Exploring the Magic of Dunster: A Perfect Itinerary for Your Next Adventure
Welcome to Dunster, a charming village located in the county of Somerset, England. With its medieval charm and rich history, Dunster offers a unique experience for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. We loved visiting this picturesque village surrounded by stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil beaches. In this post, we’ll explore the top things to do and see in Dunster to help you plan your ultimate Dunster itinerary.
This post will show you how to make the most of an extended weekend visit to Dunster. From historic sites to peaceful strolls, it’s a beautiful weekend destination. We love Dunster! And if you spend a weekend here, you may also grow fond of this medieval village.
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Where is Dunster?
Dunster is situated on the coast of Somerset, in the South West region of England. It is approximately 4 miles from the town of Minehead and 20 miles from the city of Taunton. Surrounded by the Exmoor National Park, Dunster offers breathtaking views of the countryside and seacoast.
Getting to Dunster
There are several ways to reach Dunster, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation.
The closest major airports are Bristol Airport (BRS) and Exeter International Airport (EXT). Both are about a 1.5-hour drive from Dunster.
You can also take a train to Taunton or Minehead station and catch a bus or taxi to Dunster.
If you drive, Dunster is easily accessible via the M5 motorway and A39 road.
Local bus services also run to and from Dunster, making it convenient for travelers without a car. The closest large town is Taunton. From Taunton, a ride on bus 28 lasts just over one hour to the medieval village of Dunster, with a couple of departures per hour available most days.
Dunster Itinerary
Click to Download our Dunster Weekend Itinerary in PDF format
Day 1: Dunster Castle and Village
Visit Dunster Castle to start your exploration of the village. We recommend planning your visit early, with a walk of the castle gardens one hour before the castle opens for visitors. Plan on at least 2 hours or a bit longer if you add on any of the optional tours.
Afternoon: Stroll the main streets in Dunster Village (High Street and West Street). Start with a visit to the Priory Church of St. George in the heart of the village. Continue exploring the village by browsing the local shops. Stop by the historic Yarn Market and read the posted information to learn about this site.
Day 2: Cleeve Abbey and Exmoor National Park
Morning: Plan a visit to Cleeve Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in England. It is about a 10-minute journey from Dunster to the Abbey.
Afternoon: Take a hike in Exmoor National Park. You can stop by the village’s Dunster Exmoor National Park Visitor Center.
Day 3: Dunster Beach and Dunster Museum
Enjoy a stroll along Dunster Beach. If you are comfortable walking for about 40 minutes, you can get there from Dunster Village. You’ll journey through walking trails after you cross the main road A39 and arrive at the beach soon after. Take your time here – it’s a peaceful place to relax.
Afternoon: Visit the Dunster Museum and Dolls Collection. It’s a small museum, but it presents a rich and thorough history of Dunster, from the Stone Age to the present day.
Food & Drink Recommendations in Dunster
- Stags Head: 10 West Street: One of several excellent dinner options in the village
- Locks Victorian Tea Rooms: 18 High Street – a nice place for scones and tea
- Tea Room at Chapel House: the top-rated restaurant in Dunster per TripAdvisor
Lodging in Dunster
Our top recommendation is Exmoor House Bed & Breakfast. It’s the B&B we stayed at for several days during our visit to Dunster. Located at 12 West Street, it is centrally located in the small village and is within an easy walk to Dunster Castle.
Find more places to stay in Dunster below:
Map of Dunster
Leaving Dunster
If you are headed toward Taunton, we recommend taking the West Somerset Railway from Dunster. This is the longest heritage railway in England. Enjoy a ride on a steam train through the beautiful Somerset countryside.
More Places to Explore Near Dunster
If you’re planning a trip to Dunster, consider including nearby Minehead on your itinerary! Located just 4 miles from Dunster, this charming seaside village offers plenty for tourists. It’s known as the “Gateway to Exmoor” with its stunning coastal views and proximity to the Exmoor National Park.
But that’s not all; Minehead also boasts a variety of activities for visitors, such as exploring its beautiful beaches and taking a stroll along its picturesque promenade. And let’s remember the delicious local cuisine and charming shops in the village.
Local Events in Dunster
See if any events will be happening during your visit. Recommended venues include:
- Discover Dunster: Consult the Discover Dunster website for upcoming events
- Visit Dunster: Another site for Dunster events
- Dunster Festival: High quality classical chamber music and Art – May
- Dunster Country Fair: One day only. If you’re there on the day, enjoy an English country fair
- Dunster by Candlelight: A winter-season event with music and entertainment
Architecture in Dunster
Architecture Buffs should reference the Listed Buildings in Dunster and choose among the 30 listed buildings to explore in Dunster.
Learn About Dunster Before Your Visit
Overview: Minehead and Dunster Through Time by Simon Haines
History: Dunster – A Castle at War: A Journey Through 900 Years of Savage and Colorful History
History: The Ladies of Dunster Castle (Jim Lee)
Watch: Dig Village – Collection of archeological dig videos on YouTube
Listen to Our Dunster Podcast
Develop Your Personal Dunster Itinerary
- Selected attractions: Check attraction websites for your selections for open days, times, prices, and ticket information.
- Lodging: We recommend a Bed and Breakfast experience in Dunster.
- Transportation: Especially if you rely on public transportation, plan how you will get to and from places on your personalized itinerary. Dunster can be a bit tricky, but it is possible to get around without a personal car. We did it!
- Walk through the village. Consult the Countryside Walks in Dunster at the link provided here.
- Google Maps: We recommend downloading an offline version of Google Maps to help you with navigation. Note that the offline version of Google Maps provides driving routes versus walking routes.
Dunster Fun Facts
More Articles About Places in Dunster
Click the links below for posts related to our Dunster, England visit:
Dunster Castle in Somerset
Visiting Dunster Beach
Visiting Somerset
Discover the History and Beauty of West Somerset Railway
Dunster – Know Before You Go
- ✈️ Airport: Bristol Airport (code: BRS)
- ⏰ Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- 💰 Currency: Pound Sterling (£GBP)
- 🗣 Language: English
- 🔌 Electricity Socket: For the United Kingdom, the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The United Kingdom operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Use this universal travel adaptor.
Thanks for reading. We hope to see you at the places where we go!
Julie & Art
#dunster
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