Porlock Weir
This sleepy community is located five miles west of Minehead, in the county of Somerset. Overlooking Porlock is the site of Bury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort with spectacular views of the Exmoor coast. There’s a rugged, rocky beach where low tide reveals the remains of a submerged forest, and a picturesque port, which was the easiest way to access the area for centuries.
This enchanting village has inspired artists and poets for centuries, including Wordsworth and R.D Blackmore. From the high, open moorland above Porlock, a stream meanders through a wooded valley and past a Victorian hunting lodge before making its way through the village. Lining the narrow streets in the centre of Porlock, you’ll find a handful of shops and eateries and an excellent visitor centre with information about the area and the skeleton of an Aurochs, an extinct ox, which was discovered on the shore. In and around the village, there are a number of historical buildings, including The Church of St Dubricius , a magnificent, listed structure which dates back to the 13th century.
Exmoor National Park
On Porlock’s doorstep is Exmoor, a ruggedly beautiful land where you can walk for miles without seeing another human and enjoy some of the Southwest’s most spectacular views. One of the region’s most impressive historical sites is Dunster Castle, an ancient structure, surrounded by stunning, subtropical gardens. The castle and its grounds date back to Norman times and are open for visitors to explore.
Just five miles down the road from Porlock is the charming seaside town of Minehead, where an elegant promenade overlooks a long sandy beach. A unique way to enjoy the area’s beautiful countryside is to book a trip with West Somerset Railway . Relax in a beautifully preserved steam train carriage as 22 miles of Somerset woods and farmland float by on this magical 22-mile journey.
“In a deep hollow, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Exmoor, is the coastal village of Porlock.”
If you need to rest and refuel after a day of exploring, visit one of a number of traditional tearooms, in and around Porlock. The Whortleberry Tearooms and Mrs Jackson’s Victorian Tearooms are both well known for their delicious cream teas. One of the area’s best pubs is The Bottom Ship, an atmospheric establishment with incredible views across the channel to Wales. Classic pub dishes are served at lunch and dinnertime, including steak and ale pie, scampi and chips and sausage and mash.