The UK’s prettiest village tucked inside a national park with its own peaceful beach
- UK Hidden Gems
- Dec 23, 2025
- 3 min read
A seaside village in Somerset has been named the prettiest village in the whole of the UK.
This village is found in Somerset, just a short distance from the popular seaside town of Minehead, which is famous for its long sandy beach and Butlins resort.
Even so, many visitors miss out on this place, which sits within Exmoor National Park and even has its own quiet spot by the water.
Dunster Beach is not as well known as Minehead Beach, but many would say it is more attractive and far calmer.
It has a mix of sand and shingle and looks out across the Bristol Channel. Walkers love it because dogs are welcome all year.
When the tide is out, families enjoy rockpooling and spotting tiny crabs between the stones. There is also a small cafe where you can stop for a hot drink after a chilly walk.
As you travel along Dunster’s main street, you will pass stone cottages, cosy pubs and traditional tearooms. The village has a warm and welcoming feel, with cobbled roads and small local shops selling handmade gifts and souvenirs.
In the heart of the village is the Dunster Museum and Doll Collection, which is filled with porcelain dolls, Victorian dollhouses and other historic toys.
It holds one of the biggest doll collections outside the V&A. Visitors can also learn about Dunster’s past and its role in the Exmoor wool and cloth trade.
Dunster also has its own stop on the West Somerset Railway, a historic steam train line that runs to Minehead in one direction and Bishops Lydeard in the other.
The trains travel through beautiful countryside and often host special events, including Santa journeys where children can meet Father Christmas on board.
In a recent ranking by the Telegraph, Dunster was placed in first position. The newspaper highlighted that the village has more than 200 listed buildings.
They said Dunster is perfect in winter, with easy access to Exmoor walks, dark skies for stargazing, fields of snowdrops from late January and better chances to spot wildlife.
Looking down over the village from a nearby hill is Dunster Castle and Watermill, which is cared for by the National Trust.
The site began as a wooden fort in Anglo Saxon times and has grown into a grand medieval castle and manor house. Visitors can also see the restored 18th century watermill, which is still working today.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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