Dunster Events
Unmissable days out in Dunster
2024 EVENTS IN DUNSTER
Enjoy family days out and events in Dunster
If you are looking for the latest Dunster Events then you have arrived at the ideal place!
Here will show you all of the upcoming Dunster Events and when they are taking place, including any further information on these.
July Events
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 10th July
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Behind the scenes: Attic Tours
Fri 5th & Sat 13th July
Dunster Castle
Join an attic tour to experience life behind the scenes at Dunster Castle.
See spaces you haven’t seen before and hear stories about the servants who lived and used the spaces upstairs.
Taunton Garrison Weekend
6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th July
Dunster Castle
Members of the Taunton Garrison will be back at Dunster Castle on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July. A living history camp will be set up on the forecourt of the castle for visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during the Monmouth Rebellion and English Civil War.
Please note that the musket demonstrations will include loud noises that may not be suitable for some visitors and dogs.
West Somerset Railway 150th Anniversary Event
Tuesday 16th - Sunday 21st July
Dunster Station
2024 marks a very special year for the West Somerset Railway as it marks the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the line between Watchet and Minehead.
We have a wide range of activities happening throughout the week of 16th-21st July in order to commemorate this special occasion.
Living History camp
Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th July
Dunster Castle
A living history camp will be set up on the forecourt of the castle for visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during the English Civil War. Discover what the camp inhabitants ate, how they dressed and learn about the weapons they used to attack and defend. The day includes firing of muskets during weapon demonstrations and a children’s pike drill.
Summer Trail 2024
20th - 31st July
Dunster Castle
One of the young Pages has been cleaning the Knights’ shields but on returning to the castle realised his sack had a large hole in it! Can you help him find the shields and work out which belongs to which Knight?
Please note that the grounds will close at 5pm.
Dunster Country Fair
Wednesday 24th July 2024
Dunster Showground
Dunster Country Fair is held in the picturesque setting of Dunster Castle Lawns by kind permission of The Dunster Estate. This year the fair will be celebrating 45 years from the early beginnings, as a Donkey Derby held in West Somerset. The Dunster Country Fair has grown to become one of West Somerset’s premier attractions – it’s a fun day out for all the family!
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 24th July
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Dunster Antiques Fair
Sunday 28th July
Dunster Tithe Barn
Dunster Tithe Barn will be opening the barn doors for the biggest Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Fair. Sunday from 10am!
All welcome and free entry too!
Exmoor Coaster
Running throughout July
Dunster Steep
One of the UK’s most spectacular open top bus rides, combining the wild beauty of the Exmoor National Park and the seaside harbour of Lynmouth.
The Exmoor Coaster links seaside towns across the dramatic moorland, traversing the insanely steep Porlock Hill as it climbs between coast and moor.
August Events
Summer Trail 2024
1st - 31st August
Dunster Castle
One of the young Pages has been cleaning the Knights’ shields but on returning to the castle realised his sack had a large hole in it! Can you help him find the shields and work out which belongs to which Knight?
Please note that the grounds will close at 5pm.
Taunton Garrison Weekend
3rd 4th August
Dunster Castle
Members of the Taunton Garrison will be back at Dunster Castle on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August. A living history camp will be set up on the forecourt of the castle for visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during the Monmouth Rebellion and English Civil War.
Please note that the musket demonstrations will include loud noises that may not be suitable for some visitors and dogs.
Dunster Outback Guided Walk
Wednesday 7th August
Dunster National Park Centre
Join a guided walk leader and explore the picturesque landscape around Dunster.
A 2- 2.5hr/4 mile guided walk, taking in the historical sites of Dunster village and the breathtaking views above the village from the ancient hillforts of Grabbist Hill and Bat’s Castle.
Behind the scenes: Attic Tours
8th,10th, 17th & 22nd August
Dunster Castle
Join an attic tour to experience life behind the scenes at Dunster Castle.
See spaces you haven’t seen before and hear stories about the servants who lived and used the spaces upstairs.
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 14th August
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Forties Event On The West Somerset Railway
Saturday 14th - Sunday 15st September
Dunster Station
Forties Weekend A weekend celebrating the sights and sounds of the 1940s. Featuring costumed performers and our popular Saturday night platform dance will be back and taking place at Minehead station. Please note, there will be an adult platform ticket for Minehead platform only for this event. All other stations will be free access as usual.
Dunster Show
Friday 16th August
Dunster Lawns
Taking place on the lawns below Dunster Castle the dramatic backdrop is a perfect setting for a magical family day out. The popular food and craft marquee, plentiful trade stands, selling everything from a new Land Rover to beautiful jewellery. Dunster Show also boasts a competitive showing atmosphere with a wide range of classes for horses, cattle and sheep, attracting competitors from all over the country.
Living History camp
Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st August
Dunster Castle
A living history camp will be set up on the forecourt of the castle for visitors to experience the sights, sounds and smells of life during the English Civil War. Discover what the camp inhabitants ate, how they dressed and learn about the weapons they used to attack and defend. The day includes firing of muskets during weapon demonstrations and a children’s pike drill.
Dunster Antiques Fair
Sunday 25th August
Dunster Tithe Barn
Dunster Tithe Barn will be opening the barn doors for the biggest Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Fair. Sunday from 10am!
All welcome and free entry too!
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 28th August
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Exmoor Coaster
Running throughout August
Dunster Steep
September Events
Behind the scenes: Attic Tours
Tue 3rd & Sat 14th September
Dunster Castle
Join an attic tour to experience life behind the scenes at Dunster Castle.
