Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2021
Friday 22nd October to Sunday 7th November
This popular festival, kindly sponsored by www.celestron.com will be in its 5th Year in 2021. With around 50 festival events for families and adults taking place all over Exmoor, why not book yourself some Dark Sky Friendly accommodation and make a holiday of it? Our accredited as Exmoor Dark Sky Friendly businesses have all received training and are able to help you make the most of our dark skies during your stay.
Dark Skies Haiku Challenge
For the chance to win your very own Celestron telescope, we are inviting young people of school age to join our poetry challenge and create a Haiku poem inspired by Exmoor’s Dark Skies. The poems must be a traditional Haiku in three lines of five, seven, five syllables. Download the Word document here to find out more. Submit your entries to haiku@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk, closing date 7th November.
Festival Events List - Our 32-page full colour PRINTED FESTIVAL PROGRAMME is now available from our National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth from 5th September.
You can download a version of the programme to view here.
Events are also listed below in date order. For Ts&Cs please refer to the relevant event organiser. Further event details will be added here as soon as they are confirmed. All events are subject to Covid restrictions and changes as necessary.
Most dates throughout the festival 10.00am or 11.30am
Exmoor Owl & Wildlife Sanctuary, Allerford - Dark Skies Owls Experience
Enjoy a one hour Dark Skies Owl Experience to include three British (Exmoor) owls flown to the gloved hand in our Owl Barn. Visitors can learn about their natural history, and their individual hunting techniques in the wild and why dark skies are so important. The price will be £40 for a group of one or two participants; plus £10 per additional person - max 6 people.10.00am-11.00am or 11.30am - 12.30pm. Other Birds of Prey Experiences available too.www.exmoorowlhawkcentre.co.uk
Most dates throughout the festival
Depart Exford - Exmoor Barle Valley Wildlife Safaris - Dusk Safaris
Book an exclusive date for you and your family/group (up to 7 passengers) for £175. Meet experienced guide Daphne Brace before departing on an adventure around Exmoor in her Landrover as the sun goes down. Hopefully see some red deer and stars (weather permitting) and hear myths and legends. Call Daphne on
www.facebook.com/ExmoorBarleValleyWildlifeSafaris www.exmoorwildlifesafaris.com
Friday 22 October 7pm
Virtual Event on Zoom - Exmoor National Park Authority - An On-line Introduction to Exmoor's Dark Skies
Join the National Park's Ben Totterdell and astronomer Jo Richardson for a FREE live on-line session via Zoom covering:
*Exmoor - International Dark Sky Reserve
*Light Pollution
*Where to go
*What to do and take
*What to see in the Autumn sky
*Q&A
Join the Zoom meeting using the link below but email KJMunro@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk in advance for the Meeting ID and passcode. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85045670315?pwd=TmtDQ3lrNVNHTDZFZEtMcm94QXdMQT09
Friday 22 October 6pm, Exford - Wild About Exmoor - Exmoor Dark Skies & Farmhouse Supper Join us for an evening of walking under the stars. Enjoy a delicious home cooked roast dinner, made with local produce at our traditional Exmoor farm cottage. We talk about the stars and planets and explain the use of apps on phone and iPad. Learn how to use our 2 telescopes and binoculars to delve into deeper space. £40 per head with complimentary drinks and starry information. Please bring torches, warm clothing and stout footwear. Booking essential. www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Friday 22-Mon 25 October
Lanacre Barn Gallery, Withypool - Exmoor's Dark Skies Art Exhibition
Receive a warm welcome at Lanacre Barn Gallery in the heart of Exmoor where a talented group of local artists will be exhibiting a large and varied selection of artworks all inspired by the National Park's dark skies. Open 10am -6pm. Free Entry. More details of artists on gallery website: www.moorlandart.com
Friday 22-Sunday 24 October
Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster - Stargazing Weekend
Expert talks and guided stargazing sessions for guests booking onto these popular darks skies weekends. Read more at Star Gazing Breaks | Yarn Market Hotel
Saturday 23 October 6pm, Exford - Dark Skies Discovery Hub Event Join Bruce and Claire, Malcolm and Jennie at the Exford Bridge Tearooms for a planetarium presentation with delicious locally sourced food and a “No question is a silly question” sociable chat session, with loads of information about local stargazing. An optional walk out into the dark skies area to use our telescopes will round off the evening nicely! £35 per head, £20 for under 16s with £5.00 for the walk payable on the day. Booking essential www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Saturday 23 October 10.30am and 2pm
Dunster Tithe Barn- Exmoor National Park Authority - Super Space Saturday Workshops
We will be hosting two 2-hour workshops with a variety of fun space based activities for all ages. The morning workshop (10.30am start) will more suited to younger children and the afternoon workshop (2pm start) for older children. Astronomers Jo Richardson and Simon Holbeche will be keeping you busy making and launching your own rockets, directing remote control Martian buggies over Martian terrain, talking about all things 'space' and loads of other activities including a 'selfie' station! Fancy dress welcome. Meet National Park Ranger Charlotte to learn about why she loves the dark, moths and microscopes and learn about the damage caused by light pollution. Adults & Children £5pp. Booking for the 10.30am session here. Book for the 2pm session here.
