Dunster
Dunster, in Exmoor National Park, is one of England's best preserved medieval market towns. It was once a thriving centre for the cloth industry as well as a port (in the days that the coast came nearer to the town than it does today).
Dunster's famous castle was established by the Mohun family following the Norman conquest. It was sold to the Luttrell family in the 14th century, and passed on to the National Trust in the 20th century.
St. George's Church was once the centre of a Benedictine Priory which was founded in the twelfth century and survived until the Dissolution. Parts of its ancient walls and quiet gardens can still be seen today.
There are many other historic buildings and landmarks in Dunster. These include the Yarn Market, Gallox Bridge, the Dovecote, the Tythe Barn, the Luttrell Arms Hotel, the Watermill and the Butter Cross.
Dunster is beautiful all year round, but particularly so on a summer's day. Nestling among steep wooded hills, a mile from the coast, it is a fantastic base for walkers and nature lovers. Exmoor's high heather-clad moors, wooded river valleys, and spectacular cliffs are all within easy reach.
Though a small town (or large village), Dunster has excellent shops, cafes and pubs, as detailed on several websites:
