A coastal village in Somerset has been crowned the prettiest village in the UK.

Dunster in Somerset is just down the road from the major seaside resort of Minehead, which is known for its big sandy beach and Butlins resort. However, far fewer tourists take the time to explore the village, which sits within the sprawling landscape of Exmoor National Park and has its own, secluded waterside spot. 

Dunster Beach is less well known than nearby Minehead, but is arguably more beautiful and much more peaceful. It has sand and shingle shores and offers great views of the Bristol Channel. It’s popular with walkers, as dogs are allowed year-round. At low tide, it’s a popular spot for rockpooling, and you’ll often find baby crabs hidden among the stones. There’s also a small cafe where you can warm up with a cup of tea after a winter walk. 

Drive through Dunster’s main road and you’ll see stone-clad cottages, traditional pubs, and tearooms along the way. There’s a charming village feel, with cobbled streets and arty local shops where you can pick up souvenirs.

In the village’s centre, you’ll find the Dunster Museum & Doll Collection, full of porcelain dolls, Victorian dollhouses, and lots of other historic toys. It boasts one of the largest collections of dolls outside of the V&A. There are also local history displays, so you can learn about the village’s involvement in the Exmoor wool and cloth trade. 

Dunster also has a stop on the West Somerset Railway, a historic train service that runs to Minehead in one direction and to Bishops Lydeard in the other. These steam trains take passengers through the scenic countryside, and there are often seasonal events such as Santa trains where kids can meet Father Christmas on board.

In a recent list compiled by the Telegraph Dunster placed at number one. The publication noted that it has more than 200 listed buildings. They added: “Dunster is a picture-perfect medieval village for winter. It sits on the edge of Exmoor, well-placed for bracing strolls, world-class dark skies, bountiful snowdrops (try Snowdrop Valley from late January) and 4WD safaris – low winter foliage makes wildlife easier to spot.”

On a hill overlooking the village you’ll find Dunster Castle and Watermill, a National Trust property. It was originally a wooden castle built during the Anglo-Saxon period, and the site has been developed and expanded over the years to become an impressive medieval castle and manor house. There’s also a restored 18th-century castle watermill on the grounds, which remains operational to this day.

Once you’ve explored the castle, a pleasant afternoon can be spent walking around the grounds. They include a pretty riverside wooded garden and Mediterranean plants in bloom during the spring.

There’s a variety of accommodation options to choose from around Dunster. Try the Yarn Market Hotel, which is in the heart of the village and offers cosy rooms and a restaurant serving up British classics. Or for sea views, hire a chalet at Dunster Beach Holidays, which gives you direct access to the seafront. 

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