As Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve, it is no wonder that Exmoor like to celebrate the beauty of the night sky here on Exmoor. The National Park has minimal light pollution and on cloudless nights, simply by looking up, you can get a glimpse of the universe. The Milky Way and thousands of stars are visible with the naked eye – if you want to have a chance to see the beauty of the night sky for yourself, there are a couple of ways you can, including attending this year’s Dark Skies Festival.
Each autumn, the Exmoor National Park hosts the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival which is returning next month from 13th October. During the festival over 50 events that are suitable for all ages are taking place throughout the National Park. The programme for this year is as follows:
13th October
Exmoor Dark Skies Evening with Astronomer, Seb Jay | Lynmouth National Park Centre | 6.30pm – 8pm
14th October
Online introduction to Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve | 7pm
Stargazing for Beginners | Cloud Farm campsite, National Trust, Oare | 8pm – 9pm
15th October
Online in the Night Sky Live Stargazing workshop for children/families with astronomer, Jo Richardson | 10.30am
An evening and meal with astronomer, Jo Richardson | Politmore Inn, North Molton | 7pm
17th October
Planetarium sessions in North Devon | TBC
Stargazing Night Hike and farmhouse supper | Exford | 6.30pm
18th October
Dark Skies Presentation by Jennie Wild | Dulverton Heritage Centre | 2.30pm
Withypool Hill Dark Sky Ranger Guided Walk and Supper | 6.30pm – 9pm
Dark Skies Adventure by bus | Exmoor Coaster open top bus | 7pm - 10pm
19th October
Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
20th October
Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
Stargazing for Beginners with Moor Wild Experiences | Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath | 7.30pm – 9pm
21st October
Stories of the Stars | Whistlandpound Reservoir | 6pm – 9pm
Stargazing for Beginners with Moor Wild Experiences | Nettlecombe Court, Wilton | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Dark Skies in the Forest | Nutcombe Bottom, Dunster | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
22nd October
Space-themed Craft Session | Dulverton National Park Centre | 2pm – 4pm
Astro Party Family Event | Wimbleball Lake | 3pm – 7pm
Dark Skies Astrophotography Walk | Doone Valley | 6pm – 9pm
Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
23rd October
Dark Sky Discovery Trail – semi guided dark skies experience | Larkbarrow Corner, Exford | 5pm – 6.30pm
Stargazing and Sunday Roast with Moor Wild Experiences | Nettlecombe Court | 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Night Walk through Valley of Rocks with Mother Moon | Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton | 7pm – 9pm
24th October
Stargazing for Beginners at the Buttery Tea Rooms, Malmsmead | 7pm – 8.30pm
25th October
Dark Skies in Watercolour – painting sessions for children | National Park Centre, Lynmouth | 10am – 12.30pm
Stargazing Night Hike and farmhouse supper | Exford |6.30pm
How to see the Aurora, supper and talk by Dr Lilian Hobbs | The Poltimore Inn, North Molton | 6.30pm – 9pm
Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
26th October
Ranger Guided Walk and Stargazing at Haddon Hill | Bampton | 5.30pm
Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
Astronomy Talk with Dr Lilian Hobbs and optional supper | Washford | 6pm
Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
27th October
Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
Watching the Stars | Sampford Brett | 6.30pm – 9pm
Night Walk through Valley of Rocks with Mother Moon | Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton | 7pm – 9pm
28th October
Dark Skies Wildlife Walks with National Trust Rangers | Lorna Doone Valley | 5pm
Ranger guided walk and stargazing with Charlotte Wray and Exmoor Stargazers | Minehead | 5.30pm
Stargazing for Beginners with Moor Wild Experiences at National Trust Arlington Court
29th October
Planetarium Sessions, talks and family fun | Tithe Barn, Dunster | 10.30 am
A walk across the Solar System plus space-themed activites | Bampton | 3pm
Moonlit Meadow Run | French Weir Park, Taunton | 6pm
Stargazing and presentation with Astronomer, Jo Richardson | Holworthy Farm | 6.30pm – 9pm
Simply Stargazing pub walk with Wild About Exmoor | Exford | 6.30pm
Night Walk through Valley of Rocks with Mother Moon | Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton | 7pm – 9pm
Stargazing and Pizza Night with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7pm – 9pm
30th October
Night Walk through Valley of Rocks with Mother Moon | Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton | 7pm – 9pm
As part of the festival there are also a number of stargazing holidays you can book. Find out more and book events here. Don’t forget, you can pick up a printed programme of events from the National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth and if you’re not available for the festival, but still want to catch a glimpse of the night sky, check out the Exmoor Dark Sky Discovery Trail or speak to the team at the National Park centre to find out where the best stargazing spots across the park are.