There are nearly always events taking place in and around Porlock and many of these you will find listed below.
Various Open days, Volunteer Recruitment days, Spring Gala, Birthday Bash, Summer Festival, Demonstrations, Autumn Fair.
Details from 01398 323093, www.exmoorponycentre.org.uk
Venue: Exmoor Pony Centre
A celebration of Exmoor through the life and work of Hope Bourne
Venue: The Guildhall Heritage and Arts Centre, Dulverton
Re-enactments of Civil War sieges with demonstrations ans stories of life as a soldier. Held on various dates between April & July. Further information from www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Venue: Dunster Castle
Attic and Basement guided tours of areas of the Castle not normally open to the public. The tours are held on various dates between April & September. More information from www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Venue: Dunster Castle
Boat trip with an Exmoor National Park Ranger to see rare nesting sea birds along Exmoor's dramatic coastline west of Lynmouth. Also on 3/6, 18/6, 2/7, 17/7, Details 01598 752509
Venue: Lynmouth
Join a member of the Exmoor Society on this 5.5 mile walk over Dunkery Beacon and along Dicky's Path to Stoke Pero Common and back past Great and Little Rowbarrow. Sightings of deer possible. Optional lunch at the Rest and Be Thankful, Wheddon Cross. Please wear suitable weatherproof clothing. Dogs under control welcome. 01398 323335
Time: 10.00-1.00
Venue: Dunkery Gate GR 896406
The Blenheim Gardens Music Festival sees 17 concerts taking place across 3 months in Blenheim Gardens, Minehead - all completely free of charge! For further details please contact Lucy on lucy@superact.org.uk or 01823 666641. www.superact.org.uk
Meet at 10.45am at the Valiant Soldier Inn (GR 030 381)for a Mineral Line volunteer-led walk for the Exmoor Society. From the Inn by car to Pit Mill Farm at GR 037 365 where we park roadside and start our 1 mile walk along the combe to Comberow to view the bottom of the amazing Incline. Nearby, we then visit the truly beautiful garden created by Exmoor Society members around their Comberow home. Then back to our cars to return to the Inn at 1pm, for an optional lunch or bring a picnic. 01398 323335
Time: 10.45am
Venue: The Valiant Soldier Inn, Roadwater TA23 0QZ
Porlock Pantomime Society
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
This walk will explore the little known prehistoric archaeology of Ilkerton Ridge and Furzehill on the northern commons of Exmoor. It will also explain how this landscape has developed since prehistoric times to the present day. The walk will be across rough moorland so bring appropriate footwear and clothing; a packed lunch is essential. 01398 323841
Time: 11am to 3.30 pm
Venue: The end of the road at Shallowford SS 7141 4496
Travel in a minibus as close as possible to the route of the mineral line. Also on 16th November. Details 01398 323841
Time: 9.30 am-2.00pm
Venue: Minehead Railway Station
The Ironman UK 70.3 event consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run with 1,500 athletes competing for a an opportunity to qualify for one of the 50 qualifying slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
Time: 7.00-3.00
Venue: Wimbleball Lake
We are doing a mini festival down the weir to celebrate arts, music and the Summer solstice. watch this space for more details. http://www.facebook.com/porlockopenmic 077674874679
Venue: Porlock Weir
The Active Exmoor Perambulation, 31 miles of cross country walking, is one of the most challenging walks in the Exmoor annual calendar. The Perambulation dates back over 725 years! Details 07738631931
Venue: Pinkery Outdoor Centre TA24 7LL
Join Head Ranger Julian Gurney and aptly named local fishing expert Paul Spratley for a unique river walk which will give you a fascinating glimpse of the underwater world of the East Lyn river. Then enjoy a drink and tasty two course fisherman's lunch at Watersmeet House (included in the price). We do climb steep pathways on route with some uneven and rocky terrain in places and narrow sections. A reasonable degree of fitness for anyone doing the walk is needed. Booking essential 01598 763402
Time: 9.00-2.30
Venue: Watersmeet House, Lynmouth EX35 6NT
Join National Trust deer expert, Charles Harding as he guides you to some of Holnicote's best deer spotting points in search of hinds and their calves. The route will be approx 2.5 miles and some level of fitness is required as not all the walk will be on designated paths. 01643 862452
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Webbers Post Car Park
Join a National Park Ranger to seek out these elusive birds and listen to their unique calls and songs. There will also be good opportunities to spot deer, bats and enjoy the amazing starlit skies of Exmoor. Level easy walking along wide forestry trails. Bring a torch, binoculars, insect repellent and your white hanky!01398 323841
Time: 8.30 pm-10.30pm
Venue: Nutcombe Bottom nr Dunster
Meet at 9.30am at Raleghs Cross Inn GR 0345 3440 for this Mineral Line volunteer led walk for the Exmoor Society. Appx 4 miles/3 hours duration during which we shall view the surviving remains of the two most productive mines before visiting the derelict Winding House at the top of the Incline. Then a partial descent and a more demanding ascent through Eastern Wood as we make our way back to the Inn for an optional lunch at 1pm. Please wear sensible outdoor clothing and walking boots.01398 323335
Time: 9.30-1.00
Venue: Raleghs Cross Inn TA23 0LN
Flower Show
Time: 2pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
Who were the first residents of Porlock Parish? This walk will explore 8000 years of human occupation of the moorlands around Porlock, informed by evidence gathered by volunteers as part of 'DIG PORLOCK 2013'. To find out more about this community archaeology project visit our website or contact Porlock Visitor Centre. Appropriate footwear and clothing for rough moorland, and lunch, are advised.01398 323841
Time: 11am to 2.30 pm
Venue: Layby near Hawkcombe Head SS 8459 4528
Join an Exmoor National Park Authority Ranger for an evening deer search to try and locate the Red Deer of Exmoor. 3 miles. Binoculars, walking boots/clothing are essential. No dogs. Walk.
