Name: Dunster, Yarn Market
Rating: 5.0

Dunster, Yarn Market

High Street, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6SG, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Dunster, Yarn Market, This fine 17th century timber-framed octagonal market hall is a monument to Dunster's once-flourishing cloth trade. Lying between the wooded hills of Exmoor and the sea, Dunster is one of the most attractive villages in Somerset. In the 12th century it sat on the coast, and thrived as the main trading port for Exmoor.

However, when the sea retreated, leaving Dunster two miles inland, it continued to prosper as a centre of the wool trade, and it is from this era that Dunster's striking Yarn Market dates.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Dunster Yarn Market: Lying between the wooded hills of Exmoor and the sea, Dunster is one of the most attractive villages in Somerset. In the 12th century it sat on the coast, and thrived as the main trading port for Exmoor. However, when the sea retreated, leaving Dunster two miles inland, it continued to prosper as a centre of the wool trade, and it is from this era that Dunster's striking Yarn Market dates.
By the 16th and 17th centuries demand had shifted from raw wool to finished cloth. Since Dunster cloth was woven in nearby mills, the village remained prosperous, as the building of the Yarn Market shows.
Built in 1609 and repaired in 1647, it sits in the middle of the high street as a monument to this trade. Before it was built, most of the buying and selling would have been done in the open air, but the English weather being what it is, there must have been occasions when trading was halted by wind or rain. Sellers must also have been worried about the security of their goods. The Yarn Market was a permanent solution to all these problems.
The building is octagonal in shape, and built almost entirely of wood. Gables over each side contain windows which help to light the interior; a central stone pillar topped by a bell turret supports the open roof. The different parts of the building make up a harmonious whole; note how the eaves were made to project in order to give shelter to prospective customers as they inspected the goods laid out for sale.

Facilities

Parking: There is general parking in the village with 109 spaces including dedicated disabled parking, with approximately a 500 metre walk through the village to the site. Up to 1 hour parking is free, up to 2 hours £1.50, up to 4 hours £2.50 and all day £4.70. Parking is non-refundable and you can pay only with coins. Parking for coaches and minibuses is possible and there is no need to prebook, but the village can be very busy in summer.
Food & Drinks: Dunster has plenty of shops and restaurants.
Toilets: Public toilets can be found next to the car park.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dunster-yarn-market/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: High Street, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6SG, UK

Post Code: TA24 6SG

Council: Somerset

County: Somerset

Road Access: In Dunster High St.
Train Access: Dunster (West Somerset Railway) 1⁄2 mile.
Bus Access: Beacon Bus service 398. Also Riddlers service 107 (Wed only) & Quantock service 564 (Mon & Fri only). First service 28 and WebberBus services 18 & 106 serve Dunster Steep. From there it is about a 1⁄2 mile walk.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is general parking in the village with 109 spaces including dedicated disabled parking, with approximately a 500 metre walk through the village to the site. Up to 1 hour parking is free, up to 2 hours £1.50, up to 4 hours £2.50 and all day £4.70. Parking is non-refundable and you can pay only with coins. Parking for coaches and minibuses is possible and there is no need to prebook, but the village can be very busy in summer.