SOME of Santa’s reindeer will be staying in Dunster Castle as they prepare for their Christmas journey around the world.

The animals will be on the Green Court at the front of the castle from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, for visitors to the weekend’s Dunster Winter Festival to meet.

A National Trust spokesperson said normal admission prices applied and booking was not needed, and a courtesy vehicle would run from the car park and ticket office to Green Court.

Dunster Castle is also hosting a reindeer service station on various dates until December 23, with details on the trust’s website.

The spokesperson said: “Everybody needs a pitstop on a long journey, even Father Christmas and the reindeer.

“See the stalls in the stables decorated ready to welcome them for a Christmas Eve rest and refuel, with presents piled high, hay nets, carrots, and their favourite treat - seasonal muesli from Dunster’s working watermill.”

Father Christmas himself will be visiting the castle to meet children on December 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, and 21 and hand out gifts for them to take home.

Tickets for his visits at £10 per child can only be bought by non-trust members on the day.

Dunster Castle’s Christmas activities also include tours of the property with festive decorations inspired by the Luttrell family until January 4 with its decorated trees and natural garlands made by the garden team using foliage from the garden.

Knitted robins have been hidden around the castle for visitors to spot, and they can settle down and play games in the Morning Room, and dress up in the Hat Room.

There will be live music on weekends leading up to Christmas and extra performances on December 22 and 23, and visitors can see the servants’ hall, which is not usually open to visitors.

There is also a Christmas wreath making workshop on Tuesday, December 2, from 10 am to 2 pm with Forest Catkins in the warmth of Tenants’ Hall.

The workshop, which costs £45 and should be booked online, will demonstrate each step and include a festive bake and a hot drink.

The castle will be illuminated after dark from 4 pm each day from December 13 to 21, including the path visitors walk along to the property

Tenants’ Hall will be open and offering a selection of hot drinks and festive treats.

The last entry to the castle will be 7.15 pm each evening and the grounds will close at 8 pm.

Normal admission applies and visitors are not required to book in advance.

Dunster Watermill, the Watermill Tearoom, and river gardens will close as normal from 4 pm.

Visitors can also follow the castle’s Nutcracker Trail from December 26 to January 4.

The National Trust spokesperson said: “Nutcrackers have long been symbols of good luck, so get outdoors and blow off the cobwebs with this family-friendly trail around the garden to welcome the New Year.”