07772 989737
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Venue: Ashcombe Car Park, Simonsbath
The Dunster Country Fair started out as a Donkey Derby. It aims to promote country sports and the country way of life by bringing together horses, hounds and dogs of every description, a fine range of country pursuits and activities, and amusements for young and old alike. Exmoor Pony Show, Fell Pony Show, Hound Show, Terrier and Lurcher Shows, Minehead and District Canine Society Show, Ferret Racing, Team events for Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs, Trade Stands, Craft Tent, Falconry Display, Parade of Hounds, Licensed Bar, Refreshments.
Held on Dunster Castle Lawns.
www.dunstercountryfair.co.uk. 01984 640253
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Venue: Dunster Castle Lawns
Join a member of the Exmoor Society on this 7.5 mile circular walk from Tarr Steps over Parsonage Down on the Two Moors Way to Withypool. Lunch at Royal Oak in Withypool (or bring a picnic). Return along the River Barle to Tarr Farm (cream tea). Dogs under control welcome.01398 323335
Time: 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
Venue: Tarr Steps car park GR 872323
Horse & pony showing, mountain & moorland & Exmoor Pony classes, show jumping, gymkhana, stags horn show, companion dog show, terrier, lurcher & doodle shows. Bar & refreshments. Toilets, bar, refreshments, car park. Dogs welcome. www.porlockhorseshow.org.uk. 01643 841670
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: West Luccombe Farm
Open Day celebration at the Exmoor Pony Centre for our 7th birthday. Come along and meet the ponies. Lots of fun activities for all ages including pony rides and pony grooming. Refreshments available. 01398 323093
Time: 11am to 3pm
Venue: Exmoor Pony Centre TA22 9QE
Join an Exmoor National Park Authority Ranger for an evening deer search to try and locate the Red Deer of Exmoor. Approx 3 miles. Binoculars, walking clothing/boots essential. No dogs 07772 989737
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Venue: Anstey Gate SS835297
Our ever popular exploration of the bat rich Horner Wood never disappoints! Please bring a torch. Stout footwear essential.Toilets, car park. Horner Car Park. Booking Required. 01643 862452.
Time: 8pm
Venue: Horner Car Park
Price: Adults £5, Children £2
Flower arrangements in church. Also books, bric-a-brac and refreshments area (nominal prices). Toilets. Car parking available in village. Dogs Welcome. Admission at church door for Sat concert
Venue: St Dubricius Church, Porlock
A long distance, off road, mountain bike reliability trial across Exmoor's challenging terrain. Two routes to choose from, 25 miles and 35 miles. Details from www.exmoorexplorer.com
Venue: Wheddon Cross
Join an Exmoor National Park Authority Ranger for an evening deer search to try and locate the Red Deer of Exmoor. Approx 3 miles. Binoculars, walking clothing and boots are essential. No dogs. 07772 989737
Time: 7.00pm-9.00pm
Venue: Ashcombe Car Park Simonsbath SS774395
Come and join us for a wonderful day of exploration across one of the Exmoor Mires-On-The-Moors Project sites at Aclands Allotment, Squallacombe. Good waterproof walking boots and the ability to handle rough terrain are a necessity. The total route length will be roughly 4 miles. 01398 324491 / 07824 460274
Time: 10.30 am
Venue: Aclands Allotment, Squallacombe near Moles Chamber
Country Fair with sideshows,rural craft displays, refreshments and much, much more
Time: 11.30am to late afternoon
Venue: Porlock Recreation Ground
Traditional Horse and pony Show with Exmoor Pony Breed Show, pony classes, show jumping, local breed Sheep, fun dog show, craft marquee, stag horn competition, trade stands, full catering. 01598710512
Time: 8.30am-4.30pm
Venue: Exford Show Field, B3223 Exford
Set on the lawns below Dunster Castle, this country show features some spectacular entertainment and plenty of shopping opportunities as well as cattle, sheep and horses classes. Dunster Show is the premier Agricultural Show in West Somerset and one of the major one day shows of the West of England. www.thedunstershow.co.uk
Time: 8.00-6.00
Venue: Dunster
Join an Exmoor National Park Authority Ranger for an evening deer search to try and locate the Red Deer of Exmoor. Approx 3 miles. Binoculars, walking clothing and boots essential. No dogs. 07772 989737
Time: 7.00pm-9.00pm
Venue: Anstey Gate SS835297
Come and visit our flower and produce show then join us by the river to enjoy traditional sideshows, stalls and games, childrens races and refreshments. Public car park and toilets adjacent to fete. 01643 831494
Time: 2.30 pm
Venue: Withypool Village Hall
Be guided by a National Park Ranger up the steep track to the highest point on Exmoor – Dunkery Beacon. Watch the sun set over the Bristol Channel & the distant mountains of Wales, and see the full moon rising like a huge Somerset Brie above the Brendon Hills. Look out for red deer moving about in the twilight. ALTERNATIVELY feel your way up Dunkery in thick fog, seeing nothing but swirling mist and listen to the many strange, wild night sounds in which Exmoor excels. 07772989934
