Owlscombe, Porlock Weir

In Porlock Weir

The Bottom Ship -- A charming 400-year-old thatched pub in the centre of the village, serving local ales, West Country cider, and hearty pub food. The stone-floored bar has a roaring fire in winter, and a large outdoor seating area for the warmer months. Dog-friendly.

The Porlock Weir Hotel -- Occupying the beautifully restored former Anchor Hotel building, the hotel restaurant serves seasonal dishes using local produce, with a terrace overlooking the harbour. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Afternoon teas and Sunday lunch are particularly popular.

Locanda on the Weir -- An intimate Michelin-listed restaurant with just five tables, run by Neapolitan chef Pio. The five-course tasting menu showcases modern Italian cooking using Exmoor produce, some foraged and garden-grown. They also have a third-generation pizza chef serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Booking essential.

Ziangs at the Weir -- Popular Malaysian, Chinese, and Indonesian street food takeaway with outdoor seating overlooking the harbour. Family recipes going back five generations from Borneo. Booking recommended as it fills up quickly.

Harbour House Coffee Shop -- A dog-friendly coffee shop at Pieces of Eight with sea views, serving locally sourced seasonal produce, cakes, and light meals.

Harbour Gallery and Cafe -- A combined gallery and cafe serving homemade lunches, cakes, and snacks, with changing exhibitions of local art.

In Porlock Village (approximately 1 mile)

The Top Ship (The Ship Inn) -- A 13th-century coaching inn on Porlock High Street and winner of CAMRA Somerset Pub of the Year 2025. A family-run free house serving real ales with food at lunchtime and in the evening. Live music in the beer garden during summer.

Ziangs at the Olde Chapel -- The sit-down restaurant sister venue to Ziangs at the Weir, set in a converted chapel in Porlock village. Same wonderful Malaysian and Chinese cuisine with a larger menu.

Explore the harbour -- Porlock Weir's tidal harbour is the heart of the village. Watch the boats come and go, try crabbing from the harbour wall, or take a coastal boat trip with Porlock Weir Charters.

Walk to Turkey Island -- Cross the dock-gate bridge to explore the atmospheric spit of land crowned with a row of thatched 17th-century cottages. A lovely short stroll with views back across the harbour.

Visit Culbone Church -- A beautiful 1.5-mile walk through ancient woodland leads to St Beuno's, reputedly England's smallest complete parish church. Just 35 feet long and seating 33, it is a truly magical spot hidden in the Exmoor coast.

Porlock Bay Oysters -- Visit the independent oyster farm in the heart of Porlock Weir, which revived the old local tradition of oyster farming. Expanded new premises opened in 2024.

Exmoor Glass -- Browse the gallery and shop for Bristol Blue Glass and handmade dichroic glass jewellery. Open daily from 10am.

The Boat Shed Museum -- A small harbour museum open during summer months, run by a local fisherman and historian. A fascinating insight into the maritime history of the weir.

Paddle boarding and swimming -- The sheltered harbour and Porlock Bay offer paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming in calmer conditions.

Wider Exmoor

Dunster Castle -- A striking medieval castle set in beautiful gardens, managed by the National Trust. Approximately 20 minutes by car.

Tarr Steps -- An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, surrounded by wonderful woodland walks. Approximately 30 minutes by car.

Horse riding -- Several riding stables offer moorland treks across Exmoor, suitable for all abilities.

Fishing -- Salmon and trout fishing on the rivers Lyn, Exe, and Barle. Sea fishing trips also run from the harbour.

Lynmouth and Lynton -- The famous cliff railway connects these twin villages, approximately 13 miles along the coast. The Valley of Rocks is spectacular.

Walks from the Doorstep

South West Coast Path -- The famous long-distance trail runs directly through Porlock Weir. Head east towards Bossington and Minehead, or west through Culbone Woods towards Lynmouth. The route has been updated as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, now following a spectacular stretch closer to the coastline via Hurlstone Point.

Culbone Woods and Church -- A beautiful walk through ancient oak woodland to England's smallest parish church. Approximately 1.5 miles each way with stunning coastal glimpses through the trees.

Hurlstone Point -- A rewarding circular walk from the village taking in dramatic cliff-top views across Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel. On clear days you can see across to Wales.

Bossington and Selworthy -- A lovely circular walk through the picture-postcard thatched village of Selworthy and across to Bossington, with views across the marshes and bay. Approximately 5 miles.

Worthy Wood and Ashley Combe -- Explore the atmospheric ruins of Lady Lovelace's estate hidden in the wooded hillside above Porlock Weir.

Horner Woods -- A National Nature Reserve with beautiful riverside walking through one of the finest ancient oak woodlands in Britain. A top spot for autumn colour and wild red deer. Approximately 3 miles by car.

Beaches

Porlock Bay -- A sweeping 3-mile pebble beach stretching from Porlock Weir to Bossington, backed by marshland with stunning views of the Exmoor hills. Wild and beautiful in all seasons.

Minehead -- Sandy beaches can be found at Minehead, approximately 15 minutes by car.

North Devon beaches -- The golden sand beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton are within reach for a day trip, approximately 1 hour by car.