After going ahead in a smaller capacity last year, the team at Exmoor National Park is excited that the 5th anniversary of the ever popular Dark Skies Festival can go ahead as planned this year.

Sponsored by Celestron, the Dark Skies Festival will see a variety of events and activities take place across the National Park, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy unrivalled night skies at the world’s first dark skies reserve. Read on to see what activities are on offer for this year’s festival!

22nd October, 6pm

Exmoor Dark Skies and Farmhouse Supper – an evening of walking under the stars and a delicious home cooked roast made with local produce – a great way to kick off the festival!

22nd – 25th October
Dark Skies Art Exhibition – situated at Lanacre Barn Gallery, a talented group of local artists will be exhibiting a large and varied selection of artworks inspired by the dark skies.

22nd – 24th October
Stargazing Weekends – book through the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster.

23rd October
Super Space Saturday Workshops – 2 hour workshops split between morning sessions (for younger children) and afternoon sessions (for older children) with astronomers Jo Richardson and Simon Holbeche.

26th October

Family Dark Skies event – a night walk around Simonsbath Pinkery Centre with astronomers and outdoor activities supported by Young Ranger and National Park Ranger staff.

27th and 28th October
Exmoor ponies – based at the Exmoor Pony Centre, this workshop allows you to discover wildlife at night on Exmoor.

29th October
Bump in the Night Family Event – a freaky pre Halloween celebration of spooky themed family activities at Wimbleball Lake.

29th October
Doone Valley Wildlife Walk with Night Vision Cameras – escorted walks with National Trust rangers along the Doone Valley to see what wildlife you can find.

4th November
Open Top Bus Dark Skies Adventure – new for 2021, join astronomer Jo Richardson on board the Exmoor Coaster open top bus for an evening of star gazing.

Find out more about the activities taking place and how to book your space by clicking here. As well as the various activities on offer at this year’s festival, there is also the chance to win your very own telescope from sponsors Celestron during the event! The competition is open to young people of school age and all you need to do is create your own Haiku inspired by Exmoor’s dark skies! Find out more on the website here.