Dunster

Lavish Victorian home in Jacobean house and former 12th-century castle, on a wooded hillside.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Categories

Dunster on your mind?

Build, organize, and map out your best trip yet.
Need a place to stay?
When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Travelers
2
Featured guides
Slide 1 of 1
Picture of 5-Day Dunster Itinerary
5-Day Dunster Itinerary
Most popular travel itinerary
Site icon
Wanderlog

Top places to visit

4.7
(8366)
4.6
(2815)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Castle
Dunster Castle and Watermill, managed by the National Trust, is a captivating blend of medieval castle, Jacobean mansion, and Victorian family home. Situated on a wooded hillside with stunning views of Dunster village and Exmoor National Park, this historic site offers a fascinating journey through time. Visitors can explore its collection of antiques and artifacts, including unique leather wall hangings depicting the love story of Antony and Cleopatra.
Such a lovely village, and the structure itself is breathtaking. It's been renovated several times over the years so it's more of a modern old-school mansion as opposed to an old castle (husband is more interested in Norman castles), but it was still really cool to walk around and the views were absolutely amazing. The village itself has so much charm too.
Keira L — Google review
Dunster Castle is magical and so incredibly beautiful. We visited it on a beautiful summer day, the kids loved the outdoor games and the bat trail activity. The castle inside is very well cared for and the gardens are a dream to explore. Highly recommend. Tickets can only be bought on site :)
Raquel D — Google review
Fantastic building in an amazing location. Extremely rare leather and silver leaf paintings are breathtaking. Extensive gardens; steep in parts with a great kids play area. The mill was an added bonus. Well maintained, producing and selling their own flour with a super cafe nearby.
TWR — Google review
Historically amazing place, the castle was very interesting and well looked after. We enjoyed learning about it's history. The shops however were lacking gluten free options and we had to leave early to get food elsewhere.
Ewa W — Google review
The village surrounding the castle is beautiful, and lovely to walk through on the way to the castle including the secret garden ran by the castle gardener. Just be aware there are some rather steep slopes to walk up. There are a few cafes that do cream tea outside the castle and also museums and shops. Once actually in the castle grounds there are also lots of slopes to walk up and down to access different areas. There is lots of information about the castle and how it came to be what it is today and also some original features. The views from the castle are wonderful and can see for miles. There is parking for the castle and also other parking nearby if needed. There is a watermill that is still operating which they use to make flour, you can also buy this in the shop as well as other local produce.
Marissa B — Google review
What a great place. Very well kept. Fantastic gardens all around the castle and down to the Watermill. The gardens down to the mill are fantastic for children. If you are going to see Dunster properly, it will take a good 4 hours. Great Cafe at the Mill as well, which is all in working order.
The L — Google review
A really beautiful castle with stunning views from the top of the hill. The water mill is a must visit too and it’s a lovely stroll through the village to get there!
Rebecca S — Google review
Look out for the secret passage! We've visited many times,we go to buy the milled oats and flour ground at the mill once or twice a week. Dunster is a lovely little place.
C J — Google review
4.6
(92)
4.4
(242)
Mentioned on 
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
The English Heritage - Yarn Market in Dunster is a historic octagonal pavilion that was once used for the town's bustling yarn trade. Dating back to the 17th century, this Grade 1 listed building served as a sheltered marketplace for merchants conducting wool trading. Despite bearing damage from a cannonball during the civil war, it still retains its medieval-style thatched-roof structure and worn wooden benches.
The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, England, was built in the early 17th century. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument Very lovely village. Timbers are well preserved with a beautiful view of Duster Castle down the street.
Hug D — Google review
This is managed by English heritage not national trust. Built in the early 17th century, this historic structure in the heart of Dunster is charming and well-preserved. It offers a glimpse into the village's trading past. Quite a short attraction, some information by the side. Very close to car parking and shops.
Anthony C — Google review
Right I the heart of the medieval Dunster Village. The village became a centre for wool and cloth production and trade, of which the Yarn Market built by George Luttrell is a relic. Managed by English Heritage.
Tom G — Google review
A charming historical site that offers a real glimpse into medieval market life. The structure is well-preserved and adds character to the village. I really enjoyed seeing it, though a visual illustration or display showing how it was originally used would’ve made the experience even better.
Stuart H — Google review
Charming little structure in the medieval village of Dunster. Originally built in the early 17th C for commercial purposes it still has a cannonball lodged in it dating from the English Civil War.
Bernard S — Google review
