Welcome to Porlock
Whatever the season, you’ll always find a warm welcome in the lively and thriving village of Porlock.
Enjoy views over the stunning Exmoor landscape or out over the Bristol Channel towards Wales in a picturesque village setting with thatched cottages and charming gardens. Walk for miles, enjoy coastal activities or simply relax by a cosy log fire in the winter or in the sunshine in the summer, knowing everything you need is on hand when you want it with shops, pubs, tearooms and restaurants close by.
After a hard day’s exploring, pick up a unique gift from one of its many craft shops before following in the footsteps of Coleridge and Southey by relaxing in one of the friendly pubs.
Porlock is brimming with artistic talent and the work of local artists can be found in the many art galleries and shops across the Vale. Take home a unique piece of artwork, a hand-knitted creation or stunning photography encapsulating the beauty of Exmoor.
At the heart of the village is the 13th century St Dubricius Church, as well known for its truncated spire as for its warm welcome. The village is also proud to have an award-winning visitor centre which is open six days a week and offers maps, books, advice, gifts and much more, as well as serving as a community hub for the village.
Exmoor is a dark skies reserve and Porlock is the ideal base for star gazers of all ages. It also offers an excellent base for walking, cycling, horse-riding and all kinds of outdoor adventures.
For hundreds of years, Porlock Weir has been a familiar port for sailors and fishermen. Today, it still offers a reassuring welcome and is a picturesque location for a spot of crabbing, fishing or for a stroll along the pebble beach.
It offers unique artworks, relaxing cafes, hotels, restaurants and a 15th century inn, making it the perfect location for a day out or a longer stay.
The pebble beach is popular for watersports activities including paddle boarding and kayaking as well as sailing and there is a charter boat service that can take you out fishing or just out to view the bay from the sea.
Views from the Weir stretch across the Bristol Channel to Wales and along the rugged coastline to Porlock Beach. The second leg of the South West Coast Path also starts here and winds its way up on to Exmoor.
Things to do
Porlock Vale, in the heart of Exmoor, encompasses the village of Porlock and the surrounding villages of Porlock Weir, West Porlock, Luccombe, Wootton Courtenay, Bossington, Allerford, Tivington, Selworthy and Culbone.
With so many beautiful walks around all of the villages and also being so close to the sea, Porlock Vale is the perfect place for active people as well as those looking for a relaxing holiday. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms, plus shops offering local produce.
Highlights of Porlock Vale include:
• Idyllic National Trust villages
• The slopes of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor
• A stunning sea marsh, designated an SSSI
• Part of the 630-mile South West Coast Path
• The Coleridge Way Walk, a 51-mile walk across Exmoor
• Culbone Church, the smallest parish church in England
• Europe’s first designated international Dark Skies Reserve
• Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail, a 30-mile walk visiting all Churches around Porlock Vale
Local Food & Drink
There are lots of fabulous places to eat in and around Porlock! Discover delicious cream teas and homemade cakes or find a savoury delight in one of the many tea shops. Settle in for a pint or glass of wine and a home-cooked meal at a pub with a cosy fire in the winter and beer garden to soak up the sun in the summer. There are takeaway options day and night too if you prefer to pack up a picnic for the day or dine in at night.
Accommodation
You’ll find a fantastic variety of accommodation providers from campsites, B&B’s and boutique hotels.
Shops
Porlock has a wide range of wonderful independent shops to explore. Find gifts for the home and garden, fantastic local art and handmade craft. To tempt your tastebuds, discover jams, chutneys and honey produced in Somerset, the finest cheeses, fresh local meats, as well as sweet treats such as locally produced fudge, chocolate and biscuits.
Shops
Porlock Visitor Centre, West End, Porlock, Somerset, TA24 8QD
Tel: 01643 863150
email: visit@porlock.co.uk
