Dunster - Landmarks

Landmarks

Dunster, in Exmoor National Park, has many listed buildings including 200 Grade II, two Grade I and two Grade I*.

Dunster Castle is situated on a steep hill overlooking the village. Of the Norman castle, sited on what is now the keep, little remains except for the 13th-century gatehouse. The present building was developed in 1617 with subsequent refurbishment in the 1680s including fine plasterwork ceilings and the main staircase. The castle was largely remodelled in the Victorian period by Anthony Salvin. Salvin added towers and turrets giving the castle its fairy-tale appearance. The castle came into the possession of the Luttrell family in the late 14th century and remained in their ownership until it was given to the National Trust in 1976. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building.

The 17th-century Yarn Market (1609) was an important centre for the dominant wool trade. The building contains a hole in one of the roof beams, a result of cannon fire in the Civil War.

The Priory Church of St George is predominantly 15th century with evidence of 12th and 13th century work. It was restored in 1875–77 by George Edmund Street. The church has a cruciform plan with a central four-stage tower, built in 1443 with diagonal buttresses, a stair turret and single bell-chamber windows.

Other notable buildings include the Nunnery, Dunster Mill, Dovecote and the Priory barn, which belonged to Dunster Priory.

The Luttrell Arms was formerly a guest house for the Abbots of Cleeve; its oldest section dates from 1443. The hotel now has 28 ensuite rooms.

Conygar Tower is a folly used as a landmark for shipping. It is situated on the top of Conygar Hill and overlooks the village. It was designed and built by Richard Phelps in 1776 and was commissioned by Henry Fownes Luttrell. It has no strategic or military significance.

Other attractions include a Doll Museum.