Time: 8.30 pm-10.30pm
Venue: Webbers Post
Join us for a day of skills, games and lots of fun at this traditional summer fete on the Manor Green in Lynmouth. With a bouncy castle, plate smashing and welly wanging, and much more this is a great event for all of the family to enjoy. 01598 763402
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Venue: Lynmouth Manor Green EX35 6EH
Join National Park Authority Conservation staff for an afternoon stroll to learn more about the fascinating mammals that live there, by searching for mammal signs and hearing about how woodland management is helping species of European importance, such as otter, bats and dormice. A great chance to find out how you can help us look after Exmoor's wildilfe in the future. 2pm for 2 hours/2.5 miles. Walking boots/clothing essential. No dogs. 01398 322282
Time: 2.00pm-4.00pm
Venue: Tarr Steps main car-park TA22 9PY
Join an Exmoor National Park Authority Ranger for an evening deer search to try and locate the Red Deer of Exmoor. Approx 3 miles.Binoculars, walking clothing/boots essential. No dogs. 07772 989737
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Venue: Anstey Gate SS835297
Explore some of the archaeological sites in and around the Larkbarrow landscape. Appropriate footwear and clothing for rough moorland is essential and lunch is advised. 01398 323841
Time: 11am to 2.00 pm
Venue: Layby North East of Larkbarrow Corner SS 8275 4177
Join a member of the Exmoor Society on this 9 mile circular walk along Badgworthy water to the site of the medieval village. Then to Oare Church, returning via Oare Water. Please bring a picnic. Dogs under control welcome. 01398 323335
Time: 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
Venue: Malmsmead car park GR 792478
Carnival procession starting from Porlock central car park followed by presentation of cups in Porlock Village Hall.
Time: 6.00pm
Venue: Porlock
This year’s Real Ale Festival, organised jointly by the Somerset Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) will take place at Minehead Station. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Venue: Minehead Station
Join a member of the Exmoor Society for a circular walk to Larcombe Foot, up through Highercombe and over Staddon Hill, back beside the river through Nethercott. 7.5 miles/6 hours. Hilly, may be muddy. Please bring a picnic. Wear waterproof everything. 01398 323335
Time: 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Venue: Exford car park GR SS 856 383
A short easy stroll to Langham Engine House and an explanation of the history of iron mining in tthe Brendon Hills. Followed immediately by a walk down the steep miners' track to see the adits and the Bearland Flue. 01398 323841
Time: 9.45-12.45
Venue: Chargot Woods Car Park
Set amongst the stunning scenery of the Exmoor coast, this picturesque village provides the perfect setting for such an event and provides a marvellous programme of varied and quality entertainment. Full details of the programme will be posted to www.porlockfestival.org as they become available
Venue: Various Venues around Porlock
Join a member of the Exmoor Society for this fascinating 2.5 mile / 2 hour walk. See a different view of Lynton, learn how it has been shaped over the years and how the Victorians were drawn to the splendour of the Valley of Rocks. 01398 323335
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Venue: ENPA picnic area car park GR 7113 4966
An easy pace walk to explore the natural history of the wonderful landscape around Porlock Weir. Led by a knowledgable member of the Exmoor Natural History Society. 01643 863124
Time: 2.00pm-4.00pm
Venue: Porlock Weir Centre
Somerset Art Weeks 2013 The biggest Visual Arts Festival in Somerset Event Date: 21st September to 6th October For more information, please visit our website: www.somersetartworks.org.uk or contact Stephanie at the SAW office either by telephone 01458 253800 or email info@somersetartworks.org.uk
Time: Various
Venue: Various
Walking across Exmoor on a clear, moonless night is an exhilarating journey. With almost no light pollution, the stars shine with an intensity little seen on this crowded island. Join a National Park Ranger to gain confidence in visiting the countryside at night, listen to the sounds and gaze in awe at the heavens. It is equally likely the mists will be swirling and the rain sweeping across; a different but eerie experience not to be missed! Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear is essential. A torch is a good idea, but their use will be minimised; expect rough ground in very low light. 01398 323841
Time: 7.00pm-10.00pm
Venue: Goat Hill Layby
Minehead Cycling Club Event
Cycling Hill Climb plus allcomers Fun Event
More information: www.mineheadcyclingclub.com
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Venue: Porlock Toll Road
A collection of local artists' work. 07969243887
Venue: Dulverton Heritage Centre TA22 9EX
Steam engines include several 'guests' working an intensive service of trains over four days. Many additional attractions. A great day out for all the family and an absolute must for the steam enthusiast.
