Porlock

Porlock

The friendly village of Porlock is worthy of a visit at any time of year, but spring is particularly lovely, with wild flowers in the hedgerows, daffodils on the banks and lambs in the fields. The village offers a wide range of facilities, shops, restaurants and pubs. Visitors are able to choose from a range of local meats or cheeses, top quality, well priced clothes, local paintings or books, or from an Aladdin's Cave of items from the local hardware store or pharmacy. The energetic visitor may decide to explore further afield with a bike hired from the local bike hire shop or the less energetic may enjoy an inspiring wildlife safari. The Exmoor Classic Car Museum attracts enthusiasts from all around the country and historians will soon be able to again enjoy the treasures in the newly refurbished Dovery Manor Museum. Porlock Weir not only boasts of being one of the most picturesque unspoilt harbours in the country, but it is also home to the delightful Boat Shed Museum and the soon to be opened Aquarium. Visit Porlock to experience a special kind of magic.

The charming village of Porlock, at the foot of the infamous one-in-four Porlock Hill, and the surrounding area has been a source of inspiration for writers and artists. Like Watchet, further along the coast, Porlock has had its share of bloody invasions — the Danes landed in Porlock Bay in 886, looting and firing the village, and later a force from Brittany laid siege to the settlement. The oldest remaining building in the village is the 12th century Chantry House, a small cottage close to the Church of St. Dubricius, itself built on 13th century foundations. The church takes its name from a saint who, according to legend, crowned King Arthur at Caerleon in Wales and later married him to Guinevere. It is famous for its truncated spire — but there is no evidence to support the locals' tales of a violent gale in 1700, or of the giant who snapped off the spire and put it on the tiny church of nearby Culbone!

From Porlock, visitors often take the road west to Porlock Weir. The weir is a natural haven created by a sea-driven bank of shingle, a quiet lagoon which for centuries has offered refuge to sailors. Today, the scores of cruisers heavily outnumber the few remaining fishing boats, some of which are used for planting lobster pots off Hurlstone Point. To the east of Porlock, through the rich Porlock Vale, is Bossington, a long, picturesque thatched village with tea rooms, some fine walnut trees and the starting point for several bracing walks out to Hurlstone Head. Further east lies Allerford, with its famous packhorse bridge, and up on the hillside is Selworthy, with its lovely green surrounded by thatched cottages, all owned by the National Trust, and looking south onto superb views across the vale to Exmoor and the towering Dunkery Beacon.

Porlock Vale Panorama

Porlock Vale Panorama - image supplied by kind permission of Somerset Tourism, Somerset County Council

Down the hill and across the vale is Luccombe, a National Trust village of thatched cottages, and back towards Porlock, Horner, where the Horner River winds its way along the foot of the hills. Porlock is in Somerset. The pretty little port of Porlock Weir, two and a half km to the west, occupies the last sheltered low ground before the county boundary with Devon, where the great massive shield of rock that forms the main part of Exmoor tumbles in wooded cliffs towards the Bristol Channel. The South West coastal footpath runs close by. In every direction there are wonderful walks from Porlock.

The Ship Inn Porlock

Porlock Bay, on the north Somerset coast, forms a section of the coastline of the Exmoor National Park. The 1.6 km/1 mi ridge of shingle faces the sea on one side and a salt marsh on the other, with a tidal lagoon that attracts rare migrating birds in spring and autumn. In the distance is Selworthy Beacon.

A Cottage in Porlock

Green hills close Porlock in on three sides with the sea on the other. Approximately a mile to the west of Porlock you will find Porlock Weir and its tiny harbour, which occupies the last sheltered low ground before the county boundary with Devon. Two miles from the harbour is the unique 4.2-mile Toll Road, which rises from the edge of Porlock up onto Exmoor. This scenic road is used as a special stage for rallying, giving Porlock its own place in motor sport history. Hosting an invitation Hill Climb every year, raising money for charity, the hill is as steep as 1 in 4 in some places so care must be taken when travelling it.

Porlock Bay

The falling cliffs and the high tides (with a height difference of as much as 60 feet) have assisted in moulding one of the most striking features of Porlock, its natural 6,000-year-old shingle ridge. Geologists believe it was formed by the rise in sea levels at the end of the last ice age.

A very popular way to see Porlock and the surrounding moorland is from horseback and there are plenty of riding schools and farms that can arrange this. But if you don't ride, 'shanks's pony' - walking is an ideal way.

Porlock Weir

Porlock Weir - Photo supplied by Rupert Clegg www.exmoorphotogallery.com

Porlock has steep, winding streets full of interesting character shops, thatched cottages made from local stone and attractive floral displays. Also worth a visit is the fascinating 13th century church. Surrounded on three sides by Exmoor and to the North by the Bristol Channel. Famous for its poetry associations. Samuel Taylor Coleridge is said to have written Kubla Khan at a farm 3 or 4 miles away. pubs; shops; tea shops; Visitor Centre; car parks; WC.

Chetsford Water

Looking toward Bossington Storm Beach

Second World War Pill Boxes near Porlock

The picturesque Ship Inn is a well-known landmark in the village of Porlock. The poet Robert Southey was a frequent visitor and there is a chimney-corner in the Inn which is dedicated to him. Porlock lies a few miles to the west of Minehead in a natural bowl flanked on three sides by the uplands of the Exmoor National Park. It was once an important port but after the sea receded, the village was left a mile inland across flat, rich meadow-land. The Church of St. Dubricius, Porlock's parish church, was probably established as early as the 7th century although the present building dates mainly from the 13th. It contains some interesting effigies including one of John Harington, a knight who fought alongside Henry V in France.

The distinictive church spire at Porlock

The stones on Porlock Common mark site predating the bronze age. Porlock is a quiet coastal village in Somerset, England, situated in a deep hollow below Exmoor, five miles west of Minehead. The village has a population of 1,377 (2002 estimate). It adjoins a Porlock Ridge and Saltmarsh nature reserve created when the lowland behind a high shingle embankment was breached by the sea in the 1990s, which has now been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Copses of white dead trees remind the visitor of when this was fresh water pasture. Porlock Allotment Stone Circle and Stone Row SS848447 Not far at all from the Whit Stone is the Porlock Allotment Circle and Row.

The main road through Porlock

The pretty little port of Porlock Weir, two and a half kilometres to the west of Porlock, occupies the last sheltered low ground before the county boundary with Devon, where the great massive shield of rock that forms the main part of Exmoor tumbles in wooded cliffs towards' the Bristol Channel. The difference in height between the lowest water level on the spring tides and the highest is about 8.5 metres—nearly 30 feet. These two factors, the cliff falls to the west and the high tides have helped to fashion one of the most striking natural features of the Vale of Porlock, the natural 6,000-year-old shingle ridge which geologists believe was formed with the rise in sea levels at the end of the last ice age. The South West Coastal footpath runs close by. In every direction there are wonderful walks from Porlock. Ever since the early days of motoring Porlock has enjoyed a unique place in the history of motor sport. The Lands End Trial, which started around dawn in London, passed through Porlock at breakfast time and for some Porlock Hill— 5.6 kilometres (3/2 miles) long and as steep as 1 in 4 (25%) in places, was as far as they got. Even now, the annual Lands End to John O'Groats run comes through Porlock in December. Once or twice a year the scenic Toll Road is used as a Rally Special Stage, and in summer there is an invitation Hill Climb which each year raises a large sum for local and national charities. Porlock is a living community that cares. Porlock without its people would not really be Porlock. Bus services to Porlock and Porlock Weir link with the West Somerset Railway at Minehead and nearby villages, and in several farms and riding establishments visitors can arrange to see Porlock and the surrounding nearby moorland from horseback. Never mind if you don't like riding; for many people "shanks' pony"—walking— is the very best way of all for getting to know and love Porlock.

Welcome! Porlock, like Dunster, Minehead, Wootton Courtenay and Timberscombe, lies in what is geologically known as the New Red Sandstone area of Exmoor. This contrasts with the predominant rock system of the moor, which is generally Devonian - the oldest is in the north and the youngest in the south.

St Dubricious Church Porlock

In Porlock the older thatched cottages do not face on to the streets, but instead present their 'backs', a peculiar feature often remarked on by visitors. It has given rise to the phrase 'Porlock fashion' and is applied to other similarly arranged cottages elsewhere in the West Country. The Ship Inn is where the poet Southey stayed. He wrote in his diary that Porlock was locally regarded as 'the End of the World' and that no wheeled traffic could penetrate beyond it -and if you imagine Porlock Hill as a muddy track rather than a tarmac road, it is easy to believe him. Porlock (pop 1,332) is an attractive village with old thatched cottages and a mixture of other buildings. It is also a local service centre with a range of shops and facilities, including a modern visitor centre. Worth a visit are the ancient parish church dedicated to St Dubricius and the museum based in the medieval manorial dower house. Porlock Hill, notorious for its steepness, can be by-passed by a toll road. It crosses the heathland of Porlock Common, from where there are beautiful views to Porlock Bay and Dunkery.

