Local Area Information

Exmoor is situated in South West Britain, specifically across West Somerset and North Devon. Often referred to as England's best kept secret, Exmoor is a wonderful holiday destination for anyone looking for a holiday in the great outdoors! There is so much to see and do, from short walks to long expeditions across the moors, horse riding, cycling, adventurous water sports, bird spotting or sight-seeing at your own pace around the 'picture postcard' villages and hamlets. Often described as 'the jewel in Exmoor's crown', Porlock is a popular tourist destination. With its stunning setting, friendly local community, traditional pubs, tea rooms, family run restaurants, art galleries and authentic shops, it is not hard to see why visitors return year after year. There are few more delightful surroundings than Porlock Vale, nestled at the foot of Porlock Hill, bounded to the north by its shingle ridge and breathtaking views towards the Bristol Channel and to the south by the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park. To learn more about this wonderful part of the world, visit the Porlock Information Centre, West End, High Street, Porlock, Somerset TA24 8QD, Tel: 01643 863150 or view their website at https://www.porlock.co.uk

Food & Drink

For the size of the village, there are simply loads of places to eat! Discover delightful tea rooms, traditional pubs and family run restaurants. There are takeaway options too! All amenities in the Village are within easy walking distance of The Dog House. Many establishments have varied opening times depending on the day/Season so it is worth checking in advance. They are also very popular so early booking (even for takeaway services) is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Pubs and Restaurants

Porlock boasts three fabulous pubs, all serving traditional pub food, a range of local beers, a range of entertainment and a warm welcome! You really are spoilt for choice.

• The Ship Inn 01643 862507 shipinnporlock.co.uk enquiries@shipinnporlock.co.uk A former 13th century coaching inn, one of the oldest inns on Exmoor. It has a large outdoor seating area and children’s play area. Home made food using local produce. Cask Marque recommended Real Ales and ciders are served. Dogs welcome.
• The Castle 01643 862504 thecastleporlock.co.uk enquiries@thecastleporlock.co.uk The Castle is a B&B, pub and restaurant located in the centre of Porlock. It has a large bar and restaurant area. There is outdoor seating at the front of the pub. Dogs welcome
• The Royal Oak 01643 862798 royaloakporlock.com A small, traditional pub located in the centre of Porlock. It offers traditional pub food with the addition of its fabulous roast on Sundays. A range of craft real ales are served, and guest ales are changed regularly. The pub has a variety of entertainment – pool table, darts and jukebox as well as quiz nights and live entertainment. It’s just round the corner from The Dog House and another one of our favourite places to eat.  There is a small courtyard garden. Dogs welcome
• The Lorna Doone Hotel 01643 862404 lornadoonehotel.co.uk info@lornadoonehotel.co.uk Fabulous Hotel which sources local produce, where possible, to produce a high end menu. Served in their beautiful restaurant. Dogs welcome
• Piggy in the Middle 01643 862647 Family run fish and chip restaurant and takeaway that also serves award winning artisan pies

Cafes and Tea Rooms

• Bramdowns Tea Rooms 01643 863400 www.bramdowns.co.uk info@bramdowns.co.uk Family run tea room serving home cooked food, baked in house. Dogs welcome
• Whortleberry Tearoom 01643 62891 www.whortleberry.co.uk whortleberryhouse@btinternet.com Serving breakfast, light lunches, traditional afternoon teas and cakes. Dogs welcome
• The Big Cheese Cheesemonger 01643 862773 www.thebigcheeseporlock.co.uk sales@thebigcheeseporlock.co.uk Cheesemonger and delicatessan which serves a wide selection of cheeses and specializes in West Country cheeses.
• The Giggling Bean 01643 862729 Family run café serving breakfast, sandwiches and light meals. Takeaway service available. Dogs welcome

Porlock Weir is a beautiful ancient seaside port. This bustling harbour is a hive of activity and has some fabulous food establishments. The Ship Inn, The Porlock Weir Hotel and Locanda on the Weir, are firm favourites of ours.

