The village of Dunster in Somerset has to be one of your prime locations for a fun-packed, diverse cottage holiday. Close to the coast and located within Exmoor National Park, this medieval village has something for everyone, whatever the weather.
Advice on Cottage Holidays in Dunster
Once a feudal stronghold, then transformed into a magnificent family home for 600 years, Dunster Castle sits proudly overlooking the village. Now owned by the National Trust and open to the public, the castle is a popular tourist attraction. Let your mind wander back to a bygone age full of splendour and pageantry as you take in the glorious plaster ceilings, striking 17th century staircase and wonderful art collection. Stroll around the beautiful terraced gardens full of exotic trees and plants, and enjoy stunning views of Exmoor and beyond. Apart from two days at Christmas the gardens are open throughout the year and the Castle is open between March and October.
Dunster has over 200 listed buildings within its boundaries so if historic architecture is a hobby of yours you’ll have plenty to see on a cottage holiday without travelling anywhere. You may also like to pop into the Dunster Doll Museum. This extraordinary collection of 800 dolls will appeal to girls young and old. Collected over a 35-year period, the exhibits from all corners of the globe represent the culture and costumes of their land as well as of their time.
Yet another popular attraction to visit on a self-catering holiday, on the doorstep is Dunster’s Watermill. Built in 1680 the mill is still working, producing flour for local shops. You can see at first hand the entire operation as well as an ancient collection of agricultural machinery displayed in its museum. And if you still enjoy the age of steam then you can relive it with a trip on the West Somerset Railway that runs from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and back, stopping on the way at Dunster. Or the more active can enjoy all that Exmoor has on offer in the way of walking, cycling, horse riding or nature trails.
Fancy something different to get you into the Christmas mood? Every first Friday and Saturday in December Dunster turns off its electric lights and the village is lit entirely by candles. There is a candlelight procession through Dunster accompanied by a variety of street entertainment including stilt walkers, carol singers, a fairground organ and bell ringers. This remarkable event is funded by local traders and proceeds go to Somerset’s St. Margaret’s Hospice. Just like Dunster village itself it’s well worth the trip.
Do plan to book cottages and self-catering accommodation for a stay in Dunster in advance, especially if large groups are concerned. The big cottages always get booked months in advance. Whatever type of self-catering property best suits you, we hope you find a high quality cottage in Somerset that meets your needs.
Book a Dunster cottage and look forward to discovering some of the best of Somerset on holiday.
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