The oldest remaining building in the village is the 12th century Chantry House, a small cottage close to the Church of St. Dubricius, itself built on 13th century foundations. The church takes its name from a saint who, according to legend, crowned King Arthur at Caerleon in Wales and later married him to Guinevere. It is famous for its truncated spire — but there is no evidence to support the locals' tales of a violent gale in 1700, or of the giant who snapped off the spire and put it on the tiny church of nearby Culbone! From Porlock, visitors often take the road west to Porlock Weir. The weir is a natural haven created by a sea-driven bank of shingle, a quiet lagoon which for centuries has offered refuge to sailors. Today, the scores of cruisers heavily outnumber the few remaining fishing boats, some of which are used for planting lob ster pots off Hurlstone Point.

Exmoor looking towards Dunkery Beacon from Porlock Common.

Exmoor looking towards Dunkery Beacon from Porlock Common

The Beacon is the little upwards bulge in the centre of the skyline and is the highest point on Exmoor at just over 1700 feet. Unlike Dartmoor in Devon and Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, which are both on volcanic rock, Exmoor is on sedimentary rock of Devonian age (360-408 million years). Ever since the early days of motoring Porlock has enjoyed a unique place in the history of motor sport. The Lands End Trial, which started around dawn in London, passed through Porlock at breakfast time and for some Porlock Hill—5.6 kilometres (3 /2 miles) long and as steep as 1 in 4 (25%) in places was as far as they got . The annual Lands End to John O'Groats run comes through Porlock in December. Once or twice a year the scenic Toll Road is used as a Rally Special Stage, and in summer there is an invitation Hill Climb which each year raises a large sum for local and national charities.

Porlock Church - St Dubricius Anglican Church

Porlock: large village (plenty of shops, restaurants, pubs) very beautifully situated between Exmoor’s heather hills and the sea, at the foot of the marvellous red-soil Vale of Porlock. From it one of England’s steepest roads leads up (1 mile) to one of England’s greatest views. The sea is a mile away across fields (horseshoe pebble beach) or, by car, 2 at Porlock Weir (very pretty little place with harbour, pub, pebble beach, oak woods behind). Sand at Minehead (small resort town, good golf course, Butlins) 6 miles. Exquisite thatched villages (Bossington, Selworthy) very close. Excellent base for Exmoor, very popular with riders (stables). Porlock Vale: stunningly beautiful, romantic area with some of the best and most varied landscape of theExmoor National Park, extending from Dunkery Beacon (highest point) to the sea and encompassing many picture postcard villages, the largest being Porlock at the seaward end. Wonderful walking and pony-trekking. Porlock was once a thriving fishing village, with an oyster bed, but this has now died out. From Porlock Weir, it is possible to take a winding path along the cliff and through woods to Culbone church, a medival building just 35 feet long, said to be the smallest church in England still holding services.

In the centre of Porlock is the church of St Dubricius, an obscure saint who apparendy brought Christianity to the west country, and a Bishop of Llandaff. The church is 13th century and has a strangely truncated spire and an ancient clock. There is a legend connected with the church that one of its former incumbents, Adam Bellenden, has a connection to RD Blackmore's Lorna Doone. Bellenden was rector in 1642, but had previously been Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of the University. It is thought that when he moved to Porlock he brought a retainer with him, of the name of Doune or Doone, and that this man chose to live a wild life on Exmoor after the death of his master.

The Ship Inn is a well known landmark, and it was here that the poet Southey in 1798 wrote a poem about Porlock. Wordsworth and Coleridge were also frequent visitors to Porlock, and it is thought that Coleridge wrote Kubla Khan at Ash Farm, about 4 miles from Porlock, whilst smoking opium. The oldest building is Doverhay Manor, built in the 15th century, which now houses a museum.

Tim Horley notes that on 22/09/07 he was about half a mile before Silcombe Farm when a pair of red grouse flew up out of one of the fields about 20 metres away from where he was walking. The pretty village of Porlock nestles at the bottom of a combe on the seaward side of Exmoor with steep hills both in and out. The neighbouring village of Porlock Weir has a pretty little harbour, thatched fisherman’s cottages and stunning views along thee coats and across the channel to Wales. Porlock is surrounded by the hills and moorland of Exmoor and is a great favourite of walkers and outdoor types. The village forms the western end of the Coleridge Way, the fabulous walk that starts in Nether Stowey and crosses the Quantock Hills on its way to Exmoor. In fact, both the poets Wordsworth and Coleridge liked Porlock very much indeed. Bird watchers love the area, especially Porlock Bay where you can see Little Egrets, Spoonbill, Hen and Marsh Harrier, Osprey and Snow Buntings and so many more species.

