Walton Castle

Overview

Walton Castle is a Georgian-era castellated mansion located near Clevedon in North Somerset, England. Built around 1620 on the site of an earlier medieval fortification, the castle stands on a wooded hilltop overlooking the Bristol Channel. Its circular, battlemented plan was conceived as both a defensive-style structure and a statement of status, reflecting the growing 17th-century fashion for domestic buildings inspired by medieval forms. Extensively restored in the late 20th century, Walton Castle today serves as a private residence and exclusive events venue, combining centuries of history with commanding coastal views.

Early history

The site of Walton Castle occupies a hill that may have been used for defensive purposes since the early medieval period. The present building, however, dates from around 1620, when it was constructed by the Norton family, wealthy landowners from nearby Clevedon. Although designed with towers, walls, and a courtyard evocative of a fortress, it was built during a time of relative peace and intended more for prestige and privacy than military defence.

Building and layout

Walton Castle is remarkable for its circular plan, enclosed by a high stone curtain wall with eight corner turrets, creating the impression of a small medieval fortress. The central structure — a two-storey octagonal house — is surrounded by the courtyard, which is accessed via a fortified gateway. The design blends Renaissance symmetry with Gothic-inspired detailing, and while it bears the trappings of a castle, it functioned primarily as a comfortable residence. Built of local limestone, the structure combines durability with visual drama, enhanced by its elevated position and panoramic sea views.

Later history

During the English Civil War (1642–1651), Walton Castle was reportedly garrisoned at times by Royalist forces, though it saw little direct action. By the 18th century, the castle had fallen into partial ruin and was later incorporated into the parkland of the nearby Clevedon Court estate. Antiquarians and artists of the Romantic era admired the castle’s picturesque decay, which became a popular subject for early 19th-century landscape sketches.

In the 1970s, the property underwent a careful restoration, preserving the original plan while modernising the interiors. The castle’s unique circular form and dramatic setting made it one of the most distinctive private residences in Somerset.

Present condition

Today, Walton Castle remains privately owned and functions as a luxury venue for weddings and events. The structure is Grade II listed*, recognised for its unusual circular layout and architectural significance as an early example of the castellated house tradition. The curtain wall, towers, and central house all survive intact, offering a rare glimpse into 17th-century architectural experimentation. Set amid wooded parkland and commanding wide views across the Severn Estuary, Walton Castle embodies the enduring appeal of the “castle in name” — a building that merges fortification imagery with the grace and comfort of country house living.