Dunster Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Exmoor National Park, the charming village of Dunster is a true gem of the English countryside. Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, this quaint village offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.

Dunster is renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, with its cobbled streets and thatched cottages evoking a sense of timeless charm. The focal point of the village is the magnificent Dunster Castle, a towering fortress that has stood proudly for over 1,000 years. Explore the castle's opulent interiors, stroll through its manicured gardens, and be transported to a world of knights and noble ladies.

Beyond the castle, Dunster boasts a wealth of historic sites waiting to be discovered. The Yarn Market, a striking octagonal building dating back to the 17th century, once served as a market for local wool merchants. Nearby, the ancient Gallox Bridge spans the River Avill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. And for those with a taste for the macabre, the Dunster Dovecote is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl.

Nature enthusiasts will also find themselves enchanted by Dunster's natural surroundings. The village is located within the Exmoor National Park, a haven for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the moorland, marvel at the rugged coastline, and keep an eye out for the iconic Exmoor ponies that roam freely in the area.

After a day of exploration, Dunster offers a variety of cozy pubs and tearooms where you can relax and indulge in traditional English fare. Sample local specialties such as Somerset cider and Exmoor beef, or treat yourself to a traditional cream tea with freshly baked scones and clotted cream.

Alternative names: Elevation: 157 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°11'1"N, 3°26'46"W

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EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Dunster Top Attractions

Dunster Attractions - What to See and Explore

Dunster offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dunster Castle, Dunster Working Watermill, Gallox Bridge, Priory Church of St George. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Forts and castles • Vernacular architecture
Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle is a former motte and bailey castle, now a country house, in the village of Dunster, Somerset, England. The castle lies on the top of a steep hill called the Tor, and has been fortified since the late Anglo-Saxon period.
Museum • Watermill
Dunster Working Watermill
Dunster Working Watermill is a restored 18th century watermill, situated on the River Avill, close to Gallox Bridge, in the grounds of Dunster Castle in Dunster, Somerset, England. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Bridge
Gallox Bridge
The Gallox Bridge in Dunster, Somerset, England dates from the 15th century. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument. The bridge is in the guardianship of English Heritage.

Church
Priory Church of St George
The Priory Church of St George in Dunster, Somerset, England, is predominantly 15th-century with evidence of 12th- and 13th-century work. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building.
Historical place • Memorial
Dunster Butter Cross
The Butter Cross in Dunster within the English county of Somerset is a Grade II* listed building and ancient monument. The cross was originally erected in the late 14th or early 15th century in the main street, and was moved to its current site in the late 18th or early 19th century.
Architecture • Memorial
Yarn Market
The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, England was built in the early 17th century. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument. Dunster was an important market place in the Middle Ages particularly following the construction of Dunster Castle and the establishment of the Priory Church of St George.
Historical place • Tower
Conygar Tower
The Conygar Tower in Dunster, Somerset, England was built in 1775 and has been designated as a Grade II listed building. It is a circular, 3 storey folly tower built of red sandstone, situated on a hill overlooking the village.
Architecture
Dunster Dovecote
The Dovecote in Dunster, Somerset, England was probably built in the late 16th century. It has been designated as a Grade II* listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Monastery
Dunster Priory
Dunster Priory was established as a Benedictine monastery around 1100 in Dunster, Somerset, England. The first church in Dunster was built by William de Mohun who gave the church and the tithes of several manors and two fisheries, to the Benedictine Abbey at Bath.
51°11'2"N • 3°26'43"W
Tithe Barn
The Tithe Barn is a 14th-century tithe barn in Dunster, Somerset, England. It has a cruciform plan. The east front has central double doors in heavy oak with a chamfered frame. It is a grade II listed building.
Museum
Dunster Museum & Doll Collection
The Dunster Museum & Doll Collection in Dunster, Somerset, England houses a collection of more than 800 dolls from around the world, based on the collection of the late Mollie Hardwick, who died in 1970 and donated her collection to the village memorial hall committee.
Forts and castles
Grabbist Hillfort
Grabbist Hillfort is an Iron Age oval hillfort or defended enclosure, west of Dunster in Somerset, England. The site is 885.8 feet long and 219.8 feet wide, and is surrounded by a counterscarp, which measures 4.2 to 6.2 feet in height.
Forts and castles
Black Ball Camp
Black Ball Camp is an Iron Age hill fort South West of Dunster, Somerset, England on the northern summit of Gallox Hill. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is also known as British Camp and is possibly associated with Bat's Castle. It has a 3 metres high rampart and a 2 metres deep ditch.

Day trips

Dunster – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Dunster, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cheddar Gorge (Cheddar), Queen Street (Cardiff), National Museum Cardiff (Cardiff).

30 milesE
Limestone canyon with caves and trails
Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar
Nestled in the quaint town of Cheddar, within the picturesque Mendip Hills of Somerset, lies the breathtaking natural wonder known as Cheddar Gorge. Renowned for being the largest gorge in England, this remarkable site offers a dramatic landscape that draws visitors...
24 milesNE
Street, Shopping district, Shopping
Queen Street, Cardiff
Nestled in the vibrant city of Cardiff, Queen Street stands as a bustling shopping district that beckons locals and tourists alike with its wide array of retail offerings. This pedestrianized thoroughfare is one of the main commercial hubs in the capital of Wales...
24 milesNE
Art and Welsh history in a grand setting
National Museum Cardiff, Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Wales' capital city, offering a rich blend of art, history, and natural science. This esteemed institution, located in the civic centre of Cardiff, is known for its diverse collections that span across...
22 milesN
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff
St Fagans National History Museum, nestled in the outskirts of Cardiff, United Kingdom, offers a unique window into Welsh life through the ages. This open-air museum, one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction, stands as a...
49 milesE
Scenic walking areas, Garden, History museum
Stourhead
Nestled in the verdant Wiltshire countryside, Stourhead is a stunning example of an 18th-century English landscape garden. This picturesque estate, with its classical architecture and tranquil lake, is often referred to as a living work of art.