Bowness, Porlock

Pubs

The Ship Inn (Top Ship) -- A 13th-century coaching inn on Porlock High Street, Grade II listed and one of the oldest inns on Exmoor. Winner of CAMRA Somerset Pub of the Year 2025 and featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for 16 consecutive years. A family-run free house serving up to eight real ales and local ciders, with homemade food at lunchtime and in the evening. The flagstone-floored bar has an open fire in winter, and a large three-tiered beer garden with a children's play area for summer. Live music in the garden during summer months. Dog-friendly.

The Castle Inn -- A cosy family-run pub, restaurant and B&B on Porlock High Street. Cask Marque certified real ales, home-cooked food served daily at lunchtime and in the evening. Open seven days a week. Dog-friendly.

Restaurants

Ziangs at the Olde Chapel -- An authentic Malaysian, Chinese, and Indonesian restaurant set in a beautifully converted chapel on Porlock High Street. Family recipes dating back three generations from Borneo, with generous portions and a warm atmosphere. The sister venue to Ziangs at the Weir in Porlock Weir. Booking recommended as it fills up quickly.

Piggy In The Middle -- A popular eatery on the High Street serving homemade pies and other hearty dishes. Eat in or take away.

Cafes and Tea Rooms

Whortleberry Tearoom -- A traditional village tearoom on Porlock High Street serving homemade cakes, light lunches, and cream teas with local whortleberry jam. Their signature apple and whortleberry cake served warm with clotted cream is a favourite. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Dog-friendly studio B&B also available.

In Porlock Weir (approximately 1 mile)

The Bottom Ship -- A 400-year-old thatched pub in the centre of Porlock Weir village, serving local ales, West Country cider, and hearty pub food. Run by the same family as The Top Ship. Dog-friendly.

Locanda on the Weir -- An intimate Michelin-listed Italian restaurant with a five-course tasting menu and authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Booking essential.

The Porlock Weir Hotel -- The hotel restaurant serves seasonal dishes with a terrace overlooking the harbour. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

In Porlock Village

St Dubricius Church -- A Grade I listed 13th-century church with an unusual truncated spire, damaged in the Great Storm of 1703 and never replaced. Inside you will find a 15th-century font, medieval memorials, and the magnificent tomb of the 4th Lord Harington and his wife. In the churchyard stands a yew tree said to be over 1,000 years old.

Dovery Manor Museum -- Housed in a 15th-century medieval manor house, this volunteer-run museum illustrates the rich history of Porlock and surrounding communities. Free admission. Open May to September, Monday to Saturday.

Porlock Visitor Centre -- An award-winning visitor centre open six days a week with maps, books, local gifts, and expert advice on walks, places to visit, and what is on in the area.

Dark Sky Reserve -- Porlock is part of the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, offering spectacular stargazing. The Dark Sky Discovery Trail is a peaceful two-mile night walk to Larkbarrow Farm ruins on the moor.

Nearby Attractions

Porlock Weir Harbour -- A mile to the west, the 15th-century tidal harbour with its ancient lock gates makes a lovely walk from the village. Watch the boats, try crabbing, or browse the independent shops and galleries.

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. Rides from nearby Horner take in Selworthy Beacon with views across to Wales.

Cycling -- Mountain biking and e-biking on Exmoor, with uplift services based at Horner Farm. Exmoor Adventures offers guided rides on the moor and the Quantock Hills.

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 Village

Horner Woods -- One of the largest ancient oak woodlands in Britain, designated a National Nature Reserve and managed by the National Trust. Beautiful riverside walking along Horner Water through woods carpeted with bluebells in spring. Home to red deer -- listen for the roaring of stags during the autumn rut. The oldest oak, known as The General, is over 500 years old. Approximately 2 miles from Porlock.

Bossington and Selworthy Circular -- A lovely walk through the picture-postcard thatched village of Selworthy and across to Bossington, with views across the marshes and Porlock Bay. Tea rooms at both villages open Easter to October. Approximately 5 miles.

Dunkery Beacon -- The highest point on Exmoor at 519 metres, with panoramic views across to Wales, Dartmoor, and the Quantock Hills. Accessible from Horner Woods or via the car park at Dunkery Gate. A rewarding half-day walk from the village.

South West Coast Path -- The famous 630-mile long-distance trail passes through nearby Porlock Weir. Walk east towards Bossington and Hurlstone Point, or west through Culbone Woods to England's smallest parish church. The route has been updated as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Porlock to Porlock Weir -- A pleasant 1-mile walk between the village and the harbour, following quiet lanes past farmland. A perfect evening stroll before dinner at one of the harbour restaurants.

Allerford and the Packhorse Bridge -- A short walk east from Porlock to the hamlet of Allerford with its medieval packhorse bridge, one of the most photographed landmarks in the area. The Allerford Museum gives a glimpse of rural life in years gone by.

Beaches

Porlock Bay -- A sweeping 3-mile pebble beach stretching from Porlock Weir to Bossington, backed by marshland and salt marsh designated as an SSSI. Wild and beautiful in all seasons, accessed via Porlock Weir (1 mile).

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.