Porlock
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.
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Porlock Weir
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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. (see events
pages). Another good woodland walk is the route from Porlock Weir up to Culbone
Church - claimed to be the smallest church in England.>
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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
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Places to stay around Porlock
| Porlock Hotels B and B Self catering Holiday Cottages |
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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. |
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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. |
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Porlock Vale House Hotel & Riding Centre
Originally a hunting lodge now a hotel with elegant country house interiors
and log fires every day of the year.
Comfortable informality - Friendly service -Stylish restaurant
and good food and wines. -
Unrivalled location by the sea with breathtaking views across Porlock
Bay- Extensive peaceful gardens and flower filled terraces -
ideal for a short break at any time of the year.
(ETC Silver Award, also featured in Good Hotel Guide and Alistair
Sawday's Special Places to stay).
Closed 2 weeks in January and some mid week periods until March. |
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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. |
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Coach House Apartments Self catering holiday apartments
Four centrally heated apartments (2 can be
interlinked) in a sunny, soporific
setting yet only 5 minutes walk from the Exmoor coastal village of Porlock, with its shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes. Private and
peaceful gardens with parking. Mr and Mrs Newell, who live on
site, will give you a warm welcome and ensure your stay is relaxing and
stress free. Tel:01643-862409 |
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Public Transport for Porlock
Buses:
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| 38 |
"Shuttle"
Mon-Sat
Minehead/ Selworthy/ Allerford/ Bossington/ Porlock/ Porlock Weir
Frequent |
| 300 |
Minehead/Barnstaple
"Exmoor Coastlink" via Porlock, Lynton and Ilfracombe.
Frequent. Note:
starts from Taunton. |
| 600 |
Fri/Sat only
Minehead/ Selworthy/ Bossington/ Allerford/ Selworthy/ Minehead |
| 285 |
Mon-Fri "North Exmoor Circular"
May-October
Porlock/ Minehead/ Dunster/ Wheddon Cross/ Winsford/ Withypool/
Exford/ Porlock/ Minehead |
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