Nestled along Route 12 of the South West 660 (Lynton to Watchet), our partner, the Luttrell Arms and Porlock Weir hotels offer two very different but equally special stays. In recent years, the Way family – especially mother and daughter duo Anne & Becca – have brought their passion for hospitality to these beautiful properties. Together with their resident managers at Porlock Weir, Miguel and Michelle, they have created welcoming places for guests to relax and explore the surrounding area.
We caught up with them to find out what makes their hotels so special, the hidden gems their guests love and why Exmoor is such a special destination.
Can you tell us about the history and character of your properties?
The Luttrell Arms Hotel is in Dunster, one of England’s prettiest medieval villages, and some parts of the building date all the way back to the 1400s. You can still see elements of the original façade, including beautifully ornate Tudor carvings. There’s even a legend that the woodcarver never finished his work because he sadly died during the plague.
Porlock Weir Hotel, on the other hand, has a different kind of charm. While it doesn’t have quite the same long history, it feels like a grand country house by the water. Here guests are personally hosted by Miguel and Michelle. Miguel is an amazing chef who is passionate about the food offering which has become famous in the area. The building itself is part of the 300-year-old Porlock Manor Estate. And, with Porlock Weir’s port being around a thousand years old, there’s still a strong sense of history in its setting.
What makes these properties special?
The Luttrell Arms is steeped in history. It almost has a sense of mystery, as though it’s full of old secrets waiting to be discovered! Its age is a real draw for visitors and with Dunster Castle perched on the hill, it’s quite incredible to gaze out and imagine what life was like centuries ago. The Luttrell family lived there for 600 years, it must’ve been quite the home!
At Porlock Weir, one of the most fascinating things is the tidal range – it’s the highest in Europe. Some guests love simply sitting and watching the tide come and go, as the scenery changes so dramatically throughout the day meaning there is always something different to look at. Our resident manager Michelle even makes the most wonderful time lapse videos! We focus on helping guests feel relaxed and rejuvenated, and we encourage a sense of wellness – good food, restful sleep, movement and relaxation – all of which are easy to achieve here! Talking of movement, we should probably mention that the hotel is on the Southwest Coast Path!
But really, what makes both hotels special is their setting within Exmoor. You’ve got this incredible contrast between sweeping moorland and the dramatic coastline, and all the surrounding by history – it’s magical.
How do you ensure guests have a memorable experience?
What really makes a stay special is the personalised experience we offer. That’s the beauty of being an independently run property—we have complete control over every detail.
Each bedroom is individually designed with premium fabrics, antique furniture, and carefully chosen touches that stay true to the building’s character. These hotels are our passion projects, and we put a lot of thought into making them feel more like beautiful private country houses rather than just hotels.
Many of our staff have been with us for years and feel like family, and we’re all genuinely passionate about creating a personal experience for every guest. We want everyone to feel welcome and at home, and it’s rewarding to see so many guests return or come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations—that’s when we know we’re doing something right!
Do the hotels have any hidden gems that take visitors a while to discover?
Probably the gardens! Both are tucked away at the back of the hotels and, interestingly, you access them from the first floor—something you’d never guess from the outside.
At the Luttrell Arms, the garden has direct access to the stunning grounds of Dunster Castle, which is owned by the National Trust. We’re dog-friendly, and whether you’re bringing a four-legged friend or not, there are some incredible walks right from the doorstep—you might not even need to use your car once you’re here!
At Porlock Weir, the gardens overlook the water. Which makes it the perfect place to do yoga, meditate, or just enjoy a quiet coffee. It’s a real haven of peace and tranquillity.
Do you have a favourite spot in or around the hotel that you personally love?
At the Luttrell Arms we just love the Monks Courtyard. It’s an enclosed part of the hotel and you can see the original Tudor façade. It’s a really peaceful spot. We also have the cobbled Stable Courtyard. Back in the 1920s Dunster was quite well known for its polo matches, and the polo ponies used to be stabled here. The stables have since been renovated into our spa area, but the courtyard remains and it’s so pretty. Then of course there’s the Main Bar. The perfect place to sit and drink a glass of red wine next to the fireplace and the big ancient windows!
At Porlock it’s the garden – it’s incredibly peaceful and there is just something so calming about being near the water. Guests feel like they have their own private hideaway – a place to really come and unwind and switch off from the outside world.
Is there a particular time of year when this area feels the most magical?
One of our regular Luttrell Arms customers calls it ‘the Christmas hotel’. The property lends itself perfectly to being decorated with all its wooden beams and doorways – we really go for it! In winter when all the fires are crackling and we’ve lit lots of candles, it’s just magical. There are so many cosy spots to tuck yourself away and soak up the atmosphere.
By contrast, Porlock is just so lovely in spring. On those glorious bright warm days it feels like summer has arrived early. There’s something special about being by the water as the seasons are changing – the perfect place to take in some sea air and the first real warmth of the year.
Have you had any unexpected or unusual visitors—wildlife, celebrities, or quirky guests?
We’ve had a few famous faces through the doors. But what is lovely is that our properties offer a real sense of privacy and relaxation so all guests can truly switch off. No one who has stayed with us has ever felt bothered or in the spotlight. Helena Bonham Carter stayed with us recently, as did Martin Freeman and Madness have been regulars for years. And, of course, the Luttrell Arms has a bit of a Poirot connection. Some scenes were filmed here in the ’90s, and we still get the occasional guest visiting just for that reason!
What are some must-see attractions or experiences in the area?
There’s so much to do, it’s hard to know where to start. A really lovely thing to do is catch the Exmoor Coaster between Dunster and Lynton. It’s an open-top bus so you get wonderful panoramic views and can hop on and off along the way to explore different spots.
Something I only did recently, despite having lived here all my life, was to visit the Valley Of The Rocks – it’s an amazing day out. The cliffs and landscape are really dramatic though be aware that parts of the coastal path can be quite challenging.
What makes this part of Exmoor so unique for visitors?
What we love about Exmoor is that it’s much less commercial and less crowded than say Dartmoor. Here you really do get a sense of space, peace and tranquillity. All the little towns are lovely and full of character with lots of independent shops and eateries. Places like Dulverton, Dunster, Watchet, and Lynton. It almost feels like a secret that not many people have discovered yet!
Feeling inspired to visit one of these fantastic properties? Become a SW660 member today and gain access to detailed route notes—so you won’t miss a thing along the way!
Luttrellarms.co.uk |01643 821555
Porlockweirhotel.co.uk | 01643 800400