Severe storms in 1996 enabled the sea to breach the shingle ridge and in so doing revealed the bones of an extinct species of cattle, the aurochs. The bones dated from about 1500BC which was about the time when the species died out in this country. Porlock is a delight to the visitor with plenty to see and do, especially if you’re interested in walking, enjoying beautiful landscapes, country pubs, lovely cafes and art…at Porlock Weir, there’s even a glass blower. Once you’re in Porlock, you’re only a very short drive from Lorna Doone’s Exmoor. The best way up onto Exmoor is via the old toll road through beautiful woodland. The charming village of Porlock, at the foot of the infamous one-in-four Porlock Hill, and the surrounding area has been a source of inspiration for writers and artists.

Like Watchet, further along the coast, Porlock has had its share of bloody invasions the Danes landed in Porlock Bay in 886, looting and firing the village and later a force from Brittany laid siege to the settlement. The oldest remaining building in the village is the 12th century Chantry House, a small cottage close to the Church of St. Dubricius, itself built on 13th century foundations. The church takes its name from a saint who, according to legend, crowned King Arthur at Caerleon in Wales and later married him to Guinevere. It is famous for its truncated spire but there is no evidence to support the locals' tales of a violent gale in 1700, or of the giant who snapped off the spire and put it on the tiny church of nearby Culbone!

From Porlock, visitors often take the road west to Porlock Weir. The weir is a natural haven created by a sea-driven bank of shingle, a quiet lagoon which for centuries has offered refuge to sailors. Today, the scores of cruisers heavily outnumber the few remaining fishing boats, some of which are used for planting lobster pots off Hurlstone Point. To the east of Porlock, through the rich Porlock Vale, is Bossington, a long, picturesque thatched village with tea rooms, some fine walnut trees and the starting point for several bracing walks out to Hurlstone Head. Further east lies Aller-ford, with its famous packhorse bridge, and up on the hillside is Selworthy, with its lovely green surrounded by thatched cottages, all owned by the National Trust, and looking south onto superb views across the vale to Exmoor and the towering Dunkery Beacon. Down the hill and across the vale is Luccombe, a National Trust village of thatched cottages, and back towards Porlock, Horner, where the Horner River winds its way along the foot of the hills.

The attractive village of Porlock - with it's breathtaking coastal views and easy access to the spectacular countryside of Exmoor - is truly 'the Gateway to Exmoor'.

Walk the miles of beautiful rugged coastline paths, enjoy the warm soft climate of sheltered Porlock Vale, and explore the wild unspoilt beauty of Exmoor - where the visitor can find wild Red Deer and Ponies in their ancient habitats. Also sharing the hills, rivers, woodlands and coastline are fox, badger, rare butterflies and over 230 species of birds.

When you arrive in Porlock you will be delighted to find that this lovely traditional Somerset village has a wide range of shops, historic pubs, restaurants, tea shops, interesting museum, visitor centre, etc.
Central to the village is the 13th Century church with it's unusual spire dedicated to St. Dubricius ( said to have crowned and conducted the marriage of King Arthur to Queen Guinevere).

Surrounding Porlock are the lovely National Trust Villages of Bossington, Horner, Lynch, Allerford, Selworthy and Luccombe. Admire the thatched cottages and pretty gardens, visit the tea rooms, farm park, animal and bird collections and museums. Discover the peace of the moorland churches - including Oare where Lorna Doone was shot on her wedding day in R.D Blackmore's classic romance; and walk along the cliffs to Culbone - an enchanting place - where you will find the smallest parish church in England.

This bustling village has various tearooms, pubs, a church and a Visitor Centre in the old school. The village is located at the foot of the famous Porlock Hill, which rises 725 feet in just under a mile, it is 1:4 at places and is probably the steepest main road in the UK with a regular bus service.

The pretty little port of Porlock Weir and Porlock Bay is a 2-mile walk away along the coast. There is a 6000-year old shingle ridge here which, it is believed, was formed with the rise in sea levels at the end of the last ice age.

Cradled snugly in a glorious amphitheatre, with the hills of Exmoor rising steeply on three sides of it, lies Porlock. To the north the Bristol Channel provides breathtaking views along the coast and across to Wales, in all other directions is Exmoor, with its heather covered moors cut by deep, often wooded, combes with clear sparkling streams. Its spectacular beauty is protected by the Exmoor National Park Authority and the National Trust, and its unique situation allows Porlock to experience a wonderful warm, soft climate.

