Porlock is a delightful village where moorland meets sea, and that warmth you feel isn’t just in the sunshine—it’s in the welcome too. Charming thatched cottages, peaceful walks, independent cafés and pubs, and a vibrant local spirit make it perfect for those travelling alone, with family, or with four-legged friends. It’s peaceful, but never dull, and there’s always something to see or do close by. We have a seperate guide for Porlock Weir, just 1.5 miles from Porlock Village – walk the 4 mile circular loop .
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What’s Around You
Local Culture & History
Stroll through artisan shops and galleries filled with locally crafted art, photography, and handmade goods—a splendid place to pick up keepsakes. At the centre of Porlock is the historic Church of St Dubricius, recognized for its unique, truncated spire.
Just outside Porlock, tucked away in a secluded woodland, lies Culbone Church, the smallest parish church in England. Believed to pre-date the Norman Conquest and recorded in the Domesday Book, it remains a quiet, evocative spot that was once one of the country’s most remote parish churches—an experience in historical charm and peaceful seclusion.
A Night Sky Like No Other
Porlock is part of the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, offering star-gazers a spectacular canvas overhead. Try the Dark Sky Discovery Trail—it’s a peaceful two-mile night walk to Larkbarrow Farm ruins, perfect after an evening of fresh air and silence
The Porlock Landscape
The flat expanse of Porlock Vale extends all the way to Porlock Marsh and shingle ridge of Porlock Weir, a Site of Special Scientific Interest brimming with unusual species of flora and fauna. It’s no wonder, therefore, that it’s a walker’s paradise.
Head up to the east to Selworthy Beacon for impressive views across the Bristol channel. This is a stunning place to get away from it all and enjoy the coastal space.
Heading south will take you in-land, up winding lanes, through to magical woodlands and the stunning Webbers Post, situated in the heart of the Holnicote Estate. Then, to the west of the vale sits the infamous Porlock Hill. We recommend you follow the road up its steep and craggy bends and, the further you go, the more you’ll find dramatic moorland views looking out over Exmoor and the coast.
For up-to-date travel advice, take a look at our Visiting Exmoor – Coronavirus FAQs.
Outdoor Experiences for Every Pace
Porlock is popular for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and water lovers—whether you’re after a gentle coastal wander or a scenic moorland climb.
Here are a few walks guests often love:
| Walk | Description |
|---|---|
| Culbone Church Walk | A beautiful coastal path to England’s smallest church. You can extend it via the Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail. |
| Bossington & Hurlstone Loop | A scenic coastal route with views across Porlock Bay. |
| Dunkery Beacon Walk | Hike to the top of Exmoor for 360-degree views of the countryside and coastline. |
| Marsh & Beach Strolls | Peaceful paths along marshland and shingle beaches—great for reflecting or casual exploring. |
| Porlock Weir Walks | Choose from brief woodland loops to longer coastal paths like The Gore or Harbour-to-hilltop routes. |
And don’t forget you can always check our Walks section of the blog for our full collection.
Exmoor Adventures
For those looking to try something different, Exmoor Adventures is based in Porlock and offers a whole range of activities beyond walking. Hire an e-bike or mountain bike to explore the coast and moorland with ease, or take to the water with kayaking and paddle boarding in Porlock Bay. They also run guided activities like archery, tree climbing, and coasteering—perfect for families, groups, or anyone wanting to add a splash of excitement to their Exmoor holiday.
Porlock Village
There isn’t much you can’t find in the village of Porlock – visitor or resident. There’s a traditional butcher, an independent pharmacy, a proper post office and an old school hardware store as well as a plethora of locally owned and run shops, pubs and cafés.
Food & Drink – A Friendly Culinary Welcome
A very ‘West Country’ pastime, why not find somewhere in the village to enjoy a cream tea? Homemade traditional scones are served with thick clotted cream, whortleberry jam, and a pot of tea. And, trust us, this is an obligatory mid-afternoon affair when visiting Somerset.
- Whortleberry Tea Room: You’ll be more than tempted to try the tea here after a browse of their incredible reviews!
- The Big Cheese: A gorgeous cheesemonger and delicatessen with all sorts of yummy produce.
- Kitnors Kitchen: (Just a mile east of Porlock) – This country cottage tearoom in the delightful neighbouring village of Bossington, boasts all sorts of scrumptious items on its menu. Its adored because of its beautiful rural setting too.
Pubs & Restaurants
We also love these cute little places for food…
- The Ship Inn – Our favourite local, for many reasons, but mostly because of its quirky decor and sprawling pub garden with playground. This place is filled with cosy alcoves & lovely fireplaces to warm up by in the winter. They do food, drink & often pub quizzes and events too!
- The Royal Oak – Simple pub grub available, and local drinks.
- The Castle Inn – All your booze requirements will be met here, and any you might have for affordable pub food – including burgers, steak, ham & eggs, curries etc… Quiz nights most Wednesdays and often shows sports & puts on music too.
- Locanda on the Weir – just down the hill in Porlock Weir, you’ll find this incredible spot for some truly high quality fine dining. Check the video towards the end of this article to get a taste for it…
Shopping & Art
The abundance of independent shops run by locals here is awesome, but don’t take our word for it. Peruse these absolute gems for homewares, clothes and gifts, and enjoy browsing through galleries filled with the works of talented Exmoor artists…
- Handmade Exmoor – Expertly made local crafts come in no short supply here…
- Clive Down Butchers – Find the perfect cut for your Sunday Roast at this excellent traditional butcher on the high street
- Melody Art Gallery – Here you will find stunning impressionist-eqsue paintings and breathtaking landscape photography and all sorts of other visual delights by local artists & photographers.
- Exmoor Rambler and Post Office – Always handy whilst out in the wiles of Exmoor, an outdoor clothing and equipment store!
Parking
The village has three car parks – Main/Central Car Park (off the high street), Village Hall Car Park, and Doverhay Car Park. You should be able to find these by putting them into your Google maps. The Village Hall allows up to 2 hours of free parking.
Map of Porlock
Things to see and do in the area
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Admire the view from Selworthy Beacon
This viewpoint on the hill above Bossington Bay has superb panoramic views at 308 meters above sea level. You can walk there easily from Bossington National Trust Car Park, or go from Minehead, passing through Minehead higher town. There are lots of lovely walks from the top, not forgetting the South West Coast Path.
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Visit Porlock Weir
Only a 5 min drive west of Porlock (or a 2 mile 30-40 min walk), you’ll find the small harbour hamlet of Porlock Weir. Breathe in the sea air as you wander along the pebble beach, listen to the sounds of the gulls as you admire pretty little sailing boats, and stop for a bite to eat at one of the tiny village’s lovely little establishments.
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Walk to Culbone Church
The smallest Church in England, nestled in the hills just west of Porlock and Porlock Weir, Culbone Church makes a lovely endpoint for a woodland walk along the coast. It’s hidden gems like these that make exploring Exmoor a real treasure hunt.
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Visit Doverhay Manor Museum
Run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers, the Doverhay Manor Museum is a great place to go to learn more about the history of Porlock and the surrounding communities. (Also known as Porlock Museum.) Open throughout the summer months (1st May – 28th September), Monday to Saturday. And it’s free admission.
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Amble through Greencombe Gardens
A woodland garden full of rare and wonderful plants, Greencombe Gardens offers an organic showpiece of international renown in the summer. Sheltered under canopies of oaks, conifers and hollies, you will find carefully nurtured camellias, lilies, roses and more all grown using organic, traditional methods.
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Step back in time at Allerford Museum
Relaxed and informal, Allerford Museum is situated a mile east of Porlock in the small hamlet of Allerford. Here you will find a collection of memorabilia and ancient artefacts that give you a sense of rural life in years gone by.
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Embrace the space on Bossington Beach
Porlock Bay stretches between Hurlstone Point and Porlock Weir and includes the beach, ridge and salt marsh (see below). This long shingle curve bay sits between the Bristol Channel and farmland of the vale. The River Horner runs down from the village of Bossington, seemingly disappearing as it seeps through the shingle to reach the sea… The best place to access the beach from is the Bossington National Trust car park, only half a mile from the beach itself.
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Walk along Porlock Ridge and Salt Marsh
Porlock Salt Marsh is a biological site of Site of Special Scientific Interest for its active geomorphological features. The shingle ridge was formed naturally over thousands of years, which created a barrier between the sea and the flat lowlands behind it. However, the geographical balance of factors maintaining the ridge eventually evolved, leaving the ridge vulnerable. Because of this, there was a catastrophic breach during a storm in October 1996. This led to the expanse of tidal saltwater marsh which exists there now, supporting various unusual bird and plant species! Quite a fascinating ecological journey really… Guided nature walks & talks on it all held frequently. Ask at the tourism office in Porlock or enquire with the Exmoor Society online.