Sunday 24th October 2-4pm, Dulverton National Park Centre - Space themed Arts & Crafts A free drop-in arts and crafts session for children with a space theme; colouring, making telescopes and designing space craft. Children aged 10 and under can also play 'Spot the Planet' and be entered into a free prize draw. No booking required.
Sunday 24th October Flexible arrival 5-6.30pm Dark Sky Discovery Trail, Larkbarrow near Exford Gain confidence on this amazing new dark skies walk - National Park staff will be on hand at all stages as you negotiate the flat 2 mile walk with 360 degree views of the night sky. Whatever the weather you'll be excited by being surrounded by the sounds of nature. Find out more about the Trail from our National Park Centres. Adults and Children £2pp. Book here.
Monday 25th October 4pm Live Online -Astronomy Today with Professor Roger Davies After a short introduction from the National Park, Professor Davies an astrophysicist from Oxford University, will discuss some of the most recent developments in astronomy including planets beyond the solar system, black holes, gravitational waves, and the origin of the chemical elements. This 1 hour event will finish with Q&As. Price £3pp. Book here.
Monday 25 October 6.30pm
Exford - Wild about Exmoor - Exmoor Stargazing Ramble & Pub Supper Meet up in Exford for a night walk with stargazing followed by supper in The White Horse or The Crown, both traditional country Inns with rooms, serving great local food. We meet at 6.30pm and walk up onto the moor as the stars come out, then back to Exford for some exploration of deepest, darkest space with our telescopes and binoculars. Lots of starry information and refreshments, then an optional short walk to the pub for supper which will be individually priced to allow full choice of the menu.£20adult, £15 under 16 years per person for the stargazing part of the evening. Booking essential. www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Tuesday 26 October 5.30pm, Pinkery Centre, Simonsbath - Exmoor National Park Authority's Pinkery Night Sky & Bushcraft Adventure Come and learn about our dark skies and enjoy guided stargazing (weather permitting) and a night walk around this magnificent rural landscape under the guidance of astronomer Jo Richardson. In addition to learning all about the stars and the universe, you'll also learn fun new bushcraft and outdoor skills supported by our Young Rangers and our National Park Ranger staff. Suitable for ages 8 plus. Tickets: Family of 4 - £24, Adults £7, Child £6. Book here.
