Beautiful honey-coloured stone cottages, a medieval castle on the hill, an ancient packhorse bridge over a clear stream, a high street that looks much as it did five hundred years ago. The Cotswolds may get the crowds, but Somerset has it’s very own gem – the charming village of Dunster.
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What makes Dunster worth a visit
Dunster sits just inside the boundary of Exmoor National Park, about two miles from the Somerset coast, giving it the feeling of being deep in the English countryside while the sea is less than ten minutes away. The village is small but remarkably well preserved with a stunning medieval castle, a working watermill, a seventeenth-century market hall and the most beautiful high street that has barely changed in centuries. There’s also good food, lovely places to stay, and just enough to fill a weekend without ever feeling rushed.
The Things Most Worth Your Time in Dunster
Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle is the real highlight. Perched overlooking the village on a wooded tor, it has been here in one form or another since Norman times, though the building you see today dates largely from the seventeenth century. It passed to the National Trust in 1976, and is now one of the finest historic houses to visit in the South West.
The interior is really beautifully preserved, particularly the carved oak staircase and the leather wall hangings in the dining room, which are considered among the most important examples of their kind in the country. But it’s the gardens and terraces that I personally think are the real star of the show. Not only are they beautiful, but the views over the village, the parkland and, on a clear day, the Bristol Channel are worth the entrance fee alone.
Allow at least two hours to visit, but I would suggest more like 3-4 hours if you want to explore the grounds thoroughly, take a guided tour (or two), or enjoy lunch while you’re there. A whole host of guided tours and events run seasonally – check the National Trust website for the latest times and booking.
Dunster Watermill
Just a short walk from the High Street or the entrance to the castle, Dunster’s watermill dates back to the Domesday Book, making it one of the oldest working mills in the country. Part of the National Trust site, it still grinds flour today, which you can see in action and pick up a bag of flour milled on site.
The mill is set in the most beautiful surroundings alongside the River Avill at the entrance to Dunster Castle’s river gardens. I visited in mid spring, it was so peaceful, and the blossom and flowers along the riverbank were absolutely stunning. There is also a lovely tea room just by the mill, which does delightful toasties and cakes, with plenty of indoor seating and a really picturesque outdoor seating area.
It’s well worth factoring the mill into your visit rather than leaving as an afterthought – we visited the mill first, then enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the tea room sitting outside in the spring sunshine before wandering up to explore the castle.
Gallox Bridge
One of the loveliest things about Dunster is how much beauty it tucks away ‘quietly’ without a stream of constant crowds always trying to photograph the same spots.
Gallox Bridge is a medieval packhorse bridge over the River Avill – it sits at the edge of the village and sees relatively few visitors, despite being, what I think, is one of the most picturesque spots in Somerset. A short walk from the mill, through the meadow path, brings you to it. It’s particularly atmospheric on on a misty morning and stunning on a sunny day when you’ll find plenty of shoes littering the edges as children and adults alike enjoy dipping their toes in the stream.
A little slice of what the Cotswolds is famous for in Somerset, without the crowds.
The Yarn Market
At the top of the High Street stands the Yarn Market – a seventeenth-century octagonal market hall that is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in England. It was built for the wool trade that once made Dunster prosperous, and it sits in the middle of the street as a slice of history as the town has developed and emerged around it.
Most visitors photograph it and move on, but it’s a lovely spot to sit and watch the village go about its day, particularly on a quiet morning before the day-trippers arrive.
Conygar Tower
If you’d like a beautiful walk, follow the footpath up through the woodland above the village, where you’ll find Conygar Tower and be rewarded with panoramic views across Dunster and the surrounding countryside.
It was built in the eighteenth century as a folly and now makes the focal point of a lovely short walk, around twenty minutes each way from the village – particularly beautiful at golden hour before the light drops.
Dunster Beach
Two miles from the village, Dunster Beach is a long stretch of shingle and sand on the Bristol Channel. I’m going to be honest, it’s not the most beautiful beach you’ll ever see, but it’s quiet and dogs are welcome year-round, making it a good spot for a leisurely walk.
There’s plenty of parking along the beach if you’d prefer to drive, as well as toilet facilities and a kiosk for refreshments. There’s also a nature reserve with a trail around the lake, a butterfly garden and lots of opportunity for spotting wildlife.
One word of advice, bring layers – the Channel breeze is real even in summer!
The High Street: Eating, Drinking and shopping
Dunster’s High Street is so beautifully preserved, it feels like stepping back in time. It’s lined with independent shops, tea rooms and pubs, with the Yarn Marketing sitting at one end and the castle looming beyond the other.
If you love lifestyle shopping, The Humming Bird has a beautiful edit of home accessories and décor, while Homecoming offers a beautiful selection of quality gifts.
If you’re like me and always on the look out for a cream tea stop, Tessa’s Tea Shop is a sixteenth-century tearoom on the High Street with a lovely secluded courtyard garden. As well as delightful cream teas you’ll also find organic, Fair Trade coffee, light lunches from vegan burgers to traditional meat pies and the most delicious homemade cakes.
On the opposite side of the High Street, Castle Coffee House is another fabulous choice with homemade scones, beautiful cakes and a covered garden terrace that’s filled with flowers in season to sit and enjoy it. Both are fabulous choices. Jam first. Always.
More than just a lovely place to stay, The Luttrell Arms serves traditional British cuisine in really beautiful surroundings, with open fires, local ales and delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have a fabulous a la carte restaurant – Pstalter’s Restaurant. I would always recommend booking ahead as it’s very popular with locals and visitors alike.
