Dunster sits on the northern flank of Exmoor a short distance from the north Somerset coast. Dominated by the magnificent, 11th century, Dunster Castle, the village dates back to around 700AD and it was featured in the Domesday Book. So well preserved is the village that no fewer than 200 properties are listed.
Given the town’s location, it’s hardly surprising that, for hundreds of years, it was the centre of Exmoor’s thriving wool and cloth trade. Evidence of this activity is provided for us by the Old Yarn Market that still stands in the High Street.
Dunster has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries although there are now some excellent cafes and shops selling a wonderful range of goodies, including hand-made confectionery, clothing, designer jewellery, antiques, and so much more. A wander through the village is a real pleasure, even more so if you carry on into the beautiful woods and up the lower slopes of Exmoor.
Dunster Castle, now a National Trust property, is well worth a visit. The epitome of a romantic castle with turrets and towers, it has been an important fortress for more than 1,000 years. The very fine interiors ought to be seen seeing and the splendid terraced gardens and subtropical plants are a must if you enjoy gardens. The castle is also home to the national collection of strawberry trees.
Dunster is a lovely drive the Castle at Taunton, perhaps the finest luxury hotel near Dunster, either north along the edge of the Quantock Hills or across Exmoor via Dulverton.
Other beautiful features of Somerset worth visiting include: Glastonbury, Exmoor, the Blackdown Hills and the Brendon Hills, the Lorna Doone Secret Valley, Forde Abbey, the Mendip Hills, Porlock and Porlock Weir, the Quantock Hills, the Somerset Levels and Wells. |
