While creating this website guide to Dunster Village I have come across many questions about Dunster that people have asked either on the website, or on my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages – so in this blog post I thought I would answer them in as much detail as possible!

So if you have a question I have not answered please comment below to ask yours and I will do my best to answer or find the answer for you!

What county is Dunster in?

Dunster Village is located in Somerset, located on the Bristol Channel coast just 2.5 miles south/southeast of Minehead and 20 miles north west of Taunton.

Is Dunster worth visiting?

Yes Dunster Village is worth visiting! From all the history in the village of Dunster Castle, Dunster Dovecote, Dunster Doll Museum and more to the range of independent shops, resturants, pubs and tea rooms. The only issue you will have is trying to fit it all in one visit to Dunster!

When did the National Trust take over Dunster Castle?

The National Trust took ownership of Dunster Castle in 1976. When Geoffrey Luttrell died in 1957 his wife remained at the castle till her death in 1974. Then in 1976 her son, Colonel Walter Luttrell gave Dunster Castle and the majority of its contents to the National Trust, which today it operates as a tourist attraction. Today Dunster Castle is a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.

Does Dunster have a beach?

Yes Dunster has a beach! Dunster Beach is only 1.5 miles from Dunster Village and the beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. From here there are beautiful views and walking access along the coast in both directions either to Blue Anchor or to Minehead.

Is Dunster Beach Sandy?

Dunster beach has a wonderful sand and shingle beach with plenty of parking in the pay and display car park. Located just a mile from Dunster Station and over 2 miles from Dunster Village, there is options to walk along the coastal path to Blue Anchor or the other direction to Minehead.

What shops are there in Dunster?

Dunster has a range of independent shops that can be found here

Is Dunster a town or a village?

Dunster is a Village and a civil parish and former manor within the English county of Somerset. It is just within the north-eastern boundary of Exmoor National Park.

What is Dunster famous for?

For hundreds of years Dunster has been famous for Dunster Castle and the selling on quality wool at Dunster Yarn Market.
Today Dunster has everything you could ask for! A fantastic and historic village with Dunster Castle at the heart of it, but not forgetting the famous Dunster Yarn Market, Dunster Gallox Bridge, Dunster Working Watermill, Conygar Tower, Bats Castle, Dunster Deer Park, St Georges Church. Not to mention the number of 17th to 19th century buildings and independent shops, restaurants, teashops, hotels and pubs and inns.

When is Dunster Country Fair?

Dunster Country Fair will take place on Wednesday 27th July 2022 on the Dunster Castle Lawns with permission of The Dunster Estate.

When is Dunster Show?

The 175th Dunster Show is taking place on Friday 19th August 2022 and will be held on the Dunster Castle Lawns adjacent to Dunster Castle.

Is Dunster beach car park free?

Dunster Beach is private property so you must use the parking machines to pay for your parking when you visit Dunster Beach. Parking for 1 hour is only £1 and all day parking is £5. If you contact Dunster Beach Holidays you can purchase a parking permit that works out around 20p per day for a year!

Is Dunster on the coast?

Yes, Dunster Village is only 1 and half miles from Dunster Beach and the sea of the Bristol Channel, so ideal for a paddle in the summer!

Who owned Dunster Castle?

Originally owned by the de Mohuns, it was sold to the Luttrell family at the end of the 14th century. The Luttrell family continued to live and own the property until the late 20th century, before handing ownership to the National Trust in 1976.

Is Dunster Castle free to National Trust members?

Yes, if you are a National Trust member you get free entry to Dunster Castle and free parking adjacent to the Castle.

How much is parking at Dunster Castle?

There is a pay & display in the car park where car park charges will apply for non-members at £5.50 per vehicle per day or £11 for motor homes. If you don’t have coins to pay, you can use the Paybyphone app on your smartphone, location code 806775. National Trust members park for free.

How much does it cost to visit Dunster Castle?

Tickets at Dunster Castle and Gardens for Adult costs £13, Child £6.50, Family £32.50 and 1 adult and up to 3 children is £19.50.

Can you take dogs on Dunster Beach?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Dunster Beach, there are many dog waste bins around the beach and car park also. Dogs must be kept on a lead on the grass near to the Dunster Beach chalets.

What time does Dunster Castle car park open?

Dunster Castle Car Park opens at 9am and closes at 5pm, be aware the car park will be closed and locked every day at 5pm and no overnight parking is permitted.

What was filmed In Dunster Village?

The episode of Agatha Christie’s Poirot named “The Cornish Mystery” was filmed in Dunster Village in 1990.
Alice Pengelley visits Poirot in London telling him she thinks she is being poisoned by her husband. When Poirot arrives in Cornwall the next day to investigate Mrs. Pengelley’s charges, he is too late, and finds her dead.

Was Poirot filmed in Dunster?

The episode of Agatha Christie’s Poirot named “The Cornish Mystery” was filmed in Dunster in 1990. Alice Pengelley visits Poirot telling him she thinks she is being poisoned by her husband. When Poirot arrives the next day to investigate Mrs. Pengelley’s charges, he is too late, and finds her dead.

What time does Dunster Steep car park open?

Dunster Steep Car Park is open 24 hours a day but charges start at 9am until 6pm.

How long does it take to go around Dunster Castle?

