Porlock

Guide to Porlock village in West Somerset for visitors.

Porlock is a large village a few miles West of Minehead on the coast, surrounded by the wild moorland of Exmoor to the South, Selworthy Hill to the East and Culbone Hill to the West.
The famous Porlock Hill, a 25% (1 in 4) incline with some very tight bends, on the main road leading West along the coast from the village was first ascended by motor car in 1900 for a bet. Horse drawn coaches operating the Minehead-Lynton route used this road until they were replaced by motor coaches in 1920. There is now a very scenic toll road avoiding the hill which is well signposted.

Today, Porlock is a busy visitor destination during the summer.
Porlock is an ideal base from which to explore the wild and beautiful Exmoor National Park.
There are a number of good hotels, inns, restaurants and shops.
Porlock Weir (see pictures), a little port a mile West of the main village, played a vital part in the life of eastern Exmoor over the centuries when the sea route was by far the easiest way to and from the area.
St. Dubricius's church in the village centre is interesting; it has a strange truncated spire on top of a low tower which are clad in oak shingles. The church has many outstanding monuments - the Harington being one of England's finest.

Porlock Hotels Bed & Breakfast
Porlock Holiday Cottages Apartments
Porlock Public Transport

Porlock Weir

The Porlock Tourist Association runs an excellent Visitor Centre in the old school building at the bottom of the hill on the junction where the Porlock Weir road joins the main road. Organised walks take place regularly from here. Guided by Park Rangers, the walk up over Ley Hill, south of the village searching for wild red deer is worth the effort on a summer evening. Another good woodland walk is the route from Porlock Weir up to Culbone Church - claimed to be the smallest church in England.

History of Porlock

To the West of Porlock on the coast is Culbone Woods and well worth exploring. This was once the site of a major charcoal burning industry. The original burners were reputed to be a colony of lepers who were forbidden from crossing to the Porlock side of Culbone Water. Stone ruins marking the site of burners huts can still be seen and there is a network of tracks connecting them to the main route through the woods. A large group of feral goats lived in this coastal area until about 1910 and their milk, skins and meat were traded at Porlock Weir along with the charcoal.
Oak-felling was another industry of the woods - some of the saw pits are still visible. Many tons were exported for ship building

Places to stay around Porlock

Porlock Hotels B and B click here for Self Catering Holiday Cottages
	Fern Cottage Bed and Breakfast Allerford Set in the beautiful National Trust village of Allerford within the Exmoor National Park, enjoy a relaxing and peaceful stay in our en-suite accommodation, decorated to the highest standard. A 16th century beamed cottage offering immediate access to beautiful countryside and coastline. Superb walking in Allerford woods and up onto Bossington Hill where there are spectacular views of the Coast and Porlock Bay. Bossington beach is a mile and a half along the lane. The beach is rural with huge waves crashing on an open swathe of pebbles. Porlock village is just a 5 minute drive.
	Overstream Hotel A family run hotel in the centre of Porlock. We have 8 en-suite rooms, a large car park, residents' bar and a lift to all floors. Home cooked evening meals are available by arrangement from Easter to September. Cream Tea Garden during the Summer.
	The Cafe Hotel & Restaurant Porlock Weir The Cafe Porlock Weir offers a choice of 5 bedrooms with views across Porlock Bay along side a restaurant with Michelin trained chef Andrew Dixon. “So the food - this was excellent in every respect.. fabulous room very clean and spacious...” We offer the perfect destination for a few days away by the sea where you can enjoy the sea air and eat fantastic food.

Porlock Self Catering Holiday Cottages / Apartments
	The Crows Nest Porlock Weir As the name suggests, The Crows Nest is perched high above scenic Porlock Bay. This charming thatched end of terrace cottage benefits from amazing sea views from the windows. Superb family accommodation, sleeping up to 6 people in 1 double (en-suite) & 2 twin rooms, with every modern convenience to make your stay as comfortable as possible, including free wireless broadband, inclusive central heating, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer. Enclosed garden with wonderful views across the bay, plus private parking for two cars. A pub and restaurant is only few minutes walk down the hill next to the charming Porlock Weir harbour.
	Dunns Cottage Porlock Weir Dunns Cottage offers the perfect destination for families (or couples requiring more spacious accommodation) to enjoy a self-catering holiday next to the picturesque Porlock Weir. The Cottage is full of character and is a charming example of a West Country holiday cottage. The spacious sitting room has a cosy multi fuel stove for cosy winter evenings, there is a separate dining room for family meals, and the well-fitted kitchen has every convenience you will need for a relaxing stay. Garden. Off Road parking. Sea views. Pets welcome.
	The Pack Horse Holiday Apartments Allerford The Pack Horse offers quality self-catering accommodation in an idyllic location within the Exmoor National Park and is situated in the National Trust village of Allerford alongside the shallow river Aller overlooking the ancient Pack Horse Bridge. 3 and 4 star VisitBritain. Suitable for couples, families, small groups and people with walking difficulties. The apartments:- Rose, Wisteria, Honeysuckle and Bridge View Suite overlook the tranquil River Aller and together with Stable Cottage are arranged around a pretty courtyard, all enjoy stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Pets welcome.

Public Transport for Porlock

Buses

THE BEST bus map linked to timetables is at the Devon CC website here - www.devon.gov.uk

39 Porlock Weir/Porlock/Minehead
300 Minehead/Porlock/Lynton/Lynmouth

Timetables & all public transport services/route planning can be accessed here: www.travelinesw.com