Dunster
Guide to Dunster village on Exmoor.
Also featuring villages of Roadwater, Luxborough, Timberscombe and Old Cleeve
Dunster is a medieval town with a long history. Its fame and wealth were built on its cloth making. The octagonal wooden yarn-market (see picture) in the centre of Dunster was built in 1609 and for many years after, market day was the biggest event for miles around.
The town received a Charter from Reginald de Mohun shortly after the Norman Conquest. Up until the reign of Elizabeth 1 Dunster was a busy port known as Dunster Haven.
Nowadays the village is very popular with visitors during the summer but retains its charming, medieval air. There are a number of tea rooms, inns, local craft shops and an Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre. There is a beach approx. half a mile south of the village centre and there is a West Somerset Steam Railway Station.
The Castle is best described by the National Trust, its modern guardians:
" Dramatically sited atop a wooded hill, there has been a castle here since at least Norman times. The 13th-century gatehouse survives, but the present building was remodelled in 1868–72 by Antony Salvin for the Luttrell family, who have lived here for 600 years. The fine oak staircase and plasterwork of the 17th-century house he adapted can still be seen. There is a sheltered terrace to the south, on which tender plants and shrubs grow, and beautiful parkland in which to walk "
Dunster Castle hosts many events throughout the year including concerts on the lawns. Below the Castle is St. George's Church, a fine cruciform building 168 feet long which dates mainly from the early fifteenth century. The tower is 90 feet high. The church contains many beautiful features, the finest being a rood-screen which stretches the full width of the building (55 feet). There are lots of fine old buildings in the village, many now housing tea shops or specialist shops of interest to visitors.
Click here for details of the Castle
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REGULAR EVENTS IN DUNSTER
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Country Fair
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July
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Dunster Show
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August details...
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Village Festival
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Spring Bank Holiday
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Flower Festival (Church)
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August
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Dunster-by-Candlelight
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First Friday and Saturday in December
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Dunster Hotels, B and B
Dunster Holiday Cottages
OS map of Dunster
Public Transport
Yarn market - Castle behind
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Accommodation in and around Dunster
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Dunster Hotels - Bed and Breakfasts - Guest Houses
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The Luttrell Arms Hotel Dunster
Unique world famous landmark hotel in the centre of this romantic medieval village, the original building dates back to the 14th century.
Today recognised as a warm friendly traditional english inn with 28 characterful rooms and log fires burning on cooler days.
The chef leads a young enthusiastic team and serves local produce from the moor,cooked with care and served with style.
The bar offers a choice of hand crafted ciders and local ales and a well stocked cellar.
Open 365 days a year
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Arden Cottage Bed and Breakfast B&B, Williton
A delightful medieval cottage offering cosy accommodation with 3 rooms either Double or King size with en suite or private bathroom. Guest sitting room with smart TV. We offer a large breakfast menu, free wifi and parking. 4 miles from Dunster 2 miles from Watchet with access to Exmoor, the Quantock hills. There are several places to eat in the village. |
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Cedar House B&B (and Self
Catering) Old Cleeve
Set in 1.5 acres of gardens with ample parking, Cedar House is a fine Edwardian Country
House with stunning views of the Brendon Hills, Exmoor and the coast.
Situated on the edge of the unspoilt village of Old Cleeve, Cedar House is ideally placed for visits to all the regions attractions including Minehead, Dunster and Blue Anchor Bay, all of which are linked by the West Somerset Steam Railway.
Cedar House is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing break.
We also have 2 self-catering bungalows on site.
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Trinity Cottage B and B Roadwater
The cottage has beautiful views from all bedrooms over the wooded, Exmoor valley of Roadwater Village. A quiet, rural setting with pretty gardens, field and stables. En-suite rooms with colour tv's and drink trays. Good walking from the doorstep and on the Coleridge Way Walk. Cleeve Abbey, Dunster and coast nearby. A very comfortable base for Exmoor sightseeing. Excellent breakfasts and a smile to greet you!
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Yarn Market Hotel Dunster
A small family run hotel with a warm and friendly atmosphere in the heart of Dunster. Our elegant restaurant serves speciality and traditional English fayre, freshly prepared from local produce. All 24 bedrooms have beautiful new soft furnishings for 2001, en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, remote control colour TV and central heating.
tel:01643 821425 fax:01643 821475
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Dunster Holiday Cottages |
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West Lodge Self Catering Holiday Cottage - near Dunster
West Lodge is a recently refurbished former Gate Lodge, 2 miles from Dunster, within the National Park.