It is a traditional village where you will feel welcome at any of its wide variety of shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants. Porlock is famous for its very steep hill. Modern cars can negotiate it without difficulty, although lorries do occassionally get stuck, but years ago many of the cars had to be towed to the top.

Surrounding Porlock are a variety of lovely National Trust villages, each with its own special character and most with one or more tea gardens where you can enjoy a delicious cream tea - a local speciality. Allerford has its famous Packhorse Bridge and is home to a delightful museum housed in the old school. Children can experience the life of Victorian children by dressing up and writing on slates.
Bossington is a beautiful village, untouched by time, with its limewashed cottages with traditional tall chimneys and bread ovens. A visit to Exmoor Falconry & Animal Farm is a must, perhaps take a hawk walk and fly a harris hawk. Horner, lying at the edge of a National Nature Reserve, Luccombe and Lynch are delightful. Selworthy is a picture postcard village dominated by its church. The chocolate box cottages around the village green are seen on many cards and calendars.

West of Porlock is Porlock Weir, a small picturesque harbour retaining all of its historic charm, with quaint cottages and the 14th Century Ship Inn. Allow time when visiting to watch the glass blower and blacksmith at work and to experience the walk to Culbone Church, set in enchanting woodland, the smallest complete parish church in England and can only be reached on foot.

Explore the wild unspoilt beauty of Exmoor, where wild red deer and ponies live in harmony in their ancient habitats. Sharing the hills, rivers, woodlands and coastline are fox, badger, rare butterflies and over 230 species of birds. Porlock marshes are a constant delight to bird watchers who discover an increasingly growing list of resident and migratory birds.

Discover the peace of the moorland churches, including Oare where Lorna Doone was shot on her wedding day in R.D Blackmore's classic romance, and Stoke Pero church which enjoys splendid isolation on the moor.

Porlock is a great centre for those who enjoy walking, whether for just a short stroll or for th< wanting something more challenging. Exmoor has some ( miles of way-marked walks, including the South West Coast Path and the Two Moors Way.

Do not miss the opportunity of experiencing Exmoor horseback, as there are several local riding stables catering all levels of proficiency. Whatever you enjoy: walking, ridi bird watching, fishing, cycling or falconry, this is the peri place for everyone who loves and respects the countryside.

To help everyone to explore and enjoy the area, the Exmoor National Park and the National Trust offer a range of guided walks and events. The Porlock Visitor Centre has a range books, maps, guides and quality local crafts on sale and details of forthcomings events.

A wide variety of accommodation is available, in and around Porlock, to suit your particular needs; hotels, guesthouses, Bed & breakfast, self catering, caravan and camp sites. For details, and the free accommodation booking service, pi

Please contact the Visitor Centre.

THE charming village of Porlock, at the foot of the infamous one-in-four Porlock Hill, and the surrounding area has been a source of inspiration for writers and artists. Like Watchet, further along the coast, Porlock has had its share of bloody invasions — the Danes landed in Porlock Bay in 886, looting and firing the village, and later a force from Brittany laid siege to the settlement.

The oldest remaining building in the village is the 12th century Chantry House, a small cottage close to the Church of St. Dubricius, itself built on 13th century foundations. The church takes its name from a saint who, according to legend, crowned King Arthur at Caerleon in Wales and later married him to Guinevere. It is famous for its truncated spire — but there is no evidence to support the locals' tales of a violent gale in 1700, or of the giant who snapped off the spire and put it on the tiny church of nearby Cul-bone!
From Porlock, visitors often take the road west to Porlock Weir. The weir is a natural haven created by a sea-driven bank of shingle, a quiet lagoon which for centuries has offered refuge to sailors. Today, the scores of cruisers heavily outnumber the few remaining fishing boats, some of which are used for planting lobster pots off Hurlstone Point.

To the east of Porlock, through the rich Porlock Vale, is Bossington, a long, picturesque thatched village with tea rooms, some fine walnut trees and the starting point for several bracing walks out to Hurl-stone Head. Further east lies Allerford, with its famous packhorse bridge, and up on the hillside is Selworthy, with its lovely green surrounded by thatched cottages, all owned by the National Trust, and looking south onto superb views across the vale to pxmoor and the towering Dunkery Beacon.

Down the hill and across the vale is Luccombe, a National Trust village of thatched cottages, and back towards Porlock, Horner, where the Horner River winds its way along the foot of the hills.

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Porlock

Porlock