The Exmoor National Park

As Porlock is within the Exmoor National Park many people visit again and again.  For the naturalist, motorist or walker it is an ideal area having high moorland and many wooded areas, as well as Porlock Bay, marsh and the harbour at Porlock Weir. 

Here there are many creatures such as the Red Deer and the more elusive Roe Deer.  We have plenty of foxes, badgers and the otters are now returning to the streams.

There are a great variety of birds to be seen: spotted and pied Flycatcher, Buzzard, Raven, Peregrine and the Little Egret, as well as Green, Great Spotted and the rarer Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.  There are too many others to be listed here.

In summer the moors are covered with heather, ling and whortleberry bushes.

We have sites that are nationally important like the ancient woodlands of Hawkcombe and Horner, as well as a Special Site of Scientific Interest on Porlock marsh which attracts many sea birds, waders and rare plants.

The views of the coast and country around us are outstanding.

International Dark Sky Reserve

Exmoor National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, the first in Europe to achieve this prestigious award and only the second in the world.

Exmoor has stunning night skies and now has lighting controls in place to make sure that man-made light doesn’t spoil it.

The definition of Dark Skies Reserve is public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment of a large peripheral area. The International Dark Skies Reserve consists of a core area meeting the minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports Dark Sky values and receives benefits from them. The International Dark Sky Reserve is formed through a partnership of multiple land owners and/or administrators that have recognized the value of starry night.

Experience Exmoor's unique tranquillity by taking a winter weekend break in Porlock. A must for anyone interested in astronomy.

Book your Dark Skies break at Porlock Visitor Centre. The staff will suggest the most suitable venues.