In Summer you can also enjoy alfresco dining with stone-baked pizzas cooked to perfection in the beautiful garden (no reservation required) and Afternoon Tea is available year round – in the garden in summer or by the log fire when it’s cold. Cream teas are famously good here too. Jam first. Always.
Where to Stay in Dunster
Although Dunster is quite small and great for a day trip, I think it’s a lovely place to stay for a weekend to really take it all in without feeling rushed and make the most of your time being on the doorstep of Exmoor National Park. For such a small place, the range of lovely places to stay in Dunster is impressive with historic inns and boutique B&Bs, and self-catering cottages that feel like a real home-from-home.
Top recommendations on where to stay in Dunster
- Best Hotel stay – The Luttrell Arms and Dunster Castle Hotel
- Best B&B stay – Dunster Mill House
- Best pretty cottage stay – Pebble Cottage
- Best escape from it all – Cartiers Retreat
- Best group stay – High House
Right in the heart of Dunster, The Luttrell Arms is one of the finest medieval coaching inns in Somerset, and has been welcoming guests for centuries. With 28 en-suite bedrooms, all are unique with original features, seating areas or fireplaces and are spotlessly clean. A number of rooms also have private garden access or terraces, making them perfect for guests with dogs.
If you want a stay with character, fabulous food and great service in an excellent location, be sure to check availability.
Dunster Castle Hotel sits just below the castle and offers a stay with a great location ideal for exploring the village on foot without ever needing the car once you’ve arrived (with a bonus of having its own car parking, although quite tight to get to it).
For a fabulous B&B stay in a beautiful English cottage, take a look at Dunster Mill House. It has the most perfect location right next door to the watermill in a tranquil setting with river views and just a short stroll down the lane from the picturesque Gallox Bridge.
It’s constantly praised for its warm welcome, being spotlessly clean and its delicious breakfasts.
For self-catering, the village and its surrounding lanes has some really lovely options. Dunster Luxe Nook is located in a 16th century cottage with lots of quirks and character right in the centre of the village. The host’s restaurant, Hathaways is also a lovely place to go for an intimate dinner specialising in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.
If you’re like me and fall head over heels for picture perfect cottages, I would recommend Pebble Cottage Dunster. With two bedrooms, it’s so picturesque, in a great location and has the most beautiful kitchen with bi-fold doors leading in to a charming garden – pure bliss for a weekend stay.
For a secluded stay with beautiful views away from the main town, Cartiers Retreat Dunster is a stunning cosy one-bedroom lodge with gorgeous garden and hot tub. Perfect for a weekend of escapism.
And if you’re looking for a group stay, right in the shadow of Dunster Castle, High House is a fabulous option.
With five beds and five bathrooms, it’s spacious enough for groups of family or friends to stay together, beautifully furnished and with a lovely garden to relax in complete with large hot tub, games room and fitness gym.
As an added bonus there’s parking available for four cars, a rare find for a property right in the centre of Dunster.
You can book your group stay here.
Getting to Dunster and Where to Park
Dunster is easy to reach by car and sits just off the A39, roughly two miles from Minehead and on the edge of Exmoor National Park. The journey from the M5 takes around 45 minutes in normal traffic.
Parking in Dunster
There is a pay and display car park on the edge of the village (follow signs from the A396 into the village). Dunster’s streets are narrow and parking within the village itself is limited, so the car park is by far the most straightforward option. I would say to arrive early in summer and on bank holiday weekends as it does fill up.
There is also a large National Trust car park at the bottom of Dunster Castle which offers much more parking and is free for National trust members.
By Public Transport
Dunster is served by bus from Minehead (the number 28 runs regularly and takes around ten minutes). Minehead itself has a train station on the West Somerset Railway – England’s longest heritage railway, which is a beautiful way to arrive if you’re coming from Taunton or the surrounding area.
A Few Honest Notes
Dunster is genuinely one of the most charming villages in Somerset, but a few things are worth knowing before you visit.
It is popular, particularly in summer and on bank holidays. If you can visit mid-week, or in the shoulder seasons of April, May or October, you’ll have a significantly more peaceful experience. I last visited in April on a fine, dry day and it was lovely to be able to move about freely. Having said that, I have also visited on a glorious day in July and it’s not been so rammed to not enjoy the day.
It’s best suited to couples or small groups looking for a peaceful stay. The intimacy of the village is all part of its charm, but this means it doesn’t lend itself naturally to large, busy parties looking for nightlife or high-octane activities. If that’s what you’re after, it’s probably not the right fit. If you want beautiful surroundings, good food, picturesque cottages and plenty of history, Dunster is close to perfect.
If you’re planning a trip to Dunster, Watchet is a natural companion – a short drive along the coast with its own character and charm. A guide to Watchet is coming soon.
Practical Information about Dunster
Dunster is around two miles from Minehead, less than ten minutes by car, or a pleasant 30-40 minute walk along the lane and footpath if you’re feeling unhurried.
Without hesitation. It is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval villages in England, with a remarkable castle, genuine history at every turn, and enough good places to eat and stay to make for a fabulous weekend.
The National Trust runs guided tours of Dunster Castle seasonally – check the National Trust website in advance for more information. Or the National Trust visitor centre is a good first port of call when you arrive.
Several of the pubs and cafés along the High Street offer outdoor seating when the weather allows. The Luttrell Arms has a courtyard that comes into its own on a warm afternoon and Tessa’s Tea Shop and Castle Coffee House have little courtyards and terraces.
The tea rooms along the High Street are the place to go. Some do take bookings for larger groups in peak season, it’s worth calling ahead if you’re visiting on a summer weekend. I would start with Tessa’s Tea Shop or Castle Coffee House.