• The Bottom Ship Inn 01643 863288 www.shipinnporlockweir.co.uk enquiries@shipinnporlockweir.co.uk Great selection of home made food using local produce served daily in the bar and restaurant. Wide selection of real ales and regular rotation of guest ales. Dogs welcome
• The Porlock Weir Hotel 01643 800400 www.porlockweirhotel.co.uk This beautiful hotel boasts sea views and an extensive menu. It also serves stone baked pizzas from its terrace.
• Locanda on the Weir 01643 863300 www.locandaontheweir.co.uk This is a real gem, and not to be missed if you are a fan of Italian influenced diing in an incredibly stylish setting. Opened in 2018 by Naples born chef Pio Catemario and his partner Cindy, Locanda on the Weir offers a full a la carte menu fusing Exmoor produce with flavours of the Med
• Porlock Bay Oysters 07435 652381 www.porlockbayoysters.co.uk Porlock Bay Oysters has been growing Pacific Oysters in Porlock Bay since 2013. These top notch oysters have attained an ‘A’ classification from the food standards agency, the first site in England and Wales for this type
• Harbour Gallery & Cafe with Art Gallery 01643 863514 http://www.harbourgalleryandcafe.co.uk Homemade cakes, scones, snacks and lunches. Takeaway service available. Dogs welcome
• Ziangs at the Weir 01643 863215 Ziangs in Porlock also run a takeaway noodle bar serving high quality Malaysian street food.

Nearby traditional countryside Tea Rooms

• Periwinkle Tea Rooms, Selworthy 016643 829111
• Kitnors Tea Rooms, Bossington 01643 82643
• Horner Tea Gardens, Horner 0643 862132

Things to do

There are so many things to do in Porlock Vale and its surrounding areas! Whether you want an active holiday or a relaxing break, there are an abundance of things to keep everyone entertained. Many of the adventure/sporting activities are extremely popular so we recommend booking in advance.

• Porlock Recreation Ground

Set in some 5.5 acres, Porlock Recreation Ground is without question the green centre of Porlock village. Within easy reach of the entire village, the Recreation Ground has great facilities including an enclosed children’s play area, two full sized football pitches, cricket area, floodlit tennis courts, floodlit basketball court, enclosed dog park and a pavillion. All are open to members of the public so don't forget to bring a football, basketball and tennis racket! www.porlockrec.org.uk

• Mountain biking, road bikes and family cycling

The Vale is a fantastic destination for cyclists. Exmoor is known for its challenging off-road landscape thanks to its network of bridleways, lanes and permitted tracks. Mountain bikers can enjoy biking across diverse terrain backed by stunning scenery, road bikers can take on challenging inclines including the infamous 'Porlock hill,' whilst families can enjoy the many family friendly trails. You can hire bikes from Exmoor Adventures www.exmooradventures.co.uk or Porlock Pedals www.starsthelimit.co.uk

• Horse Riding

There are many riding stables in Porlock Vale, some of which can provide stabling if you wish to bring your own horse. A vast network of bridleways offer a fantastic experience for riders of all levels and abilities.
www.burrowhayes.co.uk
www.exmoor-ridingholiday.co.uk

• Adventurous Activities

There are many exciting activities to try across the Vale and on Exmoor. From coasteering, kayaking and surfing to mountain climbing, abseiling and archery, there’s something for everyone.

• Exmoor Adventures (Porlock Wier)provides a range of award winning outdoor activities https://exmooradventures.co.uk/
• Discover Safaris (Porlock) allows for off road exploring. www.discoverysafaris.com
• Channel Adventures (Minehead) offer a range of outdoor activities. www.channeladventure.co.uk

• Greencombe Gardens

Greencombe is a beautiful garden in Porlock and an inspiration to many visitors. www.greencombe.org

• West Somerset Railway

A true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway, West Somerset Railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which this line preserves. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

• Dunster Castle

A stunning ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle-and-watermill

• The Exmoor Coaster

One of the UK’s most spectacular open top bus rides. It climbs between coast and moor, running from the seaside resort of Minehead to the traditional fishing village of Lynmouth. In the high summer the route continues up into the Victorian town of Lynton and through spectacular scenery to Combe Martin, Watermouth Bay and Ilfracombe

www.firstbus.co.uk/adventures-bus/services/exmoor-coaster

There are numerous traditional villages to explore including Lynton and Lynmouth, Bossington, Selworthy and Dunster. The Seaside town of Minehead lies just over 5miles away and is home to a sandy beach, Butlins (day tickets available) as well as amusement arcades and an array of shops.

• visitlyntonandlynmouth.com
• www.discoverdunster.info
• www.mineheadbay.co.uk

• Tropiquaria Zoo

A Tropical Hall, Nocturnal House and Aquarium. Outside they have 4 acres of animal enclosures, along with two life size pirate ships, and adventure castle. www.tropiquaria.co.uk

• Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

A family run wildlife and dinosaur park set in over 28 acres of spectacular gardens in Combe Martin valley. www.cmwdp.co.uk

• Exmoor Zoo

Exmoor zoo houses a large selection of wild animals. A great day out for all the family. www.exmoorzoo.co.uk