Dunster: Castle, Yarn Market and woodland walks

Dunster’s history is reflected in different ways in its castle, market hall and church; named walking routes offer another focus. You can plan your stay around whether architectural and local history or woodland walks and views are most important to you.

Castle and local history

Dunster Castle was first built as a motte-and-bailey castle in the years following the Norman Conquest. The estate later remained in the Luttrell family’s possession for 600 years. Its historic features include the stables, which date from the early 17th century. The Castle is also home to a collection of painted leather hangings considered unique of its kind in the United Kingdom. The castle thus brings together early fortification history, a long family history and a distinctive collection.

Dunster Yarn Market stands on High Street in the centre of Dunster. The octagonal timber-framed market hall dates from the 17th century: it was built in 1609 and repaired in 1647. As evidence of the once-thriving cloth trade, it recalls an earlier economic role for the village. The street itself is also a historic point of reference: Dunster High Street is almost unchanged from images taken nearly two centuries ago. The market hall and streetscape thus offer different clues to the village’s history.

The Priory Church of St George is predominantly a 15th-century building. At the same time, it incorporates fabric from the 12th and 13th centuries, as well as a 13th-century monastic choir. A carved oak screen dates from the late 15th century. Several building periods can therefore be distinguished at the church, from older features to later additions. This makes it a distinct architectural subject alongside the castle and market hall.

Dunster Village Museum also explores the village’s history, documenting 10,000 years of Dunster’s past. Its collections include Roman pots found by the Dunster Museum Archaeology Group. The Doll Collection of the Dunster Museum & Doll Collection is housed in the Harborne Gallery on a mezzanine level. These collections complement the architectural history with archaeological finds and a dedicated display of dolls.

The medieval Dunster Butter Cross is a stone cross that once served as a meeting place for butter traders. It is within walking distance of the village and can be viewed from the road. Check local guidance before your visit.

Woodland walks and arrival

Two named routes offer different experiences. The “Conygar Tower from Dunster Castle walk” passes through quiet woodland to a folly built by Henry Luttrell, an unusual ornamental structure. The “Grabbist Hill from Dunster Castle walk” runs through ancient woodland and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. When choosing between the two descriptions, the first focuses on the circular walk and the structure, while the second highlights ancient woodland and views.

For those arriving on foot, the location of Dunster Station is important: the station is about a mile from the medieval village. The walk takes at least 20 minutes and climbs towards the end; path conditions may vary. Take these details into account when planning and check conditions in advance. The station has a ticket office selling the full range of West Somerset Railway tickets. As this is current operator information, check the railway’s operating details before travelling too.

Discover more destinations: Stogumber, West Chinnock, Buckland Dinham, Clatworthy, Nunney, Tintinhull, South Petherton, Brompton Regis.

For the broader travel overview: Somerset.