INFORMATION ON PORLOCK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

The Exmoor National Park has so much to offer and I have listed on this page some information about Porlock as well as information about some of my favourite places to visit which are within easy reach of Porlock.

PORLOCK

Porlock is a traditional Exmoor village located in West Somerset,an area of outstanding natural beauty from which one can witness an abundance of wildlife, with Exmoor being the home of the Red Deer and Exmoor pony. Porlock is surrounded by picturesque villages steeped in history heather clad moorlands, sparkling streams, rivers and lakes, ancient woodlands, archeological sites, beaches, dramatic coastline. There is an abundance of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes within the Exmoor National Park so Porlock is the perfect location from which to enjoy the activities such as nature and bird watching , walking, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, fishing, sailing or a leisurely drive through the countryside.

Porlock is located both on the newly opened Coleridge Way runs from Porlock to Nether Stowey (see link below) and is also adjacent to the coastal path

Porlock offers an assortment of country pubs,restaurants and cafes where one can indulge in delicious cream teas, seafood specialities as well as traditional local fayre. There is an assortment of interesting shops, Exmoor Classic Car museum, Doverhay Manor Museum, church and a very helpful tourist information centre. Being a village community activities take place throughout the year, eg carnival, duck race, fete, antique fairs, etc.

When heading West towards Lynton and Lymouth the infamous toll road can be avoided by using the scenic toll road, which offers some fabulous photographic opportunities.

Porlock Community Website

PORLOCK WEIR

The charming unspoilt harbour of Porlock Weir is situated 2 miles from Porlock village. It is a lovely location to spend an evening at the pub or restaurant. There are a few shops, the Boat Shed Museum and an Aquarium which houses numerous species found in the Bristol Channel. Small parts of a prehistoric forest are visible at very low tide.

Porlock Weir website

DUNSTER

Steeped in history Dunster is a picturesque village located 8 miles from Maxwelton and home to Dunster Castle. A castle has been sited in this location since at least Norman times. This National Trust property hosts many events throughout the year including battle reenactments, medieval games, ghost tours, pirate quest for treasure, bat tours and Dahlia days. Dunster was once an important wool trading centre and has a unique octagonal yarn market which was builit in the early 17th century by the Luttrell family. Another National Trust property within the village is an 18th centure restored watermill. Within the village there are at least 200 listed buildings. The River Avill runs through Dunster and there are many beautiful walks/rides around here. You can visit the tallest tree in England at Nutcombe Bottom near Dunster. The well known hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" was inspired in this area, with the River Avill being "the river running by", and "the purple headed mountain referring to Dunkery Beacon".

National Trust Website on Dunster Castle

LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH

A specacular drive from Porlock which combines high, rugged, tree clad cliffs and sweeping moorland, Lynton and Lymouth grew up around the wooded deep valles of the East and West Lyn rivers. The Victorians described it as "Little Swizerland of England". A water powered cliff railway links the two villages. You will find plenty of places to eat, and Lymouth has a putting green, tennis court and quaint fishmerans cottages. Lynmouth is approximately 10 miles from Porlock, and Lynton approximately 12 miles.

WIMBLEBALL LAKE COUNTRY PARK

Approximately a half an hour drive from Porlock Wimbleball Lake is surrounded by footpaths and offers lots of activities:- a premier trout fishery (with tuition days for beginners and improvers), watersports include windsurfing, sailing and rowing.

WILDLIFE

The Exmoor Pony is the oldest and most primitive breed of pony within the British Isles and they are classed as a rare breed. When driving over the slopes of Dunkery or Porlock Hill one is often lucky enough see herds grazing near the roadside. Every October the ponies are rounded up for inspection and branding by the Exmoor Pony Society

There are approximately 3000 Red Deer on Exmoor, they are the largest wild land animal in Britain, having survived on Exmoor since prehistoric times. There are also Roe Deer and Fallow Deer living within the Exmoor National Park.