Dunster and tourism

Dunster's tourist trade has a long history. The Luttrell Arms was created with tourists in mind in 1779. Guests were allowed onto a terrace in the old park and might have gate keys for the castle woods and pleasure grounds any day except Sunday.[1] By the early 20th century the Luttrells allowed paying visitors into the castle during the holiday season. The Festival of Britain pageant gained national media coverage and increased visitors to Dunster, which was also a popular day out from the new holiday camp in Minehead. In the later 20th century a number of private hotels opened to encourage tourists to stay. By 1971 half of shop turnover came from the tourist trade and in 1988 42 establishments could offer 374 beds with an average occupancy rate of 141 days. Nearly a quarter of visitors were from oversees.[2]  The tourist industry continues to dominate Dunster’s economy.

[1]     SHC, DD/L 1/30/29/41; H. Binding, Discovering Dunster, 37.

[2]     SHC, DD/L, box 290; Som. CC, Visitor Survey 1988; Report for Dunster Joint Interim Local Plan (1978), 51.