Spring has sprung!

Here in Porlock we are awash with daffodils!  Walkers are relishing the weather, even allowing bare arms to feel the sweetness of the sun as they tackle the South West Coast Path and other local paths and trails; which are all becoming more beautiful by the day with primroses and dog violets.  Spring seems to be tickling smiles out of everyone!

If you’re ready to unwind and are wondering how to spend your weekend, visit us for the West Somerset Railway’s annual Spring Steam Gala (26 – 29 March).  It’s a highlight of this wonderful heritage railway’s year, with six visiting engines pulling services alongside a further five resident engines – all letting off plenty of steam and allowing you to do the same!  A great weekend for the child in us to relish the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era, to marvel at the machines that have been rescued from the scrapyard and restored to their full glory and, of course, to sit back and let them do the work while we contemplate a treat from the buffet car.  Retire to Sparkhayes in the evening to compare notes and have a nice hot shower.

If you’d prefer some quiet reflection and a chance to celebrate the season, the annual Porlock Spring Show happens to be this weekend (28 March) and provides a concentrated dose of spring.  Walking into the village hall on Saturday and witnessing the hundreds of spring flowers on show cannot fail to lift the spirits.  If it does there’s always the coffee, cake and a friendly chat to fall back on!  Local gardeners are grateful for this week’s sunshine as they prepare their exhibits – who will win a rosette or claim a trophy this year?!

For those who fancy being active, our friends at Exmoor Adventures are now taking bookings for white water kayaking, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking and more this Easter.  Available as one-day courses and at really good prices (for example £25 for a one-day guided mountain bike ride on Exmoor - all equipment included) – it’s the perfect opportunity to push the boundaries and learn something new perhaps?!

We would be delighted to welcome you to Sparkhayes.  The fields are fresh and inviting, ready to receive the enthusiastic groups, the families in need of family time, the worn-out workers, the adventure-seekers and those needing to retreat.  Speak to us for great local recommendations about where to visit for a memorable meal or an interesting day out.