It takes about 1-2 hours to tour Dunster Castle and the grounds – giving you enough time to enjoy all of the sights and history of Dunster Castle and Gardens.

What time is high tide at Dunster?

We have that displays the Dunster Beach tides times and can be found here

What is near Dunster?

Dunster has a few neighbouring towns and villages such as Minehea, Timberscombe, Watchet, Bossington and Porlock. See our blog post – 10 Beautiful Villages to Visit Near Dunster

Is Dunster in Devon or Somerset?

Dunster is located in Somerset. Somerset borders Devon so this is why some people get confused over this.

Can dogs go to Dunster Castle?

Dogs are welcome all year round at Dunster Castle but not inside the Castle itself, there is plenty of space to explore around Dunster Castle Grounds as well as the River by the Watermill.

When was Dunster Yarn Market built?

The Yarn Market in Dunster was built in 1609 and was then repaired in 1647.

How much does Dunster Castle cost?

Tickets at Dunster Castle and Gardens for Adult costs £13, Child £6.50, Family £32.50 and 1 adult and up to 3 children is £19.50.

Is Dunster Show on this year?

Yes! Recently it was announced it will take place Friday 19th of August 2022.

Is Dunster Country Fair on this year?

Yes it will be taking place on Wednesday 27th July 2022.

Is there parking at Dunster Castle?

Yes, there is a pay & display in the car park where car park charges will apply for non-members at £5.50 per vehicle per day or £11 for motor homes. If you don’t have coins to pay, you can use the Paybyphone app on your smartphone, location code 806775. National Trust members park for free.

Do you need to book for Dunster Castle?

You don’t need to book but it is highly recommended to ensure you are guaranteed entry to Dunster Castle during peak times.

What county is Dunster Castle in?

Dunster Castle is located in Dunster Village in Somerset.

Can you go into Dunster Castle?

Yes you can pay to tour Dunster Castle and Gardens, I highly recommend visiting here and exploring Dunster Castle and Dunster Watermill and the Castle Grounds.

Can you swim at Dunster Beach?

The currents along the stretch of the coast are notoriously strong so swimming is not advised.

Can you walk around Dunster Castle?

Yes, some of the rooms in Dunster Castle are view only but most of the Castle you can walk around and see thea beauty for yourself!

What has been filmed in Dunster?

A range of tv shows and films have been filmed in Dunster but most noteable is Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Cornish Mystery (Season 2 Episode 4). Alice Pengelley visits Poirot in London, telling him she thinks she is being poisoned by her husband. When Poirot arrives in Cornwall the next day to investigate Mrs. Pengelley’s charges, he is too late, and finds her dead.

Where was Poirot a Cornish mystery filmed?

The episode was filmed in Dunster, Somerset. You can see Dunster High Street, Chapel House in West Street as well as a number of shops and houses were used in this episode!

Where do residents park in Dunster?

Most Dunster residents have private parking but otherwise limited parking is available on the roads or car parks in Dunster Village. National Trust members can park for free in the Dunster Castle car park, which is off the A39 before the turn-off for Dunster Village. Non-members can also park in the National Trust car park for £2.50; be careful to check when this car park shuts as it is locked overnight.

Is Dunster Castle open to visitors?

Yes Dunster Castle is open to visitors, just check the National Trust website for opening times and any latest information.

Does anyone still live in Dunster Castle?

No one lives in Dunster Castle anymore, in 1976 Colonel Walter Luttrell gave Dunster Castle and its contents to the National Trust, which now operates it as a tourist attraction.

Is Dunster Castle worth visiting?

Yes it is! With the Castle the main feature, the beautiful Dunster Castle Gardens and Grounds are just stunning to explore. Your entry fee also covers visiting Dunster Working Watermill which is also a great look-back into the history of Dunster Village.

Does anyone live in Dunster Castle?

No one lives in Dunster Castle, today Dunster Castle operates as a tourist attraction by the National Trust.

Can you take dogs in Dunster Castle?

Dogs are welcome all year round at Dunster Castle but not inside the Castle, there is plenty of space to explore around Dunster Castle Grounds as well as the River by the Watermill.

Can you go in Dunster Castle?

Yes you can go into Dunster Castle! Dunster Castle and Gardens are open daily, last entry to the castle is 1hr 15mins before it closes and last entry to the gardens is 1 hour before closure. The Stables Shop, Watermill Tearoom, and parkland are open 10am to 5pm and the car park is locked at 6pm.

Is Dunster Castle free for National Trust members?

Entry and parking in Dunster Castle is free for National Trust members with a valid membership card, during normal opening hours.

How many chalets are on Dunster Beach?

Dunster Beach is a private site of 230 chalets. They are all owned by individuals and families and most are rented out during the holiday season.

Who owns the Dunster Castle?

Dunster Castle is owned and operated by the National Trust. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building.

How old is the Dunster Castle?

Dunster Castle has over 1000 years of history. In 1066, de Mohun William arrived in England. He constructed the timber castle on the site of the Dunster; however, by the 13th century, nothing from his structure remained because of weak structures other than a lower level gateway and iron-bound oak doors.

Who are the Luttrell family?

The Luttrell family purchased Dunster Castle in 1376 and lived and owned Dunster Castle for 21 generations and 500 years.