Local Attractions

There is so much to see or do in the local areas of Porlock, Dunster, Exmoor and Somerset. Below are a few of our "must see" attractions...

For a full range of local attractions why not check out Visit Exmoor's website here

The Golden Retriever Experience

The Golden Retriever Experience

The Golden Retriever Experience (The GRE) is a family-run attraction in Minehead, West Somerset that gives the unique opportunity for you and your family and friends to have a personal encounter with a pack of trained Golden Retrievers.

A Fantastic family day out with our four legged friends.

7 Days a Week 11am - 6pm between March and October.

Greencombe Gardens

Greencombe Gardens

Greencombe, is situated alongside the wooden slopes overlooking the Bristol Channel and was started in 1946 by Horace Stroud. It is only a 3.5 acre strip, but full of beautiful and rare plants.

The garden fell into the care and custody of Joan Loraine in September 1966.  All you can see in the organic garden today is due to her dedication and love for this delightful woodland garden.

 

 

Exmoor Adventures

Exmoor Adventures

Calling all adrenaline junkies, Exmoor Adventures offers a huge range of award winning outdoor activities and courses, suitable for all ages and abilities, within Exmoor, the Quantock Hills and North Devon. Try your hand at kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, archery, coasteering, orienteering, paddle boarding, raft building, tree climbing or for those of you who want to take it a little easier, why not hire an electric bike from them to explore the wonderful local areas.

West Somerset Railway

West Somerset Railway

Our local heritage railway is a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway. It's 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 our line preserves. Perfect for all

To plan your visit, click on the button below

Culbone Church

Culbone Church

If you fancy a coastal walk with a view, try the Porlock Weir to Culborne Church route via the South West Coastal path. 

There are spectacular views across the Bristol Channel on a clear day, and the route passes the romantic remnants of Lord Byron's daughter's gothic mansion, with tunnels carved out of the hillside by nineteenth-century Swiss mountaineers.

Culbone Church, is located in the village of Culbone in Somerset and is said to be the smallest parish church in England. The church, dedicated to the Welsh saint Beuno, has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building and the churchyard cross is Grade II*. The church is recorded in the Domesday Book.

Valley of The Rocks

Valley of The Rocks

This fascinating valley is a U-shaped dry valley that is parallel to the sea. It lies about ½ mile to the west of Lynton. It is well known for its feral goats that roam freely and often quite hair-raisingly on the jagged cliff edges. It is thought that during the Ice Age the ice sheet prevented the East Lyn River from reaching the sea on its normal route and was diverted westwards. When the ice sheet retreated the river was able to resume its original path, leaving this valley riverless. Over the years the valley has silted up to become the U-shape we now see, not caused by a glacier. It is well-known for its unusual rock formations and caves.

Facilities: Mother Meldrum’s Cafe provides a range of refreshments, with public toilets and a picnic area at the Lynton end of the valley.

Porlock Bay Oysters

Porlock Bay Oysters

Porlock is experiencing a foodie renaissance thanks to a community-led project to revive a tradition that once thrived here in the 1800s, by farming oysters in the bay. Harvesting native oysters died out in the 1890s due to overfishing but Porlock Bay Oysters are now back on the menu thanks to a team of volunteers coordinated by Tim Edwards and his daughter Fiona who has introduced Pacific oysters for a more sustainable supply of restaurant quality oysters all year round.

In just a few years since the project's inception, Porlock Bay oysters are attracting the attention of top chefs (inlcuding our very own Head Chef Miguel), the Food Standards Agency and consumers alike.

Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle

An ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens
Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, a castle has existed here since at least Norman times, with an impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower giving a reminder of its turbulent history.

The castle that you see today became a lavish country home during the 19th century for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years.

The castle boasts spectacular views toward the Bristol channel, the Quantock hills and up to the moors of Exmoor. You can also get a great view of the castle from the secret garden at our sister hotel, The Luttrell Arms Hotel

Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre

Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre

For a great family day out with a difference, with Owl & Hawk Flying Experiences, Pony Experience for young Children, Individual Horse Rides for Experienced Riders, Gentle Horse & Rider Workshop and more...

Wild About Exmoor - Guided Walks & Star Gazing

Wild About Exmoor - Guided Walks & Star Gazing

"We provide guided walks and stargazing on Exmoor on a bespoke or group basis. Our walks are all geared to explore the best of Exmoor National Park and can be themed to enjoy the literary connection with poets such as Coleridge or novelists such as R.D.Blackmore, author of Lorna Doone. We are happy to share the history of a place such as the Roman Fortlet at Heddons Mouth and always include foraging, homemade cakes or a locally sourced picnic. We can also go on a walking safari seeking out red deer and/or Exmoor ponies. 

