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
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.
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
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.
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 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. Short break deals are available - please contact us.
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
"Butlins Minehead - Holiday Accommodation 11412" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. The popular seaside resort of Minehead occupies a wonderful sheltered spot beneath the dramatic North Hill, on the lovely West Somerset Coast. This welcoming town boasts a mile long esplanade, providing a wonderful backdrop to the golden beach,...
"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,...
"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...
"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...
"Exmoor Gate Lodge " is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 5 guests in Somerset. Scandinavian style lodge tucked into the hillside with modern and comfortable furnishings. Ground floor: One double. Shower. Spacious open plan lounge area with doors leading to verandah with outdoor furniture. First floor: One twin and single...
"Gatekeeper's Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 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...
"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...
"1 Bed Cottage in Bridgwater" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 double bedroom - 1 bathroom with a roll-top cast iron slipper bath with hand held mixer shower attachment and WC - Electric hob and oven, microwave, small fridge/freezer and...
"Grist Mill, Dunster" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset.
"Red Deer Cottage, Wheddon Cross" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset.
"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...
"Barn Cottage" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset. Dulverton is the southern gateway to the Exmoor National Park, a small town standing between the rivers Barle and Exe, which meet further down the valley. Dulverton has some quaint narrow streets weaving between fine Victorian buildings and a...
"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...
"Butlins Minehead - Holiday Accommodation 9879" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset. The popular seaside resort of Minehead occupies a wonderful sheltered spot beneath the dramatic North Hill, on the lovely West Somerset Coast. This welcoming town boasts a mile long esplanade, providing a wonderful backdrop to the golden beach,...
"The Old Stables, Waterrow" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"5 Bed Cottage in Dulverton" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 10 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 5 bedrooms: 1 Super-king, 2 king-size, 1 double and 1 twin room which can be a triple on request also with 1 additional pull-out bed on...
"Cuain Cottage, Watchet" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Somerset.
"Surridge Farmhouse" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 9 guests in Somerset. This town is on the edge of Exmoor in the Brendon Hills. A base for outdoor pursuits from fishing on the Clatworthy Reservoir or Wimbleball Lake, horse-riding or walking through countryside. There are shops in Wiveliscombe as well as a butcher,...
"Butlins Minehead - Holiday Accommodation 1053" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset. The popular seaside resort of Minehead occupies a wonderful sheltered spot beneath the dramatic North Hill, on the lovely West Somerset Coast. This welcoming town boasts a mile long esplanade, providing a wonderful backdrop to the golden beach,...
"2 Bed Apartment in Allerford" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 twin zip-and-link (which can be made into a king-size on request at time of booking) - 1 shower room with a walk-in shower and WC -...
"Flora's Barn" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. With the backdrop of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Crowcombe is a picturesque village, perfectly positioned for an outdoor adventure. Within the village, you will find many historical buildings from the 14th century,...
"Aluric's Hall" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. On the gorgeous West Somerset Coast, the well-liked beach town of Minehead is 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 the...
"3 Bed Cottage in Minehead" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 3 Bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 double and 1 twin zip-and-link (which can be made into a super-king-size on request) - 1 Bathroom with roll top...
"The Dairy, Waterrow" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset.
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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.