Tuesday 26th October 5.30pm, Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath - Stargazing, Bat Detecting & Hot Chocolate Discover the bats around the Exmoor Forest Inn with Liz from Moor Wild Experiences. Search for the planets and stars above Simonsbath and indulge in a warming hot chocolate in the heart of Exmoor's Dark Sky Reserve. Meeting outside the Exmoor Forest Inn wrapped up warm, join Liz to identify the bats around the gardens at the Inn using the bat detector. We might discover other nightlife too! When the skies darken and glisten with stars, planets and the Milky Way, learn how to use our telescopes and stargazing apps to learn more about the constellations over the Northern Hemisphere this autumn. Cosy up with a warming hot chocolate for afters, by the Exmoor Forest Inn team at around 6.45pm. Make it a special family evening and book your dinner in advance at the Inn. Wet weather forecasted? In the event of adverse weather, we'll discover the night sky indoors with our constellations projector and learn about Cassiopeia and Perseus with our hot chocolate! Tickets:£10 adults, £8 children (5 - 17yrs), £5 for U5s Event booking: www.moorwildexperiences.co.uk/book Dinner booking: info@exmoorforestinn.com
Tuesday 26 October 6pm, Exford - Dark Skies Discovery Hub Event Join Bruce and Claire, Malcolm and Jennie at the Exford Bridge Tearooms for a planetarium presentation with delicious locally sourced food and a “No question is a silly question” sociable chat session, with loads of information about local stargazing. An optional walk out into the dark skies area to use our telescopes will round off the evening nicely! £35 per head, £20 for under 16s with £5.00 for the walk payable on the day. Booking essential www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Wednesday 27 Oct 6.30pm Westerclose House, Withypool - Dark Skies Evening with Astronomer Jo Richardson (B&B or self- catering cottages also available). Expert speaker/presenter and UK Space Ambassador Jo Richardson FRAS from Space Detectives will lead an Astronomy Workshop – fun and educational for adults and children. The evening will include short presentations interspersed with educational hands-on activities, use of a telescope and a whole lot of audience participation!!. Light supper/refreshments included. Plenty of parking available. £30/adult, £10/child under 16. For more information or to book call
Wednesday 27th October 7pm-9pm, Valley of Rocks and Hollerday Hill Night Walk. Enjoy the peace of the valley, taking in the beauty of the night sky in a stunning part of Exmoor. Your local guide Jess Twydall of Mother Moon will meet you at Lynton Town Hall. The tour will include tales of the past and local history. Jess is also keen on the moon cycles and how they impact our moods and emotions throughout the month. So this a very much a walk for well-being, slowing down and enjoying the tranquility that Exmoor brings. £10 per person, children go free. Bookings
Wednesday 27th &Thursday 28th October 5.30-7.30pm, Exmoor Pony Centre, Ashwick, Dulverton Join the Exmoor ponies in discovering the Wildlife at Night on Exmoor. Family friendly event to inspire everyone to engage in their local wildlife. Hot chocolate and marshmallows. Opportunity to interact with and learn about the ponies. Booking essential. Charge: Adult £4, Under 16 £3. Book via email to info@exmoorponycentre.org.uk or call
Thursday 29th October 5.30pm, Ranger Guided Walk with Stargazing advice from Exmoor Stargazers, North Hill nr. Minehead Meet our National Park Ranger and staff at the end of North Hill for a guided night walk around Bossington Beacon. Exmoor Stargazers will be on hand to guide you through the constellations and wonders of the night sky. Adults£5, Children £3. Book here.
Friday 29th October 5pm and 7pm Doone Valley, Dark Skies Wildlife Walk with National Trust Rangers (and night vision cameras) (Two events) Escorted guided walks along the Doone Valley with National Trust Rangers using night vision cameras to see what amazing evening wildlife we can observe! On return to the Buttery after an hour or so, guests will be offered a warming hot drink. Inclusive ticket price: Adults £10, Children £6. There will be locally sourced burgers, hot dogs and potato wedges available at additional cost. Booking via email to april.braund@nationaltrust.org.uk or call
Friday 29 October 5pm-8pm, Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre - Bump in the Night! (Family event)
A fun filled and freaky pre-Halloween evening of spooky themed family activities. Take part in a twilight bat walk and learn about some of the nocturnal wildlife that calls Wimbleball home, look up to the sky and see what cosmic constellations you can spot before following the pumpkin path and testing your autumnal knowledge.
