Porlock

A large village a few miles West of Minehead on the coast,  Porlock is 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.  It 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 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. (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.

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

Porlock Weir

Situated in the centre of Porlock. Sleeps 2/3, ideal for couples. Double bedroom with en-suite shower room, Lounge/dining room with sofa bed and kitchen area. Large car park. Price includes utilities, bed linen and towels. Short breaks (min. 2 nights) available. On first floor accessed by an outside staircase.

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. 

Private accommodation in a lovely converted barn. Perched between the picturesque National Trust villages of Allerford and Bossington on the slopes of beautiful Lynch Combe. Ten minutes walk to the sea and south west coast path. Porlock shops and pubs - only a mile away. Ideal for horse riding, mountain biking and walking. Private stabling and yard. Tel: 01643 863455

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.

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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