The Lodge Sleeps 4 plus Cot; Double Bedroom with En-Suite, Twin Bedroom and Family Bathroom.
The spacious kitchen has a new Electric AGA, seating for 4 and views of the surrounding countryside.
The living room has a Woodburner, comfortable seating and Sky TV.
Parking for 3 Cars, Large Garden with Views, Bike shed, Perfect for Walkers and Cyclists.
Lots of photos on our website!
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Grooms Cottage Self Catering Holiday Cottage in Dunster centre
Grooms Cottage sleeps 6 and is situated in the heart of the medieval village of Dunster. The small town of Dunster, commonly referred to as The Jewel of Exmoor, is a medieval village that has largely been left untouched from the ravages of modernisation. Dunster boasts more than 200 listed buildings including a quaint packhorse bridge, a functional watermill, a tithe barn, a medieval dovecote, thatched cob cottages, the grand 15th century St. George's church and, most strikingly of all, the magnificent Dunster Castle that dominates the local landscape.
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Church Street Cottage Self Catering Holiday Cottage
Timberscombe
Beautifully decorated and furnished self catering cottage sleeping 4 people, making it perfect for families, couples or friends, you can even bring your dog!
It has bags of character and country charm and is the ideal location to unwind after a day exploring the nearby moors and coastline.
Living room with open fire, two comfortable bedrooms. Well-equipped kitchen has everything you need
and cosy dining area. Delightful courtyard garden. Plus, there's a kennel for your dog if required.
No smoking indoors. Small village location near Dunster with shop and pub.
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Clover Cottage Self Catering Holiday Cottage in Dunster Centre
Sleeps 4+1. Comfortable 18th Century 2 bed cottage + all mod cons! Centre Dunster Medieval Village (opp Castle). C/heated, D/glazed, constant hot water, cosy & warm all year. Lounge/open fire, modern fully equipped kitchen, dining room, 'Wet Room' style bathroom. Bed linens & towels provided. Private parking for 1 car. No extra charge for 1 or 2 small dogs.
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Willow Thatch Self Catering Holiday Cottage Dunster
Grade II listed thatched cottage with two bedrooms sleeps 4+1. One double, one twin and a cot.
Fully equipped kitchen. Linen, towels and all gas / electricity included.
Parking permit for free parking in many local car parks.
Small fully enclosed courtyard. Children welcome. Well behaved pets welcome (£15 extra).
Close to Castle and Dunster's attractions. Fabulous walks on your doorstep.
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Chimney Cottage Self Catering Holiday Cottage Dunster
A charming, listed, thatched cottage near the Old Mill in Dunster, with a south-facing courtyard garden sloping down to the stream that feeds the Mill (a stone wall with a solid gate ensures safety for children).
It offers high quality, spacious, centrally-heated accommodation for up to 6 persons. 3 bedrooms (1 with en suite shower room, 1 with en suite wc/basin), family bathroom, sitting room with Sky tv, DVD player/recorder, large farmhouse kitchen with dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer. Cot, high chair and stairgate available. Dogs welcome. Full details with floor plans and up-to-date availability/prices, including short breaks, on our website.
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Lyndale Self-Catering Cottage Roadwater
Dunster 5 miles
18th Century stone cottage, combining character with comfort. Located in pretty village with inn and shop nearby.
Sleeps 4-6. Open fire and woodburner. Beamed ceilings. Parking and garden 50 yards from door. Excellent walking, inland and coastal. No smoking. Dogs welcome.
£260-£485 inc. electricity. tel: 01984-641426 Mr J. Middleton
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Cedar House Self Catering (and B&B) Old Cleeve
Set in 1.5 acres of gardens with ample parking, Cedar House has stunning views of the Brendon Hills, Exmoor and the sea.
There are 2 detached self catering bungalows in the grounds which sleep 2 or 4.
Situated on the edge of the unspoilt village of Old Cleeve, Cedar House is ideally placed for visits to all the regions attractions including Minehead, Dunster and Blue Anchor Bay, all of which are linked by the West Somerset Steam Railway.
Cedar House is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing break.
We also provide B&B accommodation.
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Public Transport in Dunster
THE BEST bus map linked to timetables is at the Devon CC website here - www.devon.gov.uk
18 Taunton/Bishops Lydeard/Williton/Watchet/Dunster/Minehead
28 Taunton/Bishops Lydeard/Williton/Watchet/Dunster/Minehead
399 Dulverton/Wheddon Cross/Dunster/Minehead (certain journeys operate via Exford)
Timetables & all public transport services/route planning can be accessed here: www.travelinesw.com
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