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
Offering a lovely blend of cosiness and old-world charm, The Old Inn is perfectly placed in the very heart of Exmoor's National Park close to Wheddon Cross and Snowdrop Valley. Guests can enjoy wonderful walks from the doorstep of the holiday cottage and plenty of attractions within easy reach including the beaches of Devon and Somerset.
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.
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.
Beautifully presented, Combe Cottage sits right in the heart of Exmoor National Park and is an ideal base for exploring the areas many attractions, including the Somerset coastline. Sitting on the edge of Winsford, one of Exmoor's prettiest villages with an excellent pub, this welcoming self-catering holiday home is an excellent choice for families, friends, walkers and dog-owners.
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 pretty medieval village of Dunster is a wonderful place to stay as it gives 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 Coach House is an ideal choice for a relaxing holiday in West Somerset, surrounded by gorgeous countryside and around a mile from the beach at Blue Anchor. It is next to Exmoor National Park, and favourite attractions such as Minehead, Dunster Castle and medieval village, Watchet Harbour, Lynton, Lynmouth are all within easy reach. The two-bedroom, plus sofa bed period property sleeps five people and has a flexible layout that makes it as comfortable for couples and friends and families with a secluded patio and court yard garden overlooking the Alpacas. We are thrilled to say that we can now accommodate children of all ages, just to note as its a courtyard garden there is no play equipment for children. We are now accepting 2 well behaved dogs £25 per stay . We have an enclosed patio area however we ask owners not allow the dog to roam free due to the livestock, your dog is not to be left alone at the Coach House ( most pubs and cafe take dogs) please make sure flea and tick treatment is up to date. and don't forget the dog bed and for towels all our beaches are dog friendly in the winter! Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Pippins is 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
Dating back to 1844, this cosy holiday cottage sits in an enviable position in the medieval Somerset village of Dunster with great restaurants, independent shops, ancient castle and easy access to Minehead for traditional seaside fun and beaches.
"Horner Cottage, Luccombe" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"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...
"Mill Cottage, Luxborough" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset.
"Cottage in Somerset" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. This delightful former stable groom cottage is located in the small town of Withypool, sitting in the heart of the stunning and dramatic Exmoor National Park which offers a fantastic range of breath taking walks with spectacular views. You can...
"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...
"House in Somerset" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. This wonderful property is situated in the heart of the attractive Somerset village of Nether Stowey which lies at the foot of the Quantock Hills. This thriving village has two pubs, a Post Office, butchers and a grocery store and well known...
"Barn in Somerset" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Located on the edge of the pretty Exmoor village of Roadwater and within walking distance to a post office/shop and a pub. Head to the coast and visit Watchet with its pretty harbour, or the coastal town of Minehead with its sandy beach. Enjoy...
"Great Bradley Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Withypool is a fantastic village, located on the banks of the River Barle and surrounded by open moorland it makes the perfect place for a walking holiday. the local area is quiet and quaint, with just a small local shop and tea rooms, it's a...
"Spaniel Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Carhampton is an attractive village close to the Exmoor National Park, with a church, community orchard and Post Office. There are lovely walks from the village, over the deer park to Dunster, and through farmland to the beach. The village is...
"1 Oak Park" is a 3 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Bampton is a delightfully tranquil Devon community located near to the Exmoor National Park on the banks of the River Batherm, a tributary of the River Exe. Bampton is known for its floral displays, pony fair, and folk festival. It also has a...
"Ash Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Washford is a West Somerset rural village, on the A39 between Minehead and Bridgwater. Located two miles from the pretty coastal port of Watchet, this is an ideal base from which to explore Exmoor National Park and The Quantock Hills, an Area...
"Cherry Lodge" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Williton is a large village and civil parish in Somerset, England, situated near the coast and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is within a short distance to the Exmoor National Park, where you will discover an abundance of local...
"Hazel Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Washford is a West Somerset rural village, on the A39 between Minehead and Bridgwater. Located two miles from the pretty coastal port of Watchet, this is an ideal base from which to explore Exmoor National Park and The Quantock Hills, an Area...
"River View" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. This neat two-bedroom apartment, surrounded by the beautiful moors of Exmoor, overlooks a charming packhorse bridge and village stream. Perfect for a small family plus one dog, it’s a good base for keen walkers and is also within easy reach of...
"The Hideaway - One-Bedroom Holiday Home" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. The fireplace is a top feature of this holiday home. Guests will find a dishwasher and kitchenware in the kitchen. The holiday home also includes a barbecue. The holiday home features a private entrance and heating. The unit has 1 bed.
"Wing in Somerset" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. This former piggery has been converted with exceptional attention to detail and is the perfect bolthole for those who want to get away from it all, with beautiful countryside views from the seating area. Peacefully situated in the village of...
"Cottage in North Devon" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Devon. The cottage is ideal for couples looking for a rural retreat. It s perfectly situated on the Devon/Somerset border with pretty little towns close by to visit. Under 3 miles away, you will find Bampton, a small town set in a wooded valley, a...
"1 The Coach House" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Yarde is a peaceful hamlet, situated in the foothills of the Exmoor National Park. Close to the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the west Somerset coast, you are within easy reach of a number of fantastic walks and...
"2 Oak Park" is a 3 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. The Devon village of Bampton is a tranquil oasis, nestled in a forested valley on the banks of the River Batherm, a tributary of the River Exe, not far from Exmoor National Park. Bampton is known for its beautiful Georgian homes and houses,...
"Campion Cottage" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 7 guests in Somerset. The quiet village of Roadhead is surrounded by lovely countryside near the market town of Brampton, an ideal base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall. Brampton boasts a rich and colourful history going back to the Roman occupation, Border raiders from...
"The Wagon House" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Somerset. Whichever way you approach the village of Bicknoller you are met with one of the most charming and picturesque villages on the Quantock Hills.The village is full of beautiful thatched houses, a village shop and an old thatched Inn, which...
"Nethercote Byre" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset. The picturesque village of Exford is situated in the heart of the Exmoor National Park. In a lovely setting by the River Exe, Exford boasts a village green, tea rooms, a shop, Post Office and two traditional inns serving excellent food and...
"Elm Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Williton is a small community nestled close to the western edge of the Quantock Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is only two miles away from the west Somerset coast at Watchet. Within the village you will find local shops and...
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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.
