Porlock

The coastal village of Porlock in Somerset, lies in a picturesque region that has inspired poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived nearby at Nether Stowey, William Wordsworth and R. D. Blackmore, author of Lorna Doone. Porlock is nestled on the coast, in a deep hollow below Exmoor and adjoining Porlock Ridge and the Saltmarsh Nature Reserve that was created when the lowland was breached by the sea in the 1990’s. The reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its important wildlife, flora, fauna and geology. Porlock has been settled since at least the Iron Age as evidenced by Bury Castle to the east of the village. This Iron Age hill fort with steep drops on the north, east and south sides is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Porlock offers ample amenities and shops, eateries and pubs as well as visitor attractions and some of the picturesque walks in the region. With breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel and located by the rolling hills of the Exmoor National Park, Porlock attracts walkers, nature lovers and cyclists throughout the year. Other outdoor pursuits are also well catered for in the area with regular shoots organised by the National Trust, fishing from the Weir as well as reservoirs and rivers of Exmoor and golf at any of the several courses in the area.