What I Done in Dunster!

Hubby and I are just back from a few days away.

After a busy day selling at the Shepton Mallet Flea Market on Sunday, we had to quickly take back the few unsold items to my shop, before we could be underway. Torrential rain fell, making delivery a little difficult, but we were soon setting out for Dunster, North Somerset, later that afternoon. It's not an area we have been to for many years, but I'm so glad that we took a chance, as we found so much to do and definitely hope to return in the future. On our arrival that evening, the sun came out and didn't really stop shining for the whole of our visit.

I remember recently reading on a blog somewhere, how some people don't like to read long summer holiday posts(?)...I write my blog, not only for my own enjoyment and as a record and reminder of some of the things I get up to, but it's also there for my family to read and enjoy. If you like to come along too, then that's fine by me! I'll try to keep this summery post brief, but will include lots of pictures...

Dunster is a beautifully picturesque medieval village with plenty of interesting historical buildings to visit.

We stayed in a hotel right on the main high street which turned out to be the ideal base, allowing us easy access to explore the National Park and surrounding countryside too.

There are shops, plenty of cafes and restaurants all within easy walking distance. It does get a little touristy during the holiday season, so with Monday being the Bank Holiday, hubby and I headed away from Dunster to some of the quieter spots.

A short drive into the countryside and we stumbled upon Selworthy...

The local church was advertising a flower show, so we decided to take a look.

Each of the beautiful arrangements represented a woman from the bible.

They were all so beautifully put together. This was my favourite - Rebecca.

Selworthy itself is owned by the National Trust and includes several thatched cottages built in the 1800's.

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I could have taken photographs there all day...

But had to stop for tea! ;-))

Later on, we carried on to Porlock, another pretty village on the north Somerset coast...

It's where hubby spotted this small classic car museum.

A visit was a must, even if just for the short chat with the rather eccentric owner!

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Whilst in Porlock, we also fitted in a walk to the coast to enjoy a few lungfuls of the sea air...

Lovely.

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By Tuesday we decided that the crowds would be leaving Dunster, so we thought we'd pay a visit the castle.

It starts with the dahlia garden, which offers a real eyeful of colour at this late stage in the summer.

Some of the blooms are the size of dinner plates - real gaudy gorgeousness!

The walk continues through the very secluded gardens...

Until the arrival at the front entrance.

More a stately home than a castle; some of the rooms are open to the public.

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Many with a sea view!

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Although our mini-break was meant to be a rest, hubby and I are always keen to see as much of a place as possible...

Lynton and Lynmouth were next on our agenda!

Here, a visit is not complete without a ride on the cliff railway which links the two towns.

We loved the look of this old Inn and would have been quite happy to have stayed the night there...

But realised, after reading the notice outside, that we weren't quite old enough! ;-))

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Our final day of the holiday involved a lot of walking...

The stunning landscape of Exmoor had been calling to us as we toured the area.

After parking the car and walking out on to the moors, the peace and quiet was almost overwhelming. Its not something that is easy to find these days, to truly be away from it all...the only sound was the buzzing of insects on the heather flowers.

So we stayed a while, rested, and looked up at the blue sky.

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In contrast, the afternoon was far noisier, but no less magical for it...

The thunderous torrents of water that surge through Watersmeet were another memorable sight.

The sound echoes through the valley and entices visitors to take the somewhat strenuous walk down the winding paths and steep steps to the bottom...where more cream teas are waiting! ;-))

But you are expected to share! ;-))

We needed to be back home today, as youngest daughter had to return to school to start her A level courses.

I've promised myself the rest of this week off - If I have a spare moment, I shall check into my blog again if I can - If not, then have a lovely weekend, won't you?!

Niki x