Dunster - Where Medieval Meets Modern. Do you feel frazzled by the pace of the 21st Century? Are you sick of looking at ugly concrete tower blocks and questionable architecture from the 1970s? Do you yearn for green space? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then put Dunster at the top of your travel list! This friendly town is post-card pretty with medieval roots and more than 200 listed buildings including character cottages to rent. As the crow flies, it is less than a mile from the coast and, being part of the Exmoor National Park means that you have access to miles of beautiful countryside free from noisy traffic and pollution. Dunster is peaceful, picturesque and pretty much perfect for your next holiday. Read more
This charming replica train carriage has been built to high standards using modern eco-friendly touches to provide a unique holiday home beside the heritage West Somerset Railway line. The two bedrooms sleep four people who enjoy luxurious features like an outdoor hot tub, underfloor heating and TVs in the bedroom. Dunster Castle, Exmoor National Park, the Quantock Hills and Taunton are all nearby, while Bristol is also within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
You don't have to be a steam train buff to appreciate the high standard of accommodation of Railway Cottage, which sits beside the historic train line and has far-reaching views of the Quantock Hills. The Victorian cottage was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel during the construction of the West Somerset Railway and sleeps six people in three bedrooms. The holiday cottage is a favourite with families and friends, is close to Exmoor National Park and Dunster Castle and available for short breaks all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Located in the medieval village of Dunster on the Somerset coast, this lovely holiday cottage is positioned in a quiet road standing at the foot of Dunster Castle and ancient church - ideal for an activity packed holiday exploring Exmoor or a relaxing break by the sea.
Your family will love the chance to stay at Dunkery, which enjoys fantastic views towards North Hill and Minehead Old Town. Dunkery is a spacious bungalow that has been extended and modernised throughout to provide a high standard of accommodation. It has three lovely bedrooms, an enclosed garden and an open-plan layout that works well for families, couples and friends. Minehead's beach, harbour, esplanade and the start of South West Coast Path are a 20 minute walk (or 5 minute drive), as is the border of Exmoor National Park. One well-behaved dog is welcome.
Reduced summers prices! Shorts breaks also available. The pretty medieval village of Dunster is a wonderful place to stay with easy access to both the Somerset coast and Exmoor's beautiful countryside. Like many of the buildings in Dunster, Fuller's Mill has medieval roots, having once been a busy cotton mill powered by the stream that still flows alongside it. The cottage sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms and, being within walking distance of shops, pubs and a playground makes it ideal for families. Minehead, Porlock and Lynmouth are just a few miles away and there are walks and cycling routes from the door.
The Pippins is a detached Bungalow, nicely presented throughout and provides the perfect self-catering retreat for couples looking to enjoy everything the Exmoor National Park and Somerset coastline has to offer. Nestling in the grounds of Cedar House on the edge of the Somerset village of Old Cleeve close to Minehead, the cottage has been awarded 4 Star Gold status by EnjoyEngland and provides a home from home and base for exploring the surrounding stunning countryside. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Bramleys offers self-catering for four guests in two bedrooms and sits on the edge of the Somerset village of Old Cleeve, close to the popular seaside resort of Minehead on the coast. Perfect for families or friends looking for a seaside holiday and base for exploring the many attractions of the area, including Exmoor National Park close by and the West Somerset Steam Railway. Relax, walk, cycle or explore - the area offers something for everyone. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
"The Retreat" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Williton is a bustling village set in the Somerset countryside, just a stone's throw away from the coast. With the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty right on your doorstep, visitors will be spoilt for choice with so much to...
"Bradley Stables" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Withypool has a distant, upland feel about it and is surrounded by wide moorland. The majority of the settlement is located on the north bank of the river, following the small roads that circle the valley. The old buildings are encased in lime...
"The Old Thatch" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Porlock is a quaint village, popular with tourists due its character, proximity to the lovely North Somerset coastline and situation within the Exmoor National Park. There are plenty of little gift shops along with pubs, cafes and restaurants...
"1 Bed Cottage in Dulverton" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 1 bedroom - king-size bed, Freeview TV and DVD - 1 bathroom - shower over bath and WC - Kitchen area equipped with an electric oven, hob,...
"The Outlook" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. On the gorgeous West Somerset Coast, the well-liked beach town of Minehead is located in a wonderful, sheltered area beneath the magnificent North Hill. This friendly town has a mile-long esplanade that beautifully frames the golden beach, and...
"Little Barton" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Nestled between the eastern flank of the Brendon Hills and the Quantock Hills is the idyllic village of Stogumber, set amidst the stunning countryside of Somerset. Those visiting this quaint village can look forward to meandering the high...
"Harri's Hut" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. The county town of Somerset, Taunton is the perfect cottage holiday destination. The town has excellent buildings with charming stone and Tudor architecture, and there is also fascinating history in the town stretching back over 1000 years...
"1 Old Thatch" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Somerset. The village of Kilve is located in the Quantock Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, set a stone's throw away from the village of Williton. The village homes a Post Office and a traditional pub alongside a beach with fossils...
"Barn Owl Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Wheddon Cross is a village in the Exmoor National Park, a flourishing rural community with a village shop, welcoming pub, and an all-weather court for a variety of sports such as tennis, netball, and basketball. Exford, a lovely town in the...
"1 Bed Cottage in Old Cleeve" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 1 super-king-size bedroom (with zip and link beds that can be made into a twin on request) - 1 bathroom with a bath, separate shower...
