Dunster Gallox Bridge
Minehead, Somerset
A medieval packhorse bridge over the River Avill, with clear shallow water and the Macmillan Way running straight from it for a proper walk with your dog.
A working piece of medieval infrastructure, still doing its job. Gallox Bridge, originally gallows bridge, crosses the River Avill on the edge of Dunster and once carried packhorses bringing fleeces down from Exmoor to market. By the 13th century Dunster was a centre of the wool trade, then the main source of England's wealth, and this narrow two arched stone bridge is what that trade ran across.
Whilst you take in the bridge itself, your dog gets a genuinely lovely spot: the river runs shallow and clear under the arches, there are trees on both banks, and it sits at the foot of Gallox Hill with the castle woods rising behind. It is also directly on the Macmillan Way West, so you can pick up a real walk straight from the bridge into the Dunster deer park and up onto the hill.
Free and open at all times. English Heritage note the bridge gets muddy and slippery in wet weather and the ground is uneven at the Macmillan Way end. No dog rules are published for the site, so keep your dog under close control and watch the riverbank if they are inclined to go in.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Medieval & Tudor
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
English Heritage Membership
Sponsored
Visit here and 170+ dog friendly attractions for free
English Heritage Membership gets you free entry to 170+ dog friendly attractions across England, from castles and abbeys to Roman forts and prehistoric sites, plus free parking at most of them.
Become a memberWe earn a commission if you join English Heritage through these links. It costs you nothing extra and it does not affect which places we list or what we say about them.
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 Gallox Bridge dog friendly?
Gallox Bridge is a great spot to bring a dog. The River Avill runs shallow and clear beneath the arches, giving water-loving dogs a lovely place to paddle, and the setting at the foot of Gallox Hill with castle woods behind makes for a genuinely pleasant stop. No specific dog rules are published for the site, so keep your dog under close control, particularly near the riverbank.
Are dogs allowed at Dunster Gallox Bridge year round?
Yes — the bridge is free and open at all times, so there are no seasonal restrictions to worry about. Just bear in mind that English Heritage note the ground can get muddy and slippery in wet weather, and the terrain at the Macmillan Way end is uneven, so adjust accordingly depending on the conditions.
What should I know before visiting Dunster Gallox Bridge with my dog?
The site is free to visit and always open, but the ground can be muddy, slippery and uneven — especially at the Macmillan Way end — so sturdy footwear is worth wearing. If your dog is keen on water, keep an eye on them near the riverbank. On the plus side, the bridge sits directly on the Macmillan Way West, so you can head straight out from here into Dunster deer park and up onto Gallox Hill for a proper walk.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Attraction0.4 mi awayDunster, Yarn Market
Somerset
A 17th century octagonal market hall in the middle of Dunster high street, a village stop with your dog rather than a site visit.
Attraction0.4 mi awayDunster Butter Cross
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.
Beach0.6 mi awayDunster Beach
Somerset
A quiet pebble and sand beach at Dunster near the edge of Exmoor National Park with year-round access.
Beach1.5 mi awayBlue Anchor Bay
Somerset
A pebble beach on the Somerset coast with year-round access, views across the Bristol Channel to Wales and the Blue Anchor pub as reward.
Beach2.4 mi awayMinehead Beach
Somerset
The start of the South West Coast Path with a wide sandy and pebble beach, seasonal restrictions but good off-season access.
Attraction3.9 mi awayCleeve Abbey
Somerset
The most complete monastic cloister buildings in England, still roofed, though the draw is heavily indoors so your dog gets the Somerset parkland instead.