Is there anything more romantic than stormy weather? Don’t get me wrong, I love blue skies and sunny days… But never do I feel more passionate than when the rain pours down. So, on Valentine’s Day weekend… let the heavens open!
However, wet weather doesn’t have quite the same effect when you’re stuck at home, staying inside trying to ignore the mountain of laundry to do… there’s nothing romantic about that. No. What you need is…
An Escape to Exmoor
Admittedly, we’re biased. But you see, Exmoor is always beautiful, even when it’s grey and raining.
Any little village on Exmoor is ideal for a gorgeous getaway, but in case you don’t know where to start… I’m going to be even more specific and suggest you stay near: Porlock or Porlock Weir. So, how to plan the perfect weekend?
Step 1: Book a charming little holiday cottage.
Step 2: Follow this epic itinerary…
Friday Evening
This is how it goes – you pile into the car, put on that road trip playlist and drive through the sunset down the A303 (- probably). After a gorgeous drive, you arrive at your dreamy little cottage. You unload the suitcases from the car and stash the bottle of bubbly, you cleverly packed, in the fridge.
Then, after unloading the car and taking quick sneak peak at the bedroom you head out for a delicious and indulgent dinner at Locanda on the Weir.
You might fancy a moonlit stroll home, depending on where you’re staying – we’ve got a waning gibbous moon, 80% full in Libra this Friday. Then, with any luck, the sound of the raindrops dancing on the roof will to lull you to sleep. (Infinitely better than a YouTube soundscape.)
Saturday Morning
Waking up to let the fresh sea air in, you know you’ve got to get outside, whatever the weather. So, pull on your wellies, it’s time for…
A Long Walk on the Beach
There’s a reason every personal ad ever ends with “and taking long walks on the beach”… So, down the hill to Porlock Weir, and you’ve got miles of beach to comb. You might find a pretty shell or piece of sea glass, or that perfect pebble, as a souvenir. There’s also The Boat Shed Museum, a few funny little shops to mosey around and then why not stop in for a midday pint at The Bottom Ship Inn before you crack on with…
Exploring Pretty Porlock
Porlock is just picture perfect by daylight. Quaintly decorated with pubs, tea rooms, a few tiny art galleries and a few little stores including a very quirky pet shop – it’s perfect for a wander.
For lunch: you head to Bramdowns. The delicious smells wafting down the street should guide you there, as there are literally freshly baked pies cooling in the window.
A family run café with pretty decor and a lovely atmosphere – I suggest eating in. But actually, in this instance, you can have your cake(s) and eat it (them) too. These guys survived lockdown by cooking Heat @ Home meals – insanely good value and so popular they’ve just had to carry them on, in addition to opening up the restaurant again. So, if you can’t decide what to have – don’t decide. Do lunch AND take home dinner! (Maybe perfect to take home with you for when you get home Sunday night?)
Saturday Afternoon
You couldn’t come to Exmoor without going on a National Trust walk. Just up the road from Porlock is a storybook-cute village called Bossington. Stone houses painted yellow with thatched roofs… it’s also the perfect place to start a nice long leg stretch. So…
Head Up to Hurlstone Point
It’s a steep climb, but so incredibly worth it. You’ll see across the whole bay to where you were this morning on Porlock Weir beach and, from up there, feeling like you’re at the edge of the world, it is quite magnificent. Waves crashing like symbols into the tempestuous sea… Dramatic coastal winds pushing you and your Valentine closely cuddled together…
Unquestionably, you’ll end up holding your partner’s hand a little tighter.
And whilst you’re in the area…
Allerford is the next door village and it is equally, if not more adorable than Bossington. The cobblestone bridge and the lovely old post office look like watercolour paintings so it’s really worth a wander.
After that, you’ve got two options. Or, depending on what time it’s got to – you could do both!
1 – Warm up with a cuppa & a scone at Bossington’s gorgeous tea rooms: Kitnors.
2 – Head back to your cottage, run a nice hot bath, light a candle or two and pop open that champagne!
And for an extra token of love…
If you want to be really spoiling – why not make the bath-time candles a Valentine’s present for your date?! We recommend these gorgeous “It Must Be Love” aromatherapy candles by Victoria Ogilvy Essence – all products are handmade in Somerset and they smell heavenly.
Once you’re all warmed up and in dry clothes, you eagerly pull on your coats and head out to Exmoor’s oldest pub, The Top Ship Inn for…
A Dinner Date by The Fire
If you’re smart, you already reserved a special table for two, preferably by one of the two fireplaces, or in their cozy alcove… This year, they’re running a special Valentine’s menu on Saturday 11th Feb. Here, you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and an array of bric-a-brac, tchotchkes and old film posters. You’ll order local ales, ciders and scrumptious food.
Afterwards, you might like to linger a little on your walk back to your car or cottage… Porlock’s pretty by night too; the Visitor Centre with the book sale outside, all lit-up and glowing in rural idyllic-ness.
Sunday…
You might be too happy snuggled up in your cottage to venture out early again, or you may just want more Porlock. But if you’re a couple who likes to get out and explore, then there’s plenty more on offer nearby. I’d recommend…
A Drive along Worthy Toll Road
This stunning scenic 4.2 mile route from Porlock towards Lynton & Lynmouth dates back to the 1840s and is just a delight to drive. You’ll see where to pay at the gatehouse, it’s only £2.50 but you will need cash. You’ll want to creep along slowly like a tortoise, taking it all in to begin with as you go up the hill, and then when you hit the top, feel a surge of freedom shoot through you as you find 50 miles an hour feels more like 100mph winding along the A39 along the top edge of the undulating Doone Valley!
Then…
A Leisurely Lunchtime in Lynton & Lynmouth
These two seaside cliff-top/cliff-foot towns are a perfect, picturesque addition to your Valentine’s trip. You’ll have an enjoyable afternoon exploring and I suggest seeking out the fabulous Charlie Friday’s café in Lynton for a delicious lunch or an indulgent waffle platter. Bright, convivial and unique, you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside at Charlie Friday’s, whether staring goofily into your date’s eyes or not!
If you want any more info or inspo for whilst you’re there, check out our Lynton Visitors Guide and our Lynmouth Visitors Guide.
And before you head home…
If you’ve got enough time, you’re in just the right place for one more magical walk – Watersmeet. You’ll see signage towards it and there’s nearby parking available, but once you’re down there it almost feels like a secret spot… Quite spiritual, even. Especially off-season with hardly anyone else around. And, I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of waterfall action?!
After this it’s probably time to head back to your cottage, feeling refreshed and contented. But keep an eye out for the Exmoor ponies on your way! (The sheep get up to some hilarious high jinx too…)
Once you’re back and packed up, all that’s left is your drive home. Unless you can stay longer. In which case – stay longer! Exmoor has SO much more to offer. Just check out some of the other articles on our blog.
But for those of you who just popped away for the weekend… there you have it.
Your perfect Valentine’s Day getaway!
Complete. You’ll feel you’ve immersed yourselves in nature, out in the elements, seeing this truly special part of the world together. You’ll have been fortified and taken care of by wonderful little local establishments along the way, and cosied up in a blissful bed each night…
You tell me a more romantic way to spend a weekend. I’ll wait.
Now all you need to do is book that charming little cottage…
