Things to do near Dunster
Walking, riding, beaches, the West Somerset Railway, golf and Exmoor's dark skies, all within easy reach of Dunster.
On the moor
Exmoor became a National Park in 1954. It covers 267 square miles, about two-thirds of it in Somerset, and Dunster sits on its north-east edge.
Wild ponies and red deer
Look for Exmoor ponies on the open moor and red deer at the woodland edges, early or late in the day.
Explore on horseback
Exmoor has hundreds of miles of bridleways. Bring your own horse or ride with a local stables.
The riding route of the Coleridge Way links the Quantocks and Exmoor. Each spring the Golden Horseshoe endurance ride crosses the moor.
The coast
The South West Coast Path starts at Minehead, two miles from Dunster, and runs 630 miles to Poole. The first stretch west, over North Hill to Porlock, is steep but worth it.
Beaches and coves
Dunster Beach and Minehead have long, easy beaches. Further west the shore is shingle and rock.
The West Somerset Railway, a heritage line, runs inland from Minehead and stops at Dunster. Trains run on selected dates only, so check the calendar first.
Exmoor safaris
A guided 4×4 safari takes you onto tracks you can't drive yourself, with a good chance of seeing red deer.
Golf at Minehead
Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club is a links course by the sea, open all year.
Exmoor dark skies
Exmoor was named Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011. On a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way from the moor above Dunster. The National Park's stargazing pages list the best spots.
Discover stargazing →Plan your visit
Opening arrangements, timetables and event programmes can change. Check your actual visit date with the operator.