The UK is filled with castles and medieval ruins. However, there aren’t many as beautiful as one just under two hours from Bristol over the border in Somerset.
Dunster has always been a popular village with visitors because of its picturesque, historic streets. And its rich-filled history has convinced many to visit over the years. Located within the Exmoor National Park and located just a few miles away from the popular seaside resort of Minehead, it’s the perfect destination for either a day trip or a longer break, reports Somerset Live.
The village is filled with charming shop-fronts which sit side-by-side on cobbled streets. It’s also home to theiconic church of St George and the famous Yarn market, built in 1605, is a must-see for all tourists.
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There’s also a water mill, the Tithe Barn and a host of listed buildings which add to the charm of the tiny village. But what really puts Dunster on the map as a tourist destination is stunning fairytale castle on the hill which overlooks the village.
Its famous castle lies on the top of a steep hill called the Tor and has been so since the late Anglo-Saxon period. Over the centuries, the castle has seen its fair share of action, most notably during the First English Civil War, which began in 1642.
It was the fortified home of the Lutrells for over 600 years before it was remodelled in the 1870s to create the stunning country house which currently sits there today. In 1976 the castle was passed on to the National Trust, which operates it as a tourist attraction.
Tourists can also get a glimpse of what it was like living in the earlier centuries with the village’s annual show. It is an agricultural event on the castle grounds with a wide range of activities ranging from ferret racing to cattle parades.
It takes place every year in August, which means you have a bit of a wait on your hands if you were hoping to go.
This article was first published in 2022 and has been updated for 2024.