This self‑led trail is designed to guide you around some of the rare, unusual, and historically significant trees that help make Dunster Castle & Gardens such a special place. Pick up your free trail map from the Visitor Reception building, then set off at your own pace. Perfect for families, nature‑lovers, and curious wanderers alike, this gentle trail invites you to slow down, look up, and see Dunster Castle from a fresh perspective. Normal admission applies to non-members.

01643821314 dunstercastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

The Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, based within Exmoor National Park, has a 3 night residential break on a Dinner Bed and Breakfast basis with a light lunch at the hotel Tuesday and Wednesday.
All admissions and transportation are included..
Monday: Arrival—Short walk to the Deer Park or Arboretum
Tuesday: Explore Dunster — Castle, Gardens and Mill
Wednesday: AM— Explore Dulverton and Heritage Centre
Wednesday: PM— Explore Porlock Weir, Porlock Weir Centre,      
Boat Museum and Galleries
Thursday: Dunster Beach gentle nature walk, then depart hotel. The cost is £390.00 per person inclusive (no single supplements)

01643 821425 hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk

A fun day for all ages, young to old, to dig deeper into the natural world. Join us to try out some nature surveying, learn more about the natural world around us and dip your toe into citizen science!

During the day we’ll look and listen for singing birds, explore the riverbed for riverflies, and get to know the bees and trees in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely no experience necessary, just an interest in the natural world!
N.b. this day will sample some citizen science surveys. Suitable for anyone who has an interest in nature and wildlife.

Free event but booking essential. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor welcomed.  Meet at Ashcombe Car Park.

01598 752509 pioneers@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

FREE, drop-in.

Foliage Forest

Inspired by Hope Bourne’s life and work, the South West Heritage Trust are running family friendly activities, where visitors can create printed artworks inspired by the landscape and the natural world.

Join Somerset artists InkJam and embrace a wild and free approach to creating an illustration. Print layers of foliage to build up a foliage forest and capture the essence of an Exmoor scene. Using black paper, the colourful or simple white prints will create a backdrop where landscapes and farmsteads grow, and wildlife and local characters can appear with the addition of collage or drawing. The black paper also lends itself to a night scene where you can add the stars as they are seen in Exmoor.

You will also have the opportunity to try other creative printing techniques, including silk-screen printing and Cyanotype printing.

Hope Bourne (1918-2010) was a respected artist, writer, and creator who lived off grid on Exmoor for most of her adult life. Her work focused mainly on nature and the beauty of the local area. Along with thousands of drawings and paintings, Hope wrote and illustrated seven books and contributed a weekly column to The West Somerset Free Press.

Free, drop-in, family friendly session between 10:30am – 3:30pm.

01823 278805 info@swheritage.org.uk

Join one of our expert gardeners for a guided walk through the grounds of Dunster Castle and discover some of the remarkable native and exotic trees that call this historic place home.

As you explore, you’ll learn what makes these trees so special-from their origins and unique characteristics to the stories they’ve gathered over centuries. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see the gardens through the eyes of the people who care for them every day. The walk lasts approximately one hour. Online Booking Essential- as limited spaces are available. There is no additional charge for the tour, but normal admission applies for non–National Trust members. Pre-booked ticket holders should meet at the Ticket Office at 11am, where a member of the garden team will meet you.

Further dates available: 19th & 26th May 2026 11am - midday.

01643821314 dunstercastle@nationaltrust.org.uk