entire property to myself, family included of course. This is what I call properly chilling out, with no media to distract and, in a way, cutting myself and family off from the world, to concentrate on them. Because of its size and layout, Walton is exceptional as an exclusive let.
The castle was opened as a letting property earlier this year. When I saw it, I knew that this would be an interesting property to stay in and I was not disappointed. It is an unusual shaped castle, with its main keep central to the property, surrounded by 7 outlying turrets and a linking wall between each tower. This offers total privacy within the property and amazing 360 degree views over wooded North Somerset countryside on one side and across the Bristol Channel to Wales on the other.
The owner acquired the property in 1984, being in a partly restored, partly ruined condition. Over the last 20 years, the property has been restored fully to its former glory, building upon the old foundations.
Sleeping in the main keep, the lower floor offered us 2 rooms beside each other and, with 2 young children, this was an ideal family area. It also gave us easy access to underground swimming pool, a must for a family gathering with children. The favourite room was at the top of the keep, with a balcony for early evening champagne, nibbles and great views.
The teenagers in the party had the self-contained tower apartment combined with home cinema room with plasma screen, table football and, below the room in the main turret, a pool table. This was where we lost the teens, sleeping by day and partying by night and out of the way! In fact, this is a ‘party castle’, with no neighbours to disturb.
Walton Castle offers a fantastic backdrop for a themed party weekend – we are currently just theming an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ event at the castle for a Russian group. It is great for families or those wanting to be with friends. As a wedding venue, it would be perfect with guests drinking champagne within the inner castle walls………but don’t just stay for a day or the weekend, stay for a week!
This is just the perfect hide away, and I look forward to my next stay there.
Roger Masterson
Director, Celtic Castles
www.celticcastles.com/castles/walton-castle
The Castle Man
20/02/2011
Clevedon Pier, the only fully intact, Grade 1 listed pier in the UK. The pier has been beautifully restored and provides a lovely day out for all the family. There are wonderful views of the Severn Estuary, the islands Flat Holm & Steep Holm, the two Severn Bridges, and the best sunsets in the West Country.
My daughter loved running along the pier and reading all the names on the plaques. One of the biggest fund raisers for Clevedon Pier has been its now famous Plank Sponsorship. Since the Pier was re-built in 1989, over 10,000 brass plaques have been donated to raise funds.
The tea shop at the end was a favourite spot for us, great value and nice walk from the castle.
http://www.clevedonpier.com/