Dunster Kiln
Exmoor National Park
What is it?
An extremely rare, complete example of an early ‘updraft’ pottery kiln of the sort that was used to make domestic wares and roof tiles. It is the only recorded kiln of its type surviving in this area – and possibly in the whole country.
Why it is special?
This restored pottery kiln stands within the estate surrounding the National Trust-owned Dunster Castle, which was home to the Luttrell family for 600 years.
National Trust - Dunster Castle
The kiln was in use from around 1750 to 1850. It would have been a talking point for visitors to the castle as it was an example of cutting edge technology of the time.
The circular building which is 3m in diameter and about 5m high, was used to fire items such as pitchers and jars made of red earthenware, some with internal white slip and yellow lead glaze.
Tell us something we didn’t know
Dunster Pottery Kiln is in the garden of the Luttrell Arms Hotel in the pretty, medieval village of Dunster, near Minehead.
It was restored with the help of Forte Heritage Hotels, the National Trust and English Heritage.
How to get there
Dunster is about three miles from Minehead along the A39 and A396. There are bus and train services to Taunton. Then take a bus to Bishops Lydeard, and catch the steam train to Minehead which stops at Dunster station, one mile away from the village.