Porlock Hill
Porlock Hill is not just steep—it’s the steepest A-road in the UK, with gradients climbing to 25% and rising some 725 ft in under a mile onto Exmoor’s edge. For descending vehicles, there are two dedicated escape lanes, but the road still sees its share of incidents. Built in 1843, the original route was soon paralleled by a toll road with a gentler 1:14 gradient, offering easier travel for motorists.
The hill has seen its share of lore, including the 1899 lifeboat rescue (pulled by men and 20 horses down the hill to Porlock Weir) and Selwyn Edge’s 1900 bet win as the first motorist to climb it. Today, it ranks among Britain’s top 100 cycling climbs, with races held on the smoother toll road that averages a 5.5% gradient and peaks at 8%—a true treat for adventurous riders.
Walking from Porlock
As described above, the landscape offers varied walking terrain, all within easy reach of the village. Here’s a few helpful other walks we think you might like in the area.
Circular walk from Sparkhayes Lane, Porlock.
Circular walk between Porlock and Porlock Weir, (along the beach and through the woods!)
Explore More Porlock with Loz’s Leisure
For further inspiration on what to do & where to eat around Porlock, check out the amazing Loz’s Leisure travel vlog on it. These guys are truly lovely tour guides and show some of Porlock & Porlock Weir’s cutest spots in all their glory. We think you’ll really enjoy watching 🙂
Accommodation in Porlock
If you are looking for self-catering holiday accommodation in Porlock, please browse our collection of gorgeous houses & cottages. And of course, if you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you. We are based just down the road, so Porlock and Porlock Weir are our specialist areas of expertise!
We are happy to have a chat to help you choose on the phone: 0118 230 0750 using the live chat on our website or email us stay@thebestofexmoor.co.uk
FAQ: Visiting Porlock
Porlock Hill sits immediately west of the village on the A39, the coastal road toward Lynmouth and Barnstaple. It begins just beyond the High Street and climbs onto Exmoor’s open moor.
It’s the steepest A-road in the UK, with sections at 1 in 4 (25%) and around 725 ft/221 m of ascent in under a mile—one reason it’s so well-known among drivers and cyclists.
Most cars and the double-decker Explorer Bus can manage the hill. Take the Scenic Toll Road: a gentler 4.2-mile alternative that never exceeds roughly 1 in 14 and gives sweeping sea-and-moor views. It starts in the village and rejoins the A39 at the top.
Porlock serves as a charming gateway to Exmoor, offering a tranquil blend of moorland and coastline. It’s known for its traditional thatched cottages, artisan shops, and the 13th-century Church of St Dubricius with its truncated spire. A stone’s throw away, tucked into oak woods along the South West Coast Path, stands Culbone Church—England’s smallest parish church. Porlock also boasts some of the darkest skies in Europe, thanks to Exmoor’s designation as the first International Dark Sky Reserve. Just below, Porlock Bay and the historic harbour at Porlock Weir complete the picture with coastal charm and scenic walks.
Yes—moor meets sea here. From Porlock you can stroll to Porlock Weir, Bossington, and the salt-marsh; head up to Selworthy Beacon for big views; or day-trip to Dunster, Tarr Steps or the Valley of Rocks. It’s peaceful, but never dull—exactly the feel of your original guide.
Porlock Hill is extremely steep—up to 25% gradient with tight hairpins—and isn’t suitable for towing. Caravans, motorhomes, HGVs, or any heavy/towed vehicles are strongly advised to use the Scenic Toll Road, a slightly longer but much gentler route (~1:14 gradient). Locals and travellers alike sound a clear warning: “DO NOT TAKE YOUR CARAVAN OR YOUR MOTORHOME UP THIS HILL!!”—especially when roads are damp or traffic is busy. The toll road offers a safer and more scenic alternative check the prices here. The Exmoor Explorer double decker bus does drive up Porlock Hill.
Very. Many cafés and pubs welcome dogs, and there are year-round, dog-friendly stretches of shingle at Porlock Beach and miles of woodland and coastal paths from the village.
Use Central (off the High Street), Doverhay, or the Village Hall car parks. Central Car Park has EV charging (two 22 kW units, four bays).
Walk the coast to Culbone Church, find Exmoor Ponies, amble Porlock Marsh at golden hour, and pop down to Porlock Weir for food by the harbour. After dark, try a stargazing stroll—Exmoor was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011.
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