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. Short break deals are available - please conact us.
"Saint Pancras Chapel" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Williton is a flourishing village nestled on the western border of the Quantock Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, barely two miles from Watchet on the west Somerset coast. The village is well serviced by local shops and bars, and...
"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...
"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:...
"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...
"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...
"Oak Park One - UK50062" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Devon. Escape to this beautiful countryside three-bedroom lodge with a private hot tub, set in a tranquil rural location with exclusive access to scenic carp fishing lakes.. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living...
"The Chapel, Brompton Regis" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"Overstream Annexe, Porlock" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"The Old Stables, Waterrow" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset.
"Enfield" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Porlock is a quaint village, popular with visitors 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...
"Thornes Farm Annexe" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. A fabulous cottage at the foot of the Quantock Hills, perfect for an escape to the country.. All on the Ground Floor: Living room: (1 Step), Freeview, Amazon Firestick, Woodburner, French Doors Leading To...
"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,...
"Cleeve- UKC4922" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Somerset. This cosy apartment is the perfect space for a couple looking to get away from it all yet have everything close by!. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living space. Living area: Freeview...
"Winsford- UKC4918" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. This lovely cottage is perfect for a small family or 2 couples looking to get away from it all.. 1 step to entrance. Ground Floor: Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed Bedroom 2: 2 x Single...
"Old Bridge Post Office" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Resting on the border of Exmoor National Park is the idyllic village of Roadwater. Home to the Valiant Soldier Inn, a pub providing a fantastic atmosphere and tasty dishes, along with a village shop, Roadwater is a great destination for those...
"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...
"Hoburne Blue Anchor - Holiday Accommodation 2382" 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,...
"Orchard Cottage-B5811" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Enjoying farmland views, this ’upside down’ cottage offers true relaxation. Unwind in the indoor swimming pool or picnic in the private garden.. Ground Floor: Bedroom 1: With four poster double...
"West Lynch Farm, Allerford" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset.
"Castle View" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Somerset. Dunster is a popular tourist village near the North Somerset coast and is a largely unspoiled spot: the centre of the town retains many old buildings which hug the winding cobbled streets.
"The Wool Barn, Simonsbath" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset.
"Railway Carriage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. For those wanting a different holiday, reminiscent of the great seaside holidays of the 1950’s here’s an opportunity to climb aboard a recently refurbished 100-year-old Great Western Railway camping...
"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,...
"3 Elm Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. Carhampton is a charming village resting within close proximity to the Exmoor National Park in Somerset. The village boasts a shop and Post Office for all of your last-minute amenities, as well as holding a pub and church. There are ample...
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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.