See spaces you haven’t seen before and hear stories about the servants who lived and used the spaces upstairs.
Dunster Outback Guided Walk
Wednesday 4th September
Dunster National Park Centre
Join a guided walk leader and explore the picturesque landscape around Dunster.
A 2- 2.5hr/4 mile guided walk, taking in the historical sites of Dunster village and the breathtaking views above the village from the ancient hillforts of Grabbist Hill and Bat’s Castle.
Seasonal Garden Walk: Late Summer
Wednesday 4th September
Tithe Barn, Dunster
Join a member of our garden team on a walk around the garden for an insight into our summer displays. Have a sneak peak inside our small working greenhouses and nursery.
Finish off at the Watermill Tearoom for a bite to eat with an exclusive 20% off on a £5 minimum spend.
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 11th September
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Dunster Antiques Fair
Sunday 15th September
Dunster Tithe Barn
Dunster Tithe Barn will be opening the barn doors for the biggest Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Fair. Sunday from 10am!
All welcome and free entry too!
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 25th September
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Dunster Village Society Autumn Extravaganza
Saturday 28th September
Tithe Barn, Dunster
TBC
October Events
Dunster Outback Guided Walk
Wednesday 2nd October
Dunster National Park Centre
Join a guided walk leader and explore the picturesque landscape around Dunster.
A 2- 2.5hr/4 mile guided walk, taking in the historical sites of Dunster village and the breathtaking views above the village from the ancient hillforts of Grabbist Hill and Bat’s Castle.
Dunster Castle School of Magic
Saturday 5th - 31st October
Dunster Castle
Another mystery that needs your help. Are you up for the challenge? The Pumpkin Games trophy has gone missing and you have a list of suspects! Compete in the games and follow the clues to find out what happened to the trophy!
The trail runs from October 5, £3 per trail including a prize. Please note that the grounds will close at 5pm with last entry at 4pm.
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 9th October
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
Friday 18th October - Sunday 3rd November
Exmoor National Park, Dunster
There will be a host of events for families, amateur astronomers and everyone who feels inspired by the outdoors and the night. Events are spread all over the National Park and are run by the Exmoor National Park Authority and many other businesses and organisations.
Details of all events and booking links will be added here in due course.
Exmoor Day 2024
Saturday 19th October
Dunster Village
The 19th October is Exmoor Day – a day to celebrate all that Exmoor National Park offers to the world. Exmoor National Park boasts inspiring landscapes, thriving communities, wonderful wildlife, enterprising businesses, and a rich cultural heritage.
We’ll be filling our social media channels with lots of Exmoor focused content that day, shining a light on one of the UK’s finest landscapes.
Seasonal Garden Walk: Autumn Colour
Tuesday 22nd October
Dunster Castle
Join a member of our garden team on a walk through the garden. Enjoy the vibrant splashes of colour that Autumn brings and finish at the Watermill Tearoom for a bite to eat with an exclusive 20% discount on a £5 minimum spend.
A Walk Through Dunster's History
Wednesday 23rd October
Dunster National Park Centre
Enjoy a step back in time into the rich tapestry of history in Dunster. A gentle stroll around the village centre, led by local walk leader, lasting around 2hrs. Dogs on short leads allowed. Walks starts at Dunster National Park Centre at 11am
Pasty and a Pint
Wednesday 23rd October
West Somerset Railway
We are offering journeys from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead with a pasty and a pint on your outward journey.
Take the heritage service from Bishops Lydeard at 12:30 and meander through the Quantock Hills and along the coast behind a heritage locomotive taking in the breath-taking scenery whilst enjoying your Pasty and a Pint.
Exmoor Dark Skies Stargazing break
Friday 25th October
The Yarn Market Hotel
The Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, based within Exmoor National Park, Europe’s first designated Dark Skies Reserve, is hosting an early Spring Stargazing weekend. The break is on a full board basis and includes Sunday lunch. A programme of activities takes place over the weekend, led by expert Terry Evans, who will provide fascinating talks and attend the evening stargazing sessions.
Dunster Antiques Fair
Sunday 27th October
Dunster Tithe Barn
Dunster Tithe Barn will be opening the barn doors for the biggest Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Fair. Sunday from 10am!
All welcome and free entry too!
November Events
Dunster Castle School of Magic
1st, 2nd, 3rd November
Dunster Castle
Another mystery that needs your help. Are you up for the challenge? The Pumpkin Games trophy has gone missing and you have a list of suspects! Compete in the games and follow the clues to find out what happened to the trophy!
The trail runs from October 5, £3 per trail including a prize. Please note that the grounds will close at 5pm with last entry at 4pm.
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
Friday 18th October - Sunday 3rd November
Exmoor National Park, Dunster
There will be a host of events for families, amateur astronomers and everyone who feels inspired by the outdoors and the night. Events are spread all over the National Park and are run by the Exmoor National Park Authority and many other businesses and organisations.
Details of all events and booking links will be added here in due course.
Dunster Antiques Fair
Sunday 24th November
Dunster Tithe Barn
Dunster Tithe Barn will be opening the barn doors for the biggest Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Fair. Sunday from 10am!
All welcome and free entry too!
Dunster Village Society Christmas Bazaar
Saturday 30th November
Tithe Barn, Dunster
TBC
December Events
Dunster Winter Festival
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th December
Dunster High Street
Over the weekend of 6th to 8th December, the Dunster Winter Festival will carry on the traditions visitors love. Expect to see lanterns providing atmospheric lighting, some entertainment in the village, and the Castle and other venues open to the public as usual.