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.
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.
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
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
"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...
"The Stables, Lydeard St Lawrence" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset.
"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...
"Woodland 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. Family shower room. Spacious open plan lounge area with floor to ceiling windows and doors leading to enclosed balcony and...
"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...
"Horner- UKC4923" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. A fabulous first floor apartment in a gorgeous setting with so much to do on site, you will be spoilt for choice each day!. 13 steps to entrance. All on the First Floor: Open plan living...
"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...
"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,...
"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...
"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...
"Seashells" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. A charming annexed apartment in the idyllic village of Dunster near Minehead. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or outdoor enthusiasts exploring Exmoor National Park.. 6 steps to entrance. All on the Ground Floor:...
"Sheepfold Cottage, Dulverton" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"Seashells, Dunster" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"Alcombe House" is a 8 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 16 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...
"Stream Cottage - 27550" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Somerset. A perfect base to explore Exmoor National Park, this cottage offers on site facilities including a shared indoor swimming pool.. All on the Ground Floor: Living room: (2 Steps), TV, DVD Player,...
"Bilbrook- UKC4913" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Somerset. This lovely apartment is the ideal space for a couple or small family, with all the facilities you could need for the perfect stay!. 10 steps to entrance. All on the First Floor: Open plan living...
"Annexe- UKC4917" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. This quaint cottage is nestled on its own yet still has all facilities close by, have a swim then pop back and relax in front of the wood burner!. 1 step to entrance. Ground Floor: Open plan living...
"Garden Cottage-B5812" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. This ’upside down’ cottage offers comfortable accommodation with on-site facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool.. Ground Floor: Bedroom 1: Four Poster Double (4ft 6in) Bed Bedroom...
"Bossington- UKC4921" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. A wonderful home from home feel yet with a swimming pool and games room on your doorstep!. 1 step to entrance. Ground Floor: Living/dining room: Freeview TV, Amazon Echo Kitchen: Electric...
"Hedgehog Cottage, Wheddon Cross" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset.
"Allerford- UKC4920" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Somerset. The perfect spot to escape, with the luxury of a swimming pool and games room yet you have your fabulous cottage to head back to at the end of the day!. 3 steps to entrance. Ground Floor: Living room:...
"Croydon House" is a 7 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 14 guests in Somerset. Croydon House is a beautiful Edwardian Farmhouse set within the estate grounds of Croydon Hall Country House Hotel & Restaurant. A perfect self-catering hideaway for up to 14 guests with the added bonus of use of the facilities...
"Butlins Minehead - Holiday Accommodation 22029" is a 3 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,...
"Butlins Minehead - Holiday Accommodation 16334" is a 3 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,...
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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.
