The UK has an interesting mix of cities, towns and villages, offering tourists a fascinating choice of places to visit. Perhaps one of the most unique and historical of these villages is Dunster, located in the Somerset area of Exmoor National Park.
Dunster has over 200 listed buildings within its boundaries, making it a unique and preserved area to visit. It has even been said that little has changed in terms of the buildings from when they were pictured centuries ago.
With this is mind, it will come as no surprise that the built history of the village is one of the biggest pulls for visitors, some of which gives an interesting snapshot into the past. The Old Yarn Market is a fine example of this, it remains as evidence of a wool and cloth trade which existed in Dunster for 100’s of years.
The village also offers the type of traditional shopping experience you’d expect from a historical village, with the streets littered with art galleries, gift shops, antique shops and hand-made sweet outlets. Local produce is also actively promoted, and regularly appears on the menus in tearooms, restaurants and pubs.
Also look out for the doll museum and working watermill, two notable places to visit in the village, although they are somewhat dwarfed by the sight of Dunster Castle. Situated on a wooded hill, and towering above the village, Dunster Castle is one of a collection of National Trust run properties in the South West. There has been a castle on the site dating back to Norman Times, and it’s said that the castle has had a turbulent history. You just have to look at the medieval gatehouse, and ruins of the castle tower, to see evidence of this.
The Lutterell Family have owned Dunster Castle for over 600 years, with the current family members allowing the castle and grounds to be opened to the public. Along with exploring the castle interiors, you can view sub-tropical plants on their terrace, attend a re-enactment, walk round the parkland and gardens surrounding the castle, or take a family trail around the site.
Although Dunster is only a small village, it does have a regular events program running throughout the year, which may also interest visitors to the area. There are tours available of the stunning ‘Snowdrop Valley’ at Wheddon Cross in Spring, Archery Week, and a Winter Steam Festival. Also look out for Exmoor Country Fair and Exmoor Food Festival, also held in the Dunster area.
When you’ve exhausted all the attractions that Dunster has to offer, you’ll also find it’s a good base from which to explore both Somerset and Devon, and of course Exmoor National Park. Accommodation choices include The Dunster Castle Hotel, Yarn Market Hotel and The Luttrell Arms Hotel, all in Dunster High Street, along with a collection of bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation. All in all, Dunster is a prime example of ‘all the best things coming in small packages.