Things to do in Dunster and Exmoor
Located in the heart of Exmoor, the market town of Dunster has plenty to offer everyone. From its picturesque castle to its sleepy village and surrounding countryside, it's hard not to fall in love with this scenic spot.
Here are the best things to do in Dunster and Exmoor that you won't want to miss out on! All are within easy reach of our delightful Doniford Bay Holiday Park.
1. Dunster Castle and Watermill
Exploring Dunster Castle is an absolute must. It was built sometime between the 11th and 15th centuries and has been undergoing a massive renovation in stages since 1996. Alongside the castle ruins, there is a working watermill with a lovely garden to explore. Built on the steep slope of Somerset's Blackdown Hills, the dramatic views are worth taking in.
Dunster House provides an intimate glimpse into the life lived by the nobility that resided within its walls. You can stroll through the beautiful gardens or take part in one of the National Trust property's many tours. It is also home to The Dunster Textile Archive Centre, which houses over 300 years' worth of weaving and spinning equipment, including some from as far back as 1834.
An hour's drive away, you will find Exmoor National Park - England's largest national park - where you can roam freely around some incredible landscapes.
2. Dunster Exmoor National Park Centre
Dunster's National Park Centre is an excellent intro to the area's varied landscape, geology, flora and fauna. It also has a small exhibition centre which details the creation of the National Park. There’s plenty of room to relax, and it’s accessible for those with disabilities.
Stretching out behind the centre are unspoilt wetlands, offering a variety of walking routes ranging from three to 10 miles, as well as birdwatching and fishing opportunities.
3. Dunster Museum and Dolls Collection
Dunster Museum was created as a collaboration between English Heritage and The National Trust to demonstrate life in the village during Tudor and Victorian times. It's home to one of the most extensive collections of dolls' houses in England with 17th-century figures, traditional farm implements and dolls' toys which once belonged to Sir Thomas Deane-Tanner who donated his extensive collection. Visitors can explore four historic cottages, two workshops and a schoolroom furnished with period furniture.
The museum's visitor facilities include a café serving drinks, snacks and sandwiches, as well as toilets for disabled visitors. Guided tours are available on request. Entry is free for all members of English Heritage or National Trust, but donations are always welcome!
4. Dunster Butter Cross
If you love history, are into butter or enjoy seeing things from different angles, then make a stop at the Dunster Butter Cross. The monument was built in the 16th century for the best of reasons: to keep everyone well stocked with butter on market day.
Today, it's a tourist attraction that's one of the best things to do in Dunster and Exmoor. Visitors can see the cross from all four directions as it sits on a small hill that's surrounded by green fields. There are many steps leading up to the top of the hill, but some visitors prefer to take a shortcut through one of the nearby fields.
5. Conygar Tower
One of the best places for views in the whole country is Conygar Tower. This tower was originally built as a 12th-century keep but has been extensively altered over the centuries. It stands 18 metres high and represents medieval archaeology that can be explored today.
The sheer height of this turret offers beautiful views across rivers, fields, woods, hills and valleys towards far-off mountains, an iconic symbol of Somerset.
6. Dunster Yarn Market
In the heart of medieval England lies a hub for historical textiles. The beautiful Dunster Yarn Market was once the site of an impressive wool market, supplying high-quality raw materials to local craftsmen. Today, the old buildings house a range of independent shops selling contemporary crafts from around the world.
Visitors can watch experts at work spinning yarn on ancient machines, explore craft galleries and even purchase their own handmade yarn as a souvenir! There are also tearooms and cafés serving delicious homemade fare. So, if you're looking for something off the beaten track, head to this historic textile hub.
7. Dunster Gallox Bridge
Gallox Bridge is one of the many examples of why the rural West Country was favoured by industrialists at the end of the 18th century.
Made with handmade mortise-and-tenon joints, it dates from 1798, but it is thought that its predecessor could have been as old as 1698. It is still used today for pedestrians and cyclists. It crosses a large stream, River Avill, which feeds into the River Avill, which then feeds into the Bristol Channel. There are other bridges along the river, including the Lover's Bridge which is also worth exploring.
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Important information
Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset’ is available at Burnham-on-Sea. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.
“Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. This offer is available at Burnham-on-Sea only and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade) for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Site fees from as little as £125 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £750.00 (includes purchasing discount of £20) and monthly letting income of £606.00. The monthly difference equates to £124 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.