Dunster: Discover the Castle, History and Woodland Paths

Dunster combines impressive history with woodland paths and special insights into the past. Dunster Castle, the historic High Street, museums and distinctive buildings give your stay a range of different focuses. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Dunster can therefore include the village in their travel plans for both cultural discoveries and walks and hikes.

Castle, Market and Church Art

Dunster Castle was owned by the Luttrell family for 600 years. In the years following the Norman Conquest, it was first built as a motte-and-bailey castle. The castle also houses a collection of painted leather wall hangings that is considered unique of its kind in the United Kingdom. The stables at Dunster Castle date from the early 17th century and complement the historical perspective on the site.

Another distinctive landmark is Dunster Yarn Market on the High Street in the centre of Dunster. The octagonal, timber-framed market hall from the 17th century is a testament to Dunster’s once-thriving cloth trade. It was built in 1609 and repaired in 1647. Dunster’s historic High Street is almost unchanged compared with images from nearly two centuries ago. Dunster Butter Cross also recalls an earlier function of the village: the medieval stone cross once served as a meeting place for butter traders. It can be reached on foot from the village and viewed from the road.

The Parish and Priory Church of St George is located in Dunster. Its construction is predominantly attributed to the 15th century, while it also contains fabric from the 12th and 13th centuries as well as a monastic choir from the 13th century. A carved oak rood screen from the late 15th century provides a special highlight for anyone interested in historic church art.

Woodland Paths with Different Experiences

Around Dunster Castle, two named paths offer different perspectives on the landscape. The “Conygar Tower from Dunster Castle walk” leads through quiet woodland areas and to an impressive folly built by Henry Luttrell. The “Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle walk” runs through ancient woodland and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. These differences help with planning your day: one path combines woodland with a striking historic building, while the other focuses on woodland scenery and views.

For a stay involving several interests, Dunster can also be combined with museum visits. The Dunster Village Museum documents 10,000 years of Dunster’s history and displays Roman pots found by the Dunster Museum Archaeology Group. The Doll Collection of the Dunster Museum & Doll Collection is housed in the Harborne Gallery on a new mezzanine level. This allows you to switch between local history, archaeological finds and a specialist collection when planning your visit.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Dunster Station has a ticket office and sells the full range of West Somerset Railway tickets. The station is approximately one mile from the medieval village of Dunster; the walk takes at least 20 minutes and climbs uphill towards the end. This information is important for planning your day if you are arriving by train and then wish to explore the village.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Dunster, it is worth deciding on your preferred travel rhythm: do you mainly want to discover the castle, market, church and museum, or should the two woodland paths be the main focus? The historic sights offer many specific opportunities for exploring together, while the paths provide different impressions of woodland, buildings and the surrounding area. For further orientation in Exmoor, there is a national park centre on one of the main access roads to Exmoor. Below the centre, there is a chargeable car park and public toilets.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Dunster, you can find Wedmore, Burnham-On-Sea, East Brent, Chiselborough, Nether Stowey, Williton, West Huntspill, Langport here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Somerset.