The Charming picture-postcard village near one of Britain's 'worst' seaside resorts

The idyllic village of Dunster in Somerset is a stone's throw away from what has been dubbed one of the UK's 'worst' seaside towns. Strolling through the tranquil streets of this quintessentially English village, with its mere 800 residents and history dating back to the Iron Age, you might never guess that the bustling tourist hub of Minehead lies less than three miles away on the Bristol Channel coast.

Minehead, known for its Butlins resort among other attractions, found itself in the top ten of the 'worst seaside resorts' in a previous Which? survey where 3,000 participants rated various destinations on aspects such as value for money, seafront, scenery, and attractions. This ranking led to an outcry from local councillors and residents, with one local passionately telling Somerset Live that Minehead boasts "amazing sunrises and sunsets" and suggested detractors could "bog off".

Despite the criticism, Visit Minehead promotes the town as "The gateway to Exmoor", describing it as "a fantastic seaside holiday destination for families, couples and those with a sense for adventure", reports the Express. In contrast, Dunster has been recognised as one of Britain's prime locations to witness the spring blossom, particularly at the National Trust's Dunster Castle, which is adorned with cherry trees.

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The village also hosts the annual Dunster agricultural show, which this month marked an impressive 175 years of existence. The showground is situated in a breathtaking location on the lawns beneath the castle.

Many of the dwellings in the village are thatched cottages, complete with vibrant gardens. The iconic St George's church and the renowned Yarn market, constructed in 1605, are must-visit attractions for all tourists.

The famed castle is perched atop a steep hill known as the Tor and has been there since the late Anglo-Saxon era. Over the centuries, the castle has witnessed its fair share of historical events, most notably during the English Civil War.

The Lutrells called the fortified castle home for over 600 years before it underwent renovations in the 1870s to become the magnificent country house we see today.

The history of Dunster Village includes its High Street, the Yarn Market the Butter Cross, and Dunster Castle which towers above the village. There is also a dolls museum and Dunster even has its own watermill. The High Street looks almost the same as images from close to two centuries ago.

There are many wonderful independent shops in Dunster. You will find gifts, amazing local art, handmade crafts, and much more. There are also many options for accommodation in the village and surrounding areas. There are many wonderful restaurants in Dunster.

There are many fine-dining restaurants that offer lunches or dinners in the village, as well as cozy pubs with fireplaces. Many tea rooms and cafes offer traditional cream teas. Some even have their own gardens. Local ales and ciders are available, as well as lamb and venison from local farms.