Dunster Butter Cross
Minehead, Somerset
The stump of a medieval stone cross on the edge of Dunster, worth it for the lane walk your dog gets on the way up rather than the monument.
This is a small thing on a good walk, and it should be treated that way. The Butter Cross is the transplanted stump of a medieval stone cross that once served as the meeting place for local butter sellers, moved to its present position on the outskirts of Dunster. It takes about a minute to look at.
Whilst you find the cross, your dog gets what actually earns it a place on your list: the lane to reach it. From Dunster, turn right up St George's Street after the church and follow the lane for about a quarter of a mile. That lane climbs gently away from the village with hedgerows either side and views opening back over Dunster towards Exmoor, and it links into the footpath network on Grabbist Hill, which gives you a genuinely good hour or two.
Free, open at all times, no facilities and no ticket. There are no posted dog rules here. It is a roadside monument on a working lane, so keep your dog on a lead for traffic and be aware of livestock in the fields either side. Dunster is one of the more dog friendly villages in Somerset.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Medieval & Tudor
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dunster Butter Cross dog friendly?
There are no posted dog rules at the Butter Cross itself, and as a roadside monument on a working lane it's as open to dogs as it is to anyone. Dunster is considered one of the more dog-friendly villages in Somerset, and the real draw for dog owners is the lane walk up from the village, which climbs gently through hedgerows with views back over Dunster towards Exmoor and connects into the footpath network on Grabbist Hill.
Are dogs allowed at Dunster Butter Cross year round?
Yes — the Butter Cross is a roadside monument with no gates, no tickets and no opening hours, so it's accessible at all times throughout the year. The same goes for the lane that leads up to it from the village, which is the highlight of the visit for most dogs.
What should I know before visiting Dunster Butter Cross with my dog?
The lane up to the cross is a working road, so keep your dog on a lead for traffic, and be aware that the fields either side may have livestock. There are no facilities at the monument itself, so it's worth being self-sufficient — but if you continue onto the footpath network at Grabbist Hill, you'll find a genuinely rewarding hour or two of walking.
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