Dunster Butter Cross — A Medieval Market Landmark

A Glimpse into Medieval Village Life

Just outside the beautiful village of Dunster, the Dunster Butter Cross stands as one of the few surviving medieval market crosses in Somerset.
Once a gathering place for traders and villagers, it helped regulate the local market economy.
Today, it sits quietly among trees and fields, offering a peaceful glimpse into Dunster’s trading past.

It’s a small monument packed with historical charm.

A Cross That Anchored a Market

Butter crosses marked official trading points in medieval towns.
Dunster’s example likely dates to the late 14th or early 15th century, when the village thrived as a local market centre.
However, the cross eventually fell out of use as commercial life moved into the village centre.

Therefore, it survives today as an important reminder of Dunster’s rural economy.

Exploring Dunster Butter Cross
1. The Stone Cross and Base

The surviving structure includes a tall stone shaft rising from a stepped base.
Although the top is missing, the form remains clear and immediately recognisable.
In addition, the cross retains the rustic charm of a genuine medieval landmark.

2. A Peaceful Setting Outside the Village

The cross stands just beyond Dunster, surrounded by greenery and country paths.
Its quiet location makes it ideal for a short, peaceful detour from the village centre.
Moreover, the walk from Dunster provides lovely views of the castle rising above the hills.

3. A Stop on a Historic Walking Route

The Butter Cross sits along a footpath linking Dunster’s historic highlights.
You can combine it easily with visits to the Yarn Market, Dunster Castle, and Priory Church.
This creates a gentle circular walk filled with medieval character.

Learn more at the English Heritage website

A Village Rich in Heritage

Dunster is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in England.
Its narrow lanes, timber buildings, and traditional market spaces create a rare sense of continuity with the past.
Additionally, the Butter Cross contributes to this layered history, offering a simple but meaningful landmark.

It’s not just a cross — it’s a piece of Dunster’s everyday medieval life.

Visiting Dunster Butter Cross
How to Get There

Address: Park Street, Dunster, Somerset TA24

By Car: Parking available in Dunster village

By Train: West Somerset Railway (seasonal) to Dunster Station

By Bus: Local routes to Dunster village centre

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily

Free to visit

Facilities

No facilities at the cross

Cafés, shops, and toilets in Dunster village

Footpath access; uneven ground

Nearby Attractions

Dunster Castle — Dramatic hilltop castle with gardens

Dunster Yarn Market — Iconic 17th-century market hall

Cleeve Abbey — Beautiful monastic ruins nearby

Dunster Beach — Scenic sea views and walking routes

Together, they form the Dunster Heritage Walk.

Why Visit Dunster Butter Cross?

The Dunster Butter Cross experience offers:

A rare medieval market cross

A quiet, pleasant walking route

Links to Dunster’s wider heritage

Free, easy access

Whether you’re exploring Dunster’s medieval streets or enjoying a countryside walk, the Butter Cross provides a charming historical stop.
It’s not just a monument — it’s a window into Somerset’s village past.