"1 The Mews" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Porlock is a quaint village, popular with tourists due to its character, proximity to the lovely North Somerset coastline and situation within the Exmoor National Park. There are plenty of little gift shops along with pubs, cafes and...
"Bramleys" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. The thriving community of Williton nestles beneath the western edge of the Quantock Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, only 2 miles from the west Somerset coast at Watchet. Intersected by the roads to Minehead and Bridgwater, the...
"Damsons" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. The thriving community of Williton nestles beneath the western edge of the Quantock Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, only 2 miles from the west Somerset coast at Watchet. Intersected by the roads to Minehead and Bridgwater, the...
"Hedgehog Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Wheddon Cross is a small village in the Exmoor National Park with a flourishing rural population, a village shop, friendly pub, and an all-weather court for a variety of sports such as tennis, netball, and basketball. Exford, located in the...
"Fig Trees - Wibble Farm" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. The village of Williton is situated beneath the western edge of the Quantock Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, only 2 miles from the North Somerset coast at Watchet. The village offers shops and pubs, whilst the attractive West...
"1 Tregonwell Court" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Minehead, a popular coastal resort on the picturesque West Somerset Coast, sits in a lovely sheltered area beneath the magnificent North Hill. This friendly town has a mile-long esplanade that serves as a beautiful backdrop to the golden beach,...
"The Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Nether Stowey is a village found in the county of Somerset, near the Quantock Hills which is an aonb. The older part of the village is in a conservation area, with a long and interesting history and wide range of architecture, with the oldest...
"Overstream Annexe, Porlock" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"Juniper - 28060" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. With use of an indoor heated swimming pool, this cottage is brilliant for a holiday as a couple, or part of a larger family when booked with Stream Cottage (ref 27550).. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living...
"Bridge Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Bridge Cottage enjoys a lovely balcony which is great for spending time with your loved one and admiring the river views.. Ground Floor: Living/dining room: TV, CD Player, Electric...
"PRIMROSE - 30027" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. This holiday property is part of a complex, located in a sheltered, wooded valley overlooking the River Quarme.. All on the Ground Floor: Living/dining room: TV, DVD Player, Electric...
"Coachmans Cottage-B5813" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Ideal for couples, this spacious cottage is a real treat, offering a shared indoor heated swimming pool and views of the beautiful countryside.. Ground Floor: Living/dining room: TV, DVD Player,...
"Bracken Cottage-B5817" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. With lovely valley views from the covered patio, this ground floor cottage includes use of an indoor heated swimming pool.. 1 step to entrance. All on the Ground Floor: Living/dining room: TV, DVD...
"2 Bed Cottage in Minehead" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 2 bedrooms – 1 double and 1 twin - 1 shower room with power shower, sink and WC - Hairdryer - Electric hob and oven,...
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Step Back in Time - Simply walking around the centre of town is like stepping back in time when you visit Dunster, where the jewel in the architectural crown is undoubtedly the 1,000-year-old Dunster Castle that perches on a hill above the community. The National Trust manages the castle and its watermill, and the house is an excellent choice for a day out, especially if you bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens. Another notable Dunster building in the Yarn Market with an unusual octagonal-shaped timber frame. The building, which dates from the 1600s, is in the care of English Heritage. Other historic sights in Dunster include the Butter Cross on the outskirts of town which was a meeting place for medieval butter sellers, and the medieval stone arch bridge over the Avill River.
Walking, Cycling & Other Outdoor Activities - The views around Dunster are impressive in every season but possibly none more so than in February when carpets of snowdrops with nodding white heads herald the end of the cold weather. Dunster is close to Snowdrop Valley in Wheddon Cross, and there is a lovely circular eight-mile loop with spectacular views not only of the snowdrops but of the Exmoor countryside. Other waymarked footpaths lead from town to Shingle Beach, along the coast to Minehead, and following the Riverside Jubilee Walk and over the West Somerset Railway Line.
Cyclists can create a route along country lanes or make good use of the miles of bridleways and cycling routes in the national park. There are some brilliant routes around Dunster and Minehead, with the natural hilliness of Exmoor calling to the hearts of mountain bikers. Many of the cottages to rent have secure bike storage and washing facilities, while local businesses provide bike hire and advice to visitors who need it.
Being close to the Bristol Channel means that kayaking and paddleboarding are both popular outdoor activities. Horseriding, golf, fishing, sailing and coasteering are all further options.
Local Attractions and Days Out - Dunster and the surrounding area have plenty of all-weather attractions that appeal in every season. Minehead is an excellent choice for a day out with its two beaches, vintage steam train, pier, promenade and traditional seaside entertainments. The coast around Lynmouth is also breathtaking with unwary visitors sometimes taken by surprise at the local population of wild goats that live in the Valley of the Rocks. Save your legs with a ride on the Lynton and Lynmouth Funicular Railway, which has been ferrying passengers since Victorian times. There are churches and country houses for those interested in history, and family-friendly attractions include the West Somerset Railway, Doniford Farm Park, Tropiquaria Zoo, and the Dunster Museum and Doll Collection.
No trip to the south-west is complete without at least seeing this charming medieval town, but why stop for merely an hour or two in Dunster when you can stay for a few nights? Dunster's location makes it easy to access Somerset's best beaches and attractions as well as those in the Exmoor National Park.