Then at night time we can provide all sorts of opportunities for stargazing with or without a meal or even a forest walk to spot nightjars at Nutcombe Bottom!"

Exmoor Zoo

Exmoor Zoo

The zoo had in the past specialised in smaller animals, providing natural living spaces for many creatures no longer seen in the city zoos. Today, new exhibits exist for larger animals such as Puma, reindeer, maned wolves, meerkats, Cheetah, European wolves and to name but a few and of course the Exmoor beast! Sand Cats, Binturong, singing dogs, wolves, Carpathian lynx, Clouded leopards, many of whom are endangered in their habitat. The careful planting of shrubs and trees as they have matured, will keep you wondering what is next, providing a very relaxing and natural atmosphere.

Exmoor Distillery Tours

Exmoor Distillery Tours

Exmoor Distillery are open 7 days a week for distillery tours and tastings - find out how they produce their premium spirits and try the whole range of Gins, Rums and Vodka. 

The history of Exmoor Distillery...


"Located in the idyllic Somerset countryside, near the border of Devon, Exmoor Distillery sits on the southern gateway to Exmoor at Dulverton, on the edge of the Exmoor National Park.

This historic location, mentioned in the Domesday Book, is the perfect setting in which to distill one of the UK’s finest small batch artisan gins.

With the refined juniper flavour dancing in your mouth, where better to enjoy this premium spirit, than in the rolling hills and valleys of the English countryside at any time of year.

Developed from our own passion for fine spirits, Exmoor Distillery is a small family run distillery, sharing our love for a premium quality gin.

After sampling many of the world’s gins on our travels, there was nothing that quite hit the spot, so we decided to produce our own. Customers love the complex flavours of the juniper and botanicals that give our gin a decidedly country taste and smooth texture."

Wimbleball Lake

Wimbleball Lake

Tucked away between the rolling hills of Exmoor, Wimbleball Lake boasts a large range of activities for families, couples and solo adventurers on and off the water. Choose between a variety of 2 hour Have a Go taster sessions in kayaking, paddleboarding, high ropes, archery, sailing and windsurfing or even a family canoe adventure.  Or you can hire our equipment for an hour or two! You can also get launch permits to use your own equipment.

Rather stay on dry land? Why not explore the 9 miles of footpaths surrounding the lake or venture off the beaten path on our new orienteering course! If you’re feeling peckish there is a café on site to satisfy your need for coffee or ice cream and plenty of beautiful spots for a picnic overlooking the water.

 

 

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the UK's only fully water powered railway and the highest and the steepest fully water powered railway in the World! This multi-award winning attraction was built in 1888 and operates just using renewable and sustainable fresh river water. The attraction and the Cliff Top Café holds the highest 'Gold' award for sustainable and ethical tourism, was voted by Which? as the UK's best Cliff Railway, and has multiple accolades for heritage engineering. With 862ft of steep track and an elevation of 500ft the railway provides a memorable experience, and coastal stunning views, that will complete any visit to the beautiful towns Lynton & Lynmouth. An attraction for all ages, in all weathers, opens daily at 10am and dogs and muddy boots are welcome too.

Red Stag Safari

Red Stag Safari

Exmoor Safaris by Exmoor people

"We will take you on a Safari over wild Exmoor to show you the rugged coastline, heather moors, steeply sloping combes with ancient woodland and fast flowing rivers. We believe you should enjoy your safari in comfort so we were the first operator to use a Land Rover Discovery which is more comfortable than the LR Defender used by most operators. Our Discovery 4 has air suspension giving a softer ride than the more rigid bumpy suspension in the Defender. There is air conditioning, more seating space and legroom and better visibility through larger windows compared to the Defender. The Discovery has the legendary off road ability of Land Rover combined with the comfort of a luxury car. We take smaller groups than some so passengers are not cramped. All seats are forward facing. We are fully licensed by West Somerset Council and insured – some operators are not – Beware!"

RSS is run by Andrew Turner, who is Somerset born and bred. His family have lived and farmed on Exmoor for over 200 years. Andrew is the guide who will use his local knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime on Exmoor to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife including the Exmoor Ponies, Red Deer and Birds of Prey. He will take you to remote places and to the best vantage points to enjoy the panoramic scenery, explain the geology, history and customs of the Moor. He will show you the bronze age settlements with their cairns, barrows and standing stones. You will ford rivers, see the Doone Valley and hear the tale of Lorna Doone. Learn about farming practices from someone who has actually worked on Exmoor Farms.

Exmoor Village Walks

Exmoor Village Walks

Wander through time with a walking tour of Dunster Village

Join Jackie for a two-hour guided walk through this picturesque and fascinating village. Jackie brings the history of the place and its people to life, taking in all the major sites and stopping on the way at some beautiful views. The walk is suitable for all ages. Children can take part in the ‘I Spy’. Dogs are welcome. 

For an additional fee, private tours can also be arranged to fit your schedule. 

Contact Jackie on 07789 767710 or at exmoorvillagewalks@gmail.com for more information.

Booking is essential.

What our guests say...

"A Peaceful Relaxing Place to Chill Out" - Joanna via Booking.com

Stunning, peaceful setting alongside a quaint little harbour and pebble beach. The secluded hamlet down country lanes offered a couple of shops and a good pub next door. The small hotel did not disappoint! Undergoing extensive refurbishment, the overall ambiance was stylish but relaxed with a modern twist on traditional. The completed bedrooms were relaxing and comfortable and our bed provided a ...

"Hotel Top Of It's Game" - Nocky-1975 - via Tripadvisor.co.uk

Just spent 3 nights here in these difficult times we now live in. Faultless is the word I would use to describe Porlock Weir Hotel from the time you book until the time you leave they can’t do enough to accommodate you. Under the leadership of Michell and Miquel the hotel is run impeccably from front of house to housekeeping nothing less than 10/10 and that’s before you get to dine where...

"A Fantastic Find" - Lorraine via Booking.com

Stylish make-over, good staff, excellent food - breakfast was superb. We stumbled across the hotel by accident, a fantastic accident! Lovely little harbour with amazing views. The hotel was freshly made over, the staff could not have been more pleasant and helpful. Wood fired pizzas freshly made on the patio. Would highly recommend. ...

"Dog Friendly Birthday Break" - Ardel R via Tripadvisor.co.uk

Lovely hotel with wonderful views over Porlock Weir, food was great and staff lovely, friendly and dog fans too. So a perfect break all round. We stayed in October and had a room with views out over the sea. We took our golden retriever with us and the place is very dog friendly with towels to clean their muddy feet if needed....

"Exceptional in Every Way!" - MJM48 via Tripadvisor.co.uk

From the moment we walked in we knew we had made the right choice - such a warm, friendly welcome. The hotel was beautifully decorated for Christmas and with the lovely open fires made us feel festive. Our room overlooking the harbour was absolutely lovely, spacious and spotlessly clean. The bed was very comfortable, shower excellent. We had dinner both nights of our stay, good quality ingredients...

"Wonderful Two Nights Stay" - HolidaychicLondon via Tripadvisor.co.uk

We had room 4 looking out to the harbour. The room was spacious and attractively decorated. The breakfast were very nice, a very long wait the first morning though but not the second one - so all good. We had dinner there one evening which was delicious and great service and everything about the hotel is Covid friendly. The staff and guests all wear masks when moving around the hotel, there’...

"Wonderfully Spoiling, Relaxing Break" - Penny V via Tripadvisor.co.uk

We have been coming to this hotel for many years and have seen it through many reincarnations. We are so happy that the current management has taken this much-loved treasure over and given it such a wonderful new lease of life. We stayed for 3 days with our dog. The staff were absolutely delightful and went out of their way to ensure that we were all safe in a way that was so unobtrusive that we almost...

"Just Like Home" - Justhadtosay via Tripadvisor.co.uk

Fabulous hotel which is hard to fault. As someone there said, you feel like the first person to use the room. Beautiful rooms and bathrooms and we had a view of the sea and bay which was just what we needed.We had a long walk one day which was such a tonic after working at home for so long. In our arrival back it was like getting home with a log fire, friendly welcome and home made cream tea.The staff...

"Lovely Staycation Find" - Rob A via Tripadvisor.co.uk

Just spent 3 nights here in these difficult times we now live in. Faultless is the word I would use to describe Porlock Weir Hotel from the time you book until the time you leave they can’t do enough to accommodate you. Under the leadership of Michell and Miquel the hotel is run impeccably from front of house to housekeeping nothing less than 10/10 and that’s before you get to dine where...
Our Awards and Suppliers

We are spoilt with an abundance of local suppliers and take great pride in hand selecting the best that the region has to offer. Here are just a few of our local suppliers and the awards we have won...

Our Locations...