Porlock Weir – A Favourite Corner of Exmoor
Am I allowed to have a favourite place on Exmoor? Of course, I do love all of Exmoor, but there is something particularly special about Porlock Weir. Many others feel the same — countless visitors stumble across this quiet spot and soon find themselves drawn back year after year, falling ever more fond of this seemingly secret harbour hamlet.
What’s Porlock Weir all about?
Driving west from Porlock, this is the last chance to reach the sea before the road winds its way back up the cliffs and on towards Devon. Fortunately, a handy car park means you can leave your wheels behind for an amble around the boats, along the marsh, and out onto the shingle ridge and stony beach beyond.
Although tranquil today, Porlock Weir has played an important role in the life of eastern Exmoor over the centuries. In fact, the sea route was once the easiest way to travel up and down the coast. Trade in the 18th and 19th centuries included corn, flour, bark for tanning, bricks, and oysters bound for Bristol. Interestingly, not all of these exports are a thing of the past. A community project launched in 2013 has revived oyster farming here. Porlock Bay Oysters, now hold the top ‘A’ classification from the Food Standards Agency — the first site in England and Wales to achieve this rating for Pacific oysters.
Porlock Weir Harbour
A small flotilla of yachts and fishing boats sits in the harbour. Many often appear stranded on the mud, yet the dramatic rise and fall of the Bristol Channel tide means they never wait long to float again.
The harbour dock-gates are equally fascinating. They are used to hold back tidal water and then release it in a rush, flushing away the stones that drift in with the tide. As a result, the inner harbour remains clear. Cross the dock-gate bridge and you’ll step onto ‘Turkey Island’ for a different perspective — complete with Western Cottage, sitting pretty in yellow.
Porlock Weir Beach
Behind the harbour, the quiet marshland makes a lovely flat expanse for dogs to let off steam. Just a couple of minutes’ walk takes you over the shingle ridge and onto the stony beach. From here, the view out to sea is striking, with cliffs stretching in both directions to cast shifting shadows across the water in shades of grey, pink, blue, and silver.
Although there is no designated footpath, you can keep walking west along the beach towards the rocky cliffs. With persistence, you may even come across the half-buried Smugglers’ Cave.
To the east, the beach sweeps in a huge curve towards Porlock. The landscape here has changed dramatically in recent decades. For many years, the ridge was artificially re-shaped to hold back the sea from farmland. However, since a natural breach in 1996, the marsh now floods at every high tide. Consequently, a unique ecosystem has developed, recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Back at the heart of the harbour, you’ll find a handful of inviting spots. Whether you fancy a coffee at Harbour House Coffee Shop, browsing the Harbour Gallery, or a memorable lunch at Porlock Weir Hotel or Locanda on the Weir, there’s plenty of choice. For something more traditional, grab a pint at the Ship Inn (known locally as the Bottom Ship) and soak up the salty sea air.
Holiday cottages in Porlock Weir
We have a stunning selection of cottages in Porlock Weir available for your self-catering getaway. Moreover, staying in the hamlet itself gives you the chance to experience this magical place at all hours of the day — from sunrise on the beach to stargazing under Exmoor’s famous Dark Skies.
Holiday Cottages in Porlock Weir
We have a stunning selection of available to let for your self-catering get away.
Handy information for visiting Porlock Weir
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The beach and most cafés and pubs are dog-friendly.
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Parking is plentiful in the harbourside car park (small charge).
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Public toilets are available close to the harbour.
Things to do in & around Porlock Weir
- Walk up to Culbone Church
- Wander through Greencombe Gardens
- Step back in time at The Allerford Rural Life Museum or Porlock Weir Boat Shed Museum
- Find a souvenir or browse the talent of Exmoor Glass or the Harbour Gallery and Cafe
- Walk to Porlock and back via this circular 4 mile loop
- Visit nearby villages of Dunster or Minehead
- Head west to Lynton to walk the Valley of the Rocks or ride on the Cliff Railway
- Get active outdoors with Exmoor Adventures or Channel Adventure
- Hire a bike to explore the region; test your fitness riding up Porlock Hill!
Other Useful Exmoor Guides
Ready to plan your Exmoor escape?
Book your stay today, or if you’d like some local advice, just give us a ring on 01182300750 or drop us an email at stay@thebestofexmoor.co.uk. We’re based right here in Porlock Weir and know the area inside out — we’d love to help.
Photographs Thanks to Exmoor Commons and Shaun Davey