Porlock Beach
Somerset
Porlock Beach is a long, exposed sweep of large pebbles and shingle stretching across Porlock Bay on the northern edge of Exmoor, one of the few accessible beaches on this cliff-dominated stretch of the Somerset coast. The western end at Porlock Weir sits beside a picturesque small harbour, while the beach extends eastward toward Bossington, backed by Porlock Marsh, an inland salt marsh of ecological importance. The setting is striking, with the wooded hills of Exmoor rising steeply behind and views across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast on clear days. The shingle ridge that forms the beach protects the marshland behind and has shifted and reformed over centuries of storm action.
Dogs are welcome year-round on this dog friendly beach with no restrictions. The large shingle makes for slower going underfoot, so this suits dogs that enjoy a robust coastal walk rather than a flat sprint. Access is easiest from Porlock Weir, where a pay and display car park (around 60 spaces) sits beside the harbour with toilets and a historic pub. Alternatively, parking at the National Trust car park at Bossington offers a longer coast-path walk to the eastern end of the beach. The South West Coast Path passes through, and the exposed position means weather can change quickly. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Pebble, Shingle
- Tide Notes
- Strong currents; swimming not advisable. Exposed to Bristol Channel weather
- Facilities
- Toilets at Porlock Weir car park, pub, small shops in village
- Parking
- Porlock Weir pay and display car park (TA24 8PD), approximately 60 spaces. Alternative NT car park at Bossington
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porlock Beach dog friendly?
Yes, Porlock Beach is dog friendly with no restrictions in place. Dogs are welcome across the full length of this wild shingle beach, making it a great option on the Somerset coast for a year-round outing with your dog.
Are dogs allowed at Porlock Beach year round?
Dogs are welcome at Porlock Beach throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. There are no areas of the beach where dogs are excluded, so you can visit any time that suits you and your dog.
What should I know before visiting Porlock Beach with my dog?
The beach is made up of large shingle and pebbles, which makes for slower going underfoot, so it's better suited to dogs that enjoy a more rugged coastal walk than a flat run. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, and the exposed position means the weather can change quickly, so it's worth coming prepared. The most convenient access point is Porlock Weir, where there's a pay and display car park with around 60 spaces, toilets, and a pub nearby.
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