A guide to Exmoor Dark Skies 2022

In the Autumn of 2011, Exmoor was designated as Europe’s first International Dark Skies Reserve. You can certainly see why, with low levels of light pollution, cloudless nights and elevated positions, Exmoor certainly provides the perfect location for star gazing. You can star gaze at any time of year as long as it is clear at night, however, the darker months provide longer nights and earlier Spring and Autumn are particularly good. There is every chance to catch sight of shooting stars, planets in our solar system and even The Milky Way.

Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2022

To celebrate the prestige of being an International Dark Skies Reserve, Exmoor National Park, runs a Dark Skies Festival each autumn. The Dark Skies Festival, sponsored by the Somerset Business Agency, will be running from 13th October to 30th October. This year there are over 50 events that are suitable for all ages taking place throughout Exmoor National Park. Here is a rundown of the programme:

13th October

• Exmoor Dark Skies Evening with Astronomer, Seb Jay | Lynmouth National Park Centre | 6.30pm – 8pm.
  Enjoy a fascinating talk from the popular astronomer, Seb Jay. He will enlighten you as to what wonders in the sky can be seen with the naked eye or a telescope. There will also be the opportunity to look through the telescopes at the end of the talk if the skies are clear.

14h October

• Online introduction to Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve | 7pm
• Stargazing for Beginners | Cloud Farm campsite, National Trust, Oare | 8pm – 9pm
  A great introduction event to ‘stargazing’, hosted by Astronomer Jo Richardson.
• Stargazing Supper at the Buttery Café, Malmsmead, Doone Valley
  Stargazing with telescopes, pizza, and toasted marshmallows around a firepit. What’s not to love? All hosted by Liz Cwilewicz from Moor Wild Experiences.

15th October

• Online in the Night Sky Live Stargazing workshop for children/families with astronomer, Jo Richardson | 10.30am
  A great introduction event to ‘stargazing’. Suitable for KS1 and KS2 children.
• An evening and meal with astronomer, Jo Richardson | Politmore Inn, North Molton | 7pm
  This is a great event for all. Enjoy a tasty two-course meal, presentation and the option of an overnight stay at this popular village Inn.

17th October

• Planetarium sessions in North Devon | Pilton Bluecoat C of E Academy, Abbey Road, Barnstaple. 5pm and 6:15pm.
  Enjoy a 360 degree immersive space odyssey with this mobile planetarium.
• Stargazing Night Hike and Farmhouse Supper | Exford | 6.30pm
  Get your walking boots on and head on up the Moors to enjoy a traditional night of stargazing. Then head down to an Exmoor farm to enjoy a delicious home-cooked roast dinner, using local produce. This will be followed by a presentation on the stars and planets.

18th October

• Dark Skies Presentation by Jennie Wild | Dulverton Heritage Centre | 2.30pm
  A stargazing presentation to help you learn more about Exmoor’s Dark Skies
• Withypool Hill Dark Sky Ranger Guided Walk and Supper | 6.30pm – 9pm
  Start the night at the Royal Oak, Withypool for supper, followed by a walk over Withypool Hill. On a crisp, clear night, this is stargazing at its best. At the end, head back to the Royal Oak to enjoy a hot chocolate.
• Dark Skies Adventure by bus | Exmoor Coaster open top bus | 7pm – 10pm
  Join Jo Richardson on a magical stargazing bus tour, going from Minehead to Lynmouth (and back again).

19th October

• Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
  This family-friendly event is great at engaging children with stargazing and their local wildlife.
• Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
  Spend an evening with Liz from Moor Wild Experiences, learning about our Universe, whilst crafting your own stonebaked pizza, followed by toasted marshