Around the Village

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Dunster

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Gateway to Exmoor

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Dunster -

Yarn Market

The Yarn Market in the High Street shows the village's wool trading heritage that held sway of the towns economy for hundreds of years. Naturally the story and history of Dunster is integrally linked with the history of the castle itself which is now owned and maintained by the National Trust.

Dunster Castle & Gardens
Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed at Dunster since at least Norman times. An impressive medieval gateway and ruined tower give a reminder of its turbulent history and its survival of two sieges. The Castle was home to the Luttrell family for over 600 years and was given to the National Trust in 1976. The castle was re-modelled by Anthony Salvin in 1868-72, enabling the family to accommodate increased domestic areas as well as show rooms for entertaining. A fine oak and elm staircase and intricate plasterwork ceiling can still be seen a long with the unique collection of 17th century leather hangings. Visitors can relax on the sunny sheltered terrace, which is home to a variety of subtropical plants and the National Collection of Strawberry Trees. The stunning location commands spectacular views across the Bristol Channel and Exmoor and a pleasant walk beside the River Avill adds to the ambience.

Gallox Bridge

The Gallox Bridge dates from the 15th century. It has been designated as a Grade I Listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is a narrow stone packhorse bridge on the southern outskirts of Dunster, with two arches over the River Avill. It was originally known as Gallows Bridge

Dunster Dolls Museum

Dunster wishes to invite you to its brand new community museum and doll collection. Our fabulous Doll Collection which was started in 1957 by Mrs Mollie Hardwick. She began to collect her "family" of dolls as ill health had prevented her from traveling. Following her wishes, the collection was put on display in the Dunster Memorial Hall in 1971. The collection of rare and unusual dolls has grown to become one of the largest collections of dolls in the country, with thousands of dolls spanning different time eras, cultures and manufacturers.

Hobby Horse, May Day Dunster

St George’s Church

In 1097, the monks began the construction of a priory church, which eventually became the Parish & Priory Church of St George. While some of this early construction work remains, notably in the North wall, West Door and two piers at the base of the tower, much of what is seen today is perpendicular overlaying Early English, all overlaid again with Victorian embellishments.

Following a dispute between the monks and the town, in 1499 the church was divided into a conventual chapel to the East and a parochial church to the West; an arrangement that persists to this day. One legacy of that split is the magnificent Rood Screen that spans the church.