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.
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
"7 Severn Terrace" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Visitors can enjoy the range of charming shops on offer in Watchet, a charming small Somerset harbour town with a nautical heritage spanning more than two millennia, as well as the opportunity to observe the boats in the marina. The West...
"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 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,...
"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...
"Hoburne Blue Anchor - Holiday Accommodation 18081" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset.
"Grist Mill, Dunster" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset.
"Westholme Lodge" is a 7 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 14 guests in Somerset. Minehead is a seaside town sat beneath the North Hill on the West Coast of Somerset. Find a wide selection of simplicities at the town's centre, including shops and eateries, as well as golfing opportunities, a picturesque harbour and golden,...
"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...
"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...
"Sheepfold Cottage, Dulverton" 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...
"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,...
"Coach House View, Porlock Weir" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Somerset.
"Denhill Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Somerset. Known affectionately as Wivey, this historic market town is set in wonderful surroundings on the edge of Exmoor, in the Brendon Hills. This is a perfect centre from which to set out on outdoor pursuits; from fishing for trout on the peaceful...
"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...
"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...
"The Old Malt House, Exton" 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:...
"Stone Barn - UKC3594" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Somerset. This well-presented modern barn conversion is perfect for a luxurious escape to the south west. From couples to families, and adult groups, enjoy open-plan living whilst exploring the very best of Exmoor, North Devon and Somerset.. 9 steps to...
"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,...
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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.
