High on the moor above Porlock is the tiny hamlet of Stoke Pero. Stoke is Old English for 'outlying farmstead or hamlet', which sums up Stoke Pero perfectly! The Pero probably comes from the Landowners in the middle ages. The views from the common across Exmoor and to the Bristol Channel are quite outstanding on a clear day. Stoke Pero Church is reputedly the highest church in Somerset, at 300m above sea-level. it is high up on the side of the moor. The Church itself is, as you might expect, quite small and primitive. Until recently there was no electricity on this part of Exmoor, and the church still relies on candles and fuel-stoves in the winter.
There are many rural villages and hamlet a short drive from Stoke Pero. Porlock is not far, it's a popular working Exmoor village and boasts three pubs, two grocery shops, a traditional local butcher, chemist, cash machine, petrol station, hardware shop, visitor centre, several art galleries and a range of independent restaurants, shops and tea rooms. Porlock Weir is approximately 1.5 miles on from Porlock and is well worth a visit.
Exford is in the opposite direction, is a small rural village based around a traditional village green with children play area, beside it sits the village shop and post office. Exford and the surrounding area is famous for its beautiful and unspoiled countryside making it ideal for hiking, biking, riding and fishing.