Yarn Market is not a lot to see, but Dunster itself a lovely town and I was enjoying the shops there and a little walk. I have not seem the castle and the watermill as that was 17£ and I di not have a day to spend there, but sure these are worth the look as well. ;)
Anett Á — Google review
The iconic Yarn Market at the top of Dunster High Street was built in 1609 by George Luttrell, Sheriff of Somerset and the keeper of Dunster Castle.
Chris K — Google review
Accessible all day. Point of interest in Dunster's main street.
I T — Google review
4.5
(32)
4.3
(86)
Mentioned on 
Museum
Specialty Museums
Dunster Museum & Doll Collection is a charming museum located in a 17th-century thatched building, offering an insightful journey into the history of Dunster village and its surroundings. The museum boasts an impressive array of over 800 costumed dolls from different eras and cultures, providing a unique perspective on global traditions. Additionally, visitors can explore displays featuring various artefacts that showcase the rich heritage of the area.
Visited Dunster museum and doll collection with my wife after visiting Dunster Castle which is nearby, Plenty of history about the area inside and an amazing doll collection of all different types of dolls from different times in the past up to the modern day, Definitely worth a look around and it's free to enter, They do have a toilet on the ground floor as you enter on the right just after the stairs, There are stairs to negotiate inside, they do have a lift for people in wheelchairs, but it was out of order on the day we visited 25th April 2024, 3 ladies while we were visiting were spinning wool, Definitely worth a visit
Roderick C — Google review
Nice small and free musuem about history of dunster and the surrounding area. Some interesting dolls from around the world. Should visit whilst in Dunster.
Anthony C — Google review
Nice little place for a quick walk around. Donations appreciated of course to keep the place running which is always fine with us. Dog friendly inside, and is very interesting. Lots of spooky dolls in the collection.
Lee W — Google review
Free , but we put a donation into the bucket. What a great place to visit! Beautiful dolls. Something to see for all ages.
Lola B — Google review
Very quirky and fun museum to enter if you are in the area. Very unique collection of dolls and some historical facts. Judt need under an hour would take you.
Laura F — Google review
Took granddaughter to show her dolls from the olden days great place to visit
Mick P — Google review
Small free collection of dolls and local history run by volunteers
Robert P — Google review
Worth a visit if you like dolls. It is free but you can make a donation. Museum part is very small with only a few exhibits.
Steve R — Google review
Memorial Hall, 17 High St, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6SF, United Kingdomhttps://www.dunstermuseum.co.uk/+44 1643 821493Tips and more reviews for Dunster Museum & Doll Collection
Mentioned on 
Tower
Conygar Tower is an 18-meter red sandstone tower built in 1775, positioned on a hill overlooking the village. The tower was designed to be visible from Dunster Castle and holds historical significance with its name pointing to the medieval past of the area. Surrounding it are well-maintained gardens and a Mediterranean-styled walled garden with luxurious seating and stunning views of the tower.
Dunster Steep, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6AS, UKTips and more reviews for Conygar Tower
4.3
(32)
Mentioned on 
Dunster Beach is an essential stop for anyone exploring the area, offering a serene atmosphere that beautifully reflects its historical charm through picturesque holiday chalets. Whether you're looking to unwind or simply soak in the stunning surroundings, you can rent one of these delightful chalets for a cozy stay. Plus, if you find yourself craving a snack while taking in the breathtaking views, there's a convenient snack bar nearby to satisfy your hunger.
For any fishermen high tide should be good. Low tide large expansion of beach for your dog to run around and have a swim to cool off. There is a new tearoom opened up opposite the national trust car park. Should you require refreshments.
Robert J — Google review
Dunster beach has plenty of car parking it is pay and disable even for blue badge holders and the parking machine really needs upgraded the buttons have worn out and you can't select the length of time you want to stay. the parking doesn't have pay by phone facilities The beach is vast plenty of soft sand and rock pools, take care as the tide gently rolls in and you can get stranded on the rocks
Andrea A — Google review
A lovely beach, though no disabled facilities, so if you're going with a wheelchair user be aware of that, the facilities were clean, the beach so clean plenty of bins and not too busy.
Linda C — Google review
Beautiful expanse of beach. Lots of sand intermingled with stones,meaning lots of opportunities to build and play with kids. Plenty of parking, great walks and amenities.
Lucy G — Google review
Sandystony beach when tide is in. Somewhat seaweedy and more stony when tide out. Quite windy when we were there. There's a café and toilets and parking although the carpark is a bit on the lumpy side.
Phil B — Google review
Lovely beach, great walks. Very clean, lots of bins. One of the few places I don't begrudge paying for parking.
David B — Google review
Quiet, no real facilities but dogs are permitted in the summer.
Sharon B — Google review
Quiet, clean and a lovely coffee/tea house. Great prices too.
Darryl S — Google review
Best-of categories in Dunster

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Dunster?

Get inspired for your trip to Dunster with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here: