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Places To Visit and Things To Do
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The choices are endless and will be very much down to personal expectations. For some, a holiday is a time to recharge one’s batteries, so a gentle stroll to the village and an afternoon relaxing in the garden at Exmoor House or in front of the log fire may be heaven.
For others the tranquillity of Exmoor has to be experienced close up be that by walking, cycling, horse riding or by car. There will even be those who will look down on it all whilst paragliding off Bossington Hill. |
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The following gives a brief suggestion of what is on offer, the list at the end of this page contains more suggestions and links to other websites.
Please also refer to our own Blog for the latest events and activities in and around Porlock. |
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Places to Visit:
- Porlock was once a thriving port until the sea receded hundreds of years ago. It is now one of the few remaining working villages on Exmoor and has an attractive mix of thatched cottages, shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants to cover all tastes. Sitting in the natural bowl known as Porlock Vale it is surrounded on three sides by hills, with the notoriously steep Porlock Hill to the west and the sea to the north.
Porlock Visitor Centre is unmatched for local knowledge, the ancient parish church of St. Dubricius with its distinctive truncated spire, sits in the centre of the village with the Dovery museum and the Ship Inn, visited by the poet Robert Southey at opposite ends of Porlock village.
- Porlock Weir was once a small working harbour enclosed by lock gates. The shingle ridge, groynes and views across Porlock Bay to Hurlstone Point are much loved by artists and visitors alike.
- Horner is a National Trust village with many thatched cottages, water mill, tea rooms, ancient woods and the trickling Horner Water which form part of a National Nature Reserve which is renowned for red deer, rare lichens and ancient oaks. A walk beside Horner Water on a sunny day is simply magical.
- Allerford is another National Trust village within the Holnicote Estate and has a fifteenth century packhorse bridge over Aller Brook. The West Somerset Rural Life Museum is located in the old thatched school house.
- Culbone sits deep in a shaded valley, famous for having the smallest parish church in England and for inspiring Coleridge's 'Kubla Khan'.
- Doone Country is the area around Badgworthy Water where R.G. Blackmore's novel 'Lorna Doone' was set. Attractions include Oare church which is mentioned in the novel.
- Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor at 1705 feet (519m) from where on a clear day up to 13 counties can be seen together with the Bristol Channel and Welsh mountains many miles away.
- Dunster is a medieval village with its Yarn Market, Castle, Priory Church, Tithe Barn, various shops and places to eat.
- Lynton and Lynmouth was once referred to as 'Little Switzerland' and is famous for its spectacular coastal scenery. Lynmouth is linked to Lynton by a water powered cliff railway.
- Watersmeet is where the Hoar Water meets the East Lyn. It is a lovely beauty spot and Site of Special Scientific Interest and has a welcoming tea garden and visitor centre.
- Valley of the Rocks offers spectacular sea cliffs rising to nearly 1000 feet (300m) and is also home to some very agile goats.
- Selworthy is unsurpassed as a chocolate-box village, with its picture postcard green surrounded by thatched cottages, National Trust shop and splendid tearoom. Prominent for all to see is the newly refurbished Selworthy church which stands out as a land mark from miles away.
- Wimbleball Lake was formed by damming the Haddeo and now acts as a reservoir. It is also the home of the South West Lakes Trust Water Sports Centre and offers various water sports activities.
Things to Do:
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Walking
Although Exmoor is one of the smallest and hence most intimate National Parks it can lay claim to having one, if not, the highest density of footpaths, bridleways and rights of way of all the National Parks. Walks can cover most requirements from a gentle stroll around Dunster Deer Park to a challenging day out over the moor. For those who like predefined routes why not try a section of the South West Costal Path or Coleridge Way. Alternatively there are guided walks with an Exmoor National Park ranger or we are only too pleased to discuss your requirements and plan some routes with you. |
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Cycling
(Road and Mountain Bike). For the road cyclist the biggest attraction to cycling in Exmoor has to be the quiet lanes, varying terrain and stunning scenery. From cliff top cycle rides with views of Wales and the open moors inland, to ancient and intimate combes with sparkling streams, as can be found in the Horner and Exe valleys. For mountain bikers Exmoor has so much to offer and was expertly described by Nick Cotton in his book ‘South West Mountain Biking’ where he said. “Exmoor is surely the best National Park in Britain for mountain biking – can anywhere else boast such a quantity, quality and variety of trials?” He then continues by saying “there really is something to suite every taste.” |
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Horse Riding
Exmoor has been known as a horse riding area for years and as it boasts more bridleways per square mile than any other National Park is it any wonder. The local stables will cater for all abilities, from a led walk for the children on a pony to a full on gallop across the open heather clad moors for the more experienced. |
Other Activates:
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