Advance booking strongly recommended. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Venue: West Somerset Railway
Fungi come in many shapes, sizes and colours, some very edible, some poisonous. Join our Fungi & foraging expert Patrick Watts-Mabbott and our National Trust Ranger for a chance to discover how many wild treats you can find at this time of year. 01598 763402
Time: 10.30 am to 1.30 pm
Venue: Heddon Valley National Trust Shop EX31 4PY
The Nettlecombe Estate is an important site for colourful waxcap fungi. Michael Jordan (Association of British Fungus Groups) will introduce participants to the different waxcap species, before we survey the grasslands surrounding the centre. We will have a break for lunch (please bring a packed lunch) and plenty of tea and cake will be provided. The event is suitable for all adults with an interest in natural history. You don't need to be an expert, but you will need to wrap up warm! 01984 640320
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Venue: Field Studies Council, Nettlecombe Court TA4 4HT
Join Exmoor National Park Staff to learn about Fungi, their habitat and life cycle; and yes, which ones you can eat....... There will be a short talk on site followed by a walk around the woods to collect Fungi and identify them as a group. The day will be run on an informal basis mostly out on the ground. We will be walking through woods off the path so there may be some light scrambling. Please wear walking boots or Wellies. The course will take place at Tarr Steps. Full joining instructions will be sent out before the event. 07973 727469
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: Tarr Steps
The Two Moors Festival is the Southwest's highest calibre classical music event. Covering 1200 square miles of Dartmoor and Exmoor, the festival brings Bach, Beethoven and much more to the heart of rural villages as well as Exeter Cathedral. For further information see www.thetwomoorsfestival.com
Rigorous 100 mile or 100Km cycle challenge across Exmoor
Venue: Minehead
Join a National Park Ranger to go early in the morning and see/hear Exmoor's Wild Red Deer during the rutting season. The walk is no more than 3 miles on quite steep ground and lasts between 2 and 5 hours. Binoculars, walking clothing/boots are essential, please bring rustle free clothing. There are limited spaces so booking is essential 01398 323841
Time: 7.15am
Venue: Near Dulverton (exact location to be given nearer the time)
A walk to the winding house, and down the Incline to see the revetment wall and the waterfalls. We continue to Comberow and walk through the woods to Leighland Chapel, circling back via a picturesque waterfall. About 7 miles. Steep. bring a packed lunch. 01398 323841
Time: 9.45am-3.00pm
Venue: Raleigh's Cross Inn TA23 0LN
Join a member of the Exmoor Society for a walk around Dunkery during the red deer rut. 7 miles/6 hours. Hilly, may be muddy. Bring a picnic and binoculars. Wear weatherproof everything. 01398 323335
Time: 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
Venue: Webbers Post car park GR SS 902 438
Join a National Park Ranger for a circular walk with stunning views over ancient oak woodland as it all changes colour. Meet at our National Park Centre in Lynmouth (sea front) at 10am. Bring a snack & hot drink. 3hrs/4.5miles. 01598 752509
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Venue: Lynmouth seafront
A spectacular free display on the seafront and a march of flaming torches to parade the winning guy to a ceremonial burning. 01643702624
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Minehead
The remarkably preserved Medieval village turns its back on the present and lights its streets with candles to raise funds for St Margaret's Somerset Hospice. Free street entertainment, live music, choirs, carollers, Father Christmas, late night shopping. 01643705075
Venue: Dunster