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 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.
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.
"2 Bed Cottage in Dunster" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules - 2 bedrooms - 1 king-size and 1 twin - 1 bathroom with roll-top bath, separate shower and 1 separate WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer - Wood burner...
"Elsworthy Farm Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Wootton Courtenay is a historic village in Somerset West and Taunton. Wootton Courtenay is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is close to the coast. The pretty village has a restaurant, country house, and convenience store, perfect for...
"Proffitts Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 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...
"3 Bed Cottage in Minehead" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules - 3 bedrooms – 2 super-king-size (zip-and-link) and 1 king size (zip-and-link) Beds can be made into twins if advised upon booking - 2 bathrooms –1 with a stand alone roll top bath, separate walk-in...
"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,...
"4 Bed Cottage in Dunster" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules - 4 bedrooms – 2 king-size, 1 double and 1 twin - 3 bathrooms – 1 en-suite shower room with a shower and WC, 1 family bathroom with a freestanding bath, separate shower and WC and 1 family shower room...
"1 Bed Cottage in Dulverton" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rules - 1 bedroom - king-size bed, Freeview TV and DVD - 1 bathroom - shower over bath and WC - Kitchen area equipped with an electric oven, hob, combination microwave, dishwasher, fridge with small freezer...
"1 Bed Cottage in Nether Stowey" 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...
"Studio Apartment" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 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.
"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...
"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,...
"The Old Workshop" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Dulverton is a small town and civil parish resting in West Somerset, England, on the border of Devon. It hosts a choice of pubs, restaurants, shops and supermarkets for all of your amenities. Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Exmoor National...
"Shepherds Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 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...
"Penthouse by the Quantocks" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Perched on the top floor, this stylish apartment offers a welcoming blend of comfort and character creating a wonderful base for your next romantic or family getaway. Located on the border of the Quantocks, you’ll find the perfect blend of...
"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...
"Luccombe Cottage, Luccombe" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset.
"The Old Lighthouse Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Watchet is a delightful, small Somerset harbour town with a maritime history going back over two millennia, where visitors may enjoy the variety of quaint shops on offer and watch the boats in the marina. Watchet attracts railway enthusiasts...
"High Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. On the A39 between Minehead and Bridgwater, in the West Somerset countryside, is the settlement of Washford. This is a great starting point for exploring Exmoor National Park and The Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as it...
"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...
"Raleigh Lodge" is a 3 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Raleigh Lodge is a gorgeously unique ‘cottage in the woods’, tucked away in a very scenic corner of Exmoor. Off the beaten track, the views from the house and garden roll on for miles across river valleys, fields and woodlands, and finally, to...
"Red Deer Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. The village of Wheddon Cross is located in the heart of Exmoor National Park. This village has everything you could possibly need, including a traditional Post Office with a well-stocked community store and a bustling local bar. Minehead,...
"2 Bed Cottage in Minehead" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size and 1 twin - 1 ground-floor shower room with a large walk in shower and WC - Electric oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher -...
"Pipits" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 7 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 village shop, and two traditional inns serving excellent food and drinks
Popular towns in and around Exmoor:
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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.
