Jackson's : Plein Air Day : Porlock Weir

Due to limited capacity, tickets are primarily for participating artists. However, supportive companions who help make an artist's attendance possible are also welcome, and will need to secure their place by purchasing a ticket via the Jackson’s website.

£3 covers Jackson's costs

Tickets are refundable up to seven days before the event.

Schedule

• 10am arrival
• 10.15am welcome gathering
• Spend the day painting, drawing, or printing
• 3pm meet-up for a group reflection

What to expect

A casual gathering for artists of all levels to connect and respond to the landscape together, with support and advice on hand from a Jackson's art materials specialist, and a meet-up at the end of the day to look at everyone's artworks. Whether you paint, draw, print, or work with any other medium, everyone is welcome.

How to get there

Porlock is on the Exmoor Coast in West Somerset, 6 miles from Minehead, 28 miles from Taunton, 30 miles from Barnstaple, and 12 miles from Lynmouth.

By car (driving from the north): From the M5, Turn off the M5 at Junction 23, signposted Bridgwater/Minehead A39. Follow signs through Bridgwater for Minehead and onto the A39. Stay on the A39 and continue past Minehead, following signs for Porlock.

By car (driving from the M5): Turn off the M5 at Junction 25. Follow signs for the A358 to Minehead. At Williton, turn left onto the A39 to Minehead. At Minehead, stay on the A39, following signs for Porlock.

About Porlock Weir

Porlock Weir is a historic harbour on the edge of Exmoor, shaped by centuries of fishing, trade, and dramatic tidal shifts. Its weathered boats, stone cottages, and timber groynes still echo its maritime past. The area carries a subtle literary resonance: Coleridge lived nearby, and the tale of an unexpected visitor interrupting his work on Kubla Khan has given the village a place in Romantic folklore. With its rugged coastline, shifting light, and rich textures, Porlock Weir provides an inspiring setting for anyone with creative tendencies.

Recommended views

Artists will find a wealth of viewpoints to explore. Popular spots include the harbour itself, with its boats resting at low tide and reflections at high tide; the old wooden breakwater, creating striking silhouettes and rhythmic shapes, and the pebble beach looking west toward Hurlstone Point for dramatic coastal vistas. The cluster of thatched cottages and boathouses provides appealing close-up studies of texture, while the surrounding salt marsh and tidal inlets offer more abstract patterns perfect for sketching or printmaking. Whether you prefer expansive landscapes or intimate details, Porlock Weir offers varied, inspiring subjects throughout the day.

What to bring

If you're new to plein air or returning after a break, we've pulled together a curated list of materials to help you prepare - whether you work in oils, acrylics, watercolour, printmaking, or drawing. With thousands of plein air products available on our website, purchasing in advance is the most practical option, and is the reason why we don't bring materials to our events.

Accessibility

Porlock Weir offers good disabled access in parts, with designated parking, level paths around the harbour, and accessible toilets at the main car park and Visitor Centre, plus hotels like The Porlock Weir Hotel and eateries with ramp access. While the immediate harbour area is accessible, some surrounding paths like Porlock Marsh can be muddy, however, nearby Weir Water has a boardwalk specifically for wheelchairs, and the number 10 bus provides accessible transport.

Food and drink options

A selection of cafes and pubs along the seafront including the Ship Inn, The Porlock Weir Hotel and the Harbour Cafe and Gallery. Further eateries can be found in the centre of Porlock itself.

Wet weather contingency

The event will go ahead, whatever the weather, so bring suitable clothing for wet weather if it rains.

Caring for Porlock Weir

This event is being organised to bring artists together and to highlight the beauty found throughout the UK. Please respect the area throughout the event and take all your litter home with you or dispose of it in bins. All dirty water and solvents should be taken home and disposed of responsibly. Nothing is to be staked into the ground (i.e. umbrellas, gazebos etc.), and please respect the out-of-bounds areas.

Please note

Film and photography may be taking place throughout the event to document the day, for potential promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be filmed or photographed, please let the photographer know.