There is something for everyone with opportunities to take part in Halloween and Dark Skies themed woodwork, environmental art and outdoor cooking.£3 per child & £2 per adult. Booking links via Facebook page @wimbleballlake or website South West Lakes Trust
Friday 29 October 6pm, Exford - Dark Skies Discovery Hub Event Join Bruce and Claire, Malcolm and Jennie at the Exford Bridge Tearooms for a planetarium presentation with delicious locally sourced food and a “No question is a silly question” sociable chat session, with loads of information about local stargazing. An optional walk out into the dark skies area to use our telescopes will round off the evening nicely! £35 per head, £20 for under 16s with £5.00 for the walk payable on the day. Booking essential www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Friday 29th October 6-8pm, National Trust Arlington Court - Arlington Court Night Skies In partnership with the National Trust, Mother Moon will be guiding an evening walk around the grounds and estate of Arlington Court. You will see the beauty of the night skies here and learn more about the history of the site. This is a walk for well-being, slowing down and enjoying the tranquility that Arlington brings. £10 per person, children go free. Bookings
Friday 29th & Saturday 30th October 6-8.30pm, Barton Farm, Kentisbury- Stargazing, Pipistrelle Bats & Pizza
Discover the planets and stars with our telescopes, learn how to detect the bats of Kentisbury, and craft your own fresh stone-baked pizza at Barton Farm. Join Liz from Moor Wild Experiences and The Wright's Family to search the night sky with two telescopes and stargazing apps. At dusk, learn how to identify the active bats with our bat detector on a short circular walk around our beautiful 16th Century barn. Prepare and enjoy your own crafted hot stone-baked pizza with a glass of bubbly! www.moorwildexperiences.co.uk/book Price £40 per person. Under 5's go free. Enquiries
Saturday 30 October 6.30pm, Horner Farm, Nr. Porlock - Autumn Feast under the Stars
Enjoy a fabulous local produce meal in this amazing National Trust owned farm setting. With clear skies you'll be surrounded by stars as you are welcomed by farmers Holly & Mark who will also give an informal talk about running an Exmoor farm and the surrounding wildlife. £20 Adults, £10 Children www.horner-farm.co.uk/events
Saturday 30 October 7.30pm Nutcombe Bottom, Nr Dunster - Stargazing & Wildlife in the Forest - Come and explore the night skies over Dunster and Croydon Hill with your hosts, wildlife enthusiast and naturalist Chris Sperring MBE and James Latus Forestry England’s Community Ranger for Exmoor and the Quantocks. An evening of star gazing and wildlife in this unique and beautiful forest and home to England’s tallest tree on the foot hills of the Exmoor National Park. Booking in advance is essential, and no dogs permitted. Adult £7.50, children 15yrs and younger and OAPs £5. £20 family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children. Max 25 places. Call
Saturday 30 October 6pm, Exford - Wild About Exmoor - Exmoor Dark Skies & Farmhouse Supper Join us for an evening of walking under the stars. Enjoy a delicious home cooked roast dinner, made with local produce at our traditional Exmoor farm cottage. We talk about the stars and planets and explain the use of apps on phone and ipad. Learn how to use our 2 telescopes and binoculars to delve into deeper space. £40 per head with complimentary drinks and starry information. Please bring torches, warm clothing and stout footwear. Booking essential. www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Sunday 31st October 6-8pm, Lynton - Connect to the Spirit of Exmoor Come join us at Grandmother Beech CIC for a Sunday evening around the firepit. Connect to the old ways of the elements of earth, fire, water and air! What did our ancestors here do before the internet and television? Experience stories, myths, songs local to Exmoor. Hot wholesome supper included in the price £15 per person. Booking essential info@grandmotherbeech.co.uk
Monday 1 November 6.30pm Exford - Wild about Exmoor - Exmoor Stargazing Ramble & Pub Supper Meet up in Exford for a night walk with stargazing followed by supper in The White Horse or The Crown, both traditional country Inns with rooms, serving great local food. We meet at 6.30pm and walk up onto the moor as the stars come out, then back to Exford for some exploration of deepest, darkest space with our telescopes and binoculars. Lots of starry information and refreshments, then an optional short walk to the pub for supper which will be individually priced to allow full choice of the menu.£20adult, £15 under 16 years per person for the stargazing part of the evening. Booking essential. www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Monday 1 November 7pm - Wimbleball - Astronomy Lecture with Professor Roger Davies from Oxford University. Black Holes & Galaxies: how the Nobel Prize was won. The 2020 Nobel Prize for Physics was awarded for work on black holes to Sir Roger Penrose, Professor Reinhard Genzel & Professor Andrea Ghez. Professor Davies will discuss how Genzel & Ghez were able to demonstrate the existence of a black hole, millions of times more massive than the Sun, at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy. He will describe the critical role of supermassive black holes play in shaping all massive galaxies. Q&A to follow. Location is in a large semi-open barn with plenty of space and free parking. £9 pp to include hot drink & biscuits or soup & roll. This event is being run by Exmoor National Park Authority. Email KJMunro@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk for more info about the venue or use the link to book now- Book here.
Tuesday 2 November 6pm, Exford - Dark Skies Discovery Hub Event Join Bruce and Claire, Malcolm and Jennie at the Exford Bridge Tearooms for a planetarium presentation with delicious locally sourced food and a “No question is a silly question” sociable chat session, with loads of information about local stargazing. An optional walk out into the dark skies area to use our telescopes will round off the evening nicely! £35 per head, £20 for under 16s with £5.00 for the walk payable on the day. Booking essential www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Wednesday 3 November 5.30pm Haddon Hill - Ranger Guided Walk & Stargazing - Join our National Park Rangers and astronomers from Tiverton & Mid Devon Astronomy Club on a guided night walk around this spectacular site with 360 degree views of the night sky. You'll be led by Exmoor National Park Ranger Richard Eales who will happily discuss the site, its management the creation of Wimbleball Lake, surrounding land use, and all things ponies and deer! The astronomers will guide you through what's on view in the night sky if the weather allows. Adults £5, Children £3. Book here.
Wednesday 3 November 6-8.30pm, Barton Farm, Kentisbury - Stargazing, Pipistrelle Bats & Pizza, - Discover the planets and stars with our telescopes, learn how to detect the bats of Kentisbury, and craft your own fresh stone-baked pizza at Barton Farm. Join Liz from Moor Wild Experiences and The Wright's Family to search the night sky with two telescopes and stargazing apps. At dusk, learn how to identify the active bats with our bat detector on a short circular walk around our beautiful 16th Century barn. Prepare and enjoy your own crafted hot stone-baked pizza with a glass of bubbly! www.moorwildexperiences.co.uk/book Price £40 per person. Under 5's go free. Enquiries
Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th November 7-9pm, Astrophotography Workshop with Keith Trueman at Arlington National Trust Images of the night skies above Exmoor by local astrophotographer Keith Trueman, have been delighting social media users and printed media readers for many years. If you have your own DSLR camera and already know how to use it in manual mode, then these workshops are ideal for you: covering the use of camera settings, how to focus in the dark, and composition in the dark, you'll be given the confidence to move into the world of astrophotography. Max 5 students per workshop. Price £25pp. To book email Activities.arlingtoncourt@nationaltrust.org.uk
Thursday 4th November 6pm, Withypool- Withypool Hill Ranger Guided Dark Skies Walk & Pub Supper Meet at the Royal Oak, Withypool for supper followed by a walk with national Park Ranger Patrick Watts-Mabbott. Patrick will give a description of the Exmoor's dark skies and answer any questions. On a clear crisp night enjoy the stunning views of the skies but even in the mist and dark, the moor has an amazing atmosphere. On return to the Royal Oak enjoy a luxury hot chocolate. Adult £20 (includes a £5 donation to CareMoor for Exmoor), Child £10. Booking essential Email joinus@royaloakwithypool.co.uk or call
Thursday 4 November 7pm, Parracombe - Heale Farm - Heale Stars and Nature Evening With spectacular views of the sea and moors, Heale Farm, Parracombe, is set in 23 acres of pasture, woodland and grazing and access rights over a further 18 acres of rugged Exmoor land. Heale Stars and Nature evening offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse in nature, taking the time to stare at the wonder of the dark skies. Arriving at 7pm we will walk through the moor to our field looking East across to the sea, we will walk, gaze, and wonder, followed by sitting around the Fire Pit with a late graze box supper. Price per person £25. More info and booking hello@healefarm.co.uk www.healefarm.co.uk
Thursday 4 November - Exmoor Coaster Open Top Bus Dark Skies Adventure and Presentation - Brand new for 2021!! Join astronomer Jo Richardson on board the Exmoor Coaster open top bus from Minehead-Lynmouth-Minehead for an evening of astro facts and star gazing fun. Tickets: Adult £10, Child £5.To book please email hello@adventuresbybus.co.uk
Friday 5 November Exford 6pm - Wild About Exmoor - Exmoor Dark Skies & Farmhouse Supper Join us for an evening of walking under the stars. Enjoy a delicious home cooked roast dinner, made with local produce at our traditional Exmoor farm cottage. We talk about the stars and planets and explain the use of apps on phone and iPad. Learn how to use our 2 telescopes and binoculars to delve into deeper space. £40 per head with complimentary drinks and starry information. Please bring torches, warm clothing and stout footwear. Booking essential. www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Friday 5 Nov, Washford, Torre Cider Farm- Astronomy Talks by Professor Roger Davies (plus stargazing and supper options) Oxford University's Professor Roger Davies (astrophysicist) will be giving two talks. If the skies are clear, then you’ll be invited to do some stargazing too.
5pm Family Event especially suitable for Children /young people- How far away can you see?
We can see the Sun, Moon and five planets with our own eyes – but how far away are the stars? And what is the most distant object you can see on a dark night? Price£5pp. Fish/nuggets and chips available to buy from the café,
7.30pm Adult Event - From Galaxies to Life
Professor Roger Davies will highlight how the dark matter halos around galaxies, exploding stars and the discovery of planets beyond the Solar System, all contribute to creating the ingredients for life on Earth. Two ticket types: Talk only £8pp.There will be fish & chips and cakes available to buy for those with ‘talk-only’ tickets. Talk & Food (menu to be confirmed) £15pp. To book on either event please email info@torrecider.farm or call
Saturday 6 November 3-7pm, Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre - Family Astro Party
An Exmoor National Park Authority event. Join our National Park Rangers, education officers and astronomer Jo Richardson for a fun indoor and outdoor family-orientated astro event including an astronomy presentation, space experiments, a walk through the planets with Hugh Saxby, campfire and marshmallows and local astronomers on hand to help with constellation spotting. Includes a short break for your own packed tea. Tickets: Family of 4 £24, Adult £7, Child £6. Book here.
Saturday 6 November 6pm,Exford - Dark Skies Discovery Hub Event Join Bruce and Claire, Malcolm and Jennie at the Exford Bridge Tearooms for a planetarium presentation with delicious locally sourced food and a “No question is a silly question” sociable chat session, with loads of information about local stargazing. An optional walk out into the dark skies area to use our telescopes will round off the evening nicely! £35 per head, £20 for under 16s with £5.00 for the walk payable on the day. Booking essential www.wildaboutexmoor.com info@wildaboutexmoor.com
Tuesday 16 November 7-7.30pm arrival, Wootton Courtenay Village Hall, Nr. Dunster -Stargazing Supper Evening (Nebula Nosh)
An event from Dunkery Beacon Country House Hotel – join an indoor astronomical presentation with professional astronomer Seb Jay and weather permitting a guided tour of the night sky using professional telescopes. Ticket price is £21.50 & includes a simple supper and first drink. To book & pay for tickets Tel.
Festival Organiser - If you have any queries about the festival in general then please contact Katrina Munro KJMunro@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Thank you to the following businesses who have supported the festival through advertising:
Yarn Market Hotel www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
Wicked Wolf www.wickedwolfgin.com
Lanacre Barn Gallery www.moorlandart.com
Tarr Farm Inn www.tarrfarm.co.uk
Exmoor Distillery www.exmoordistillery.co.uk
Stockham Farm www.stockhamfarmexmoor.co.uk
Porlock Weir Hotel www.porlockweirhotel.co.uk
South West Lakes Trust www.swlakestrust.org.uk
First Buses www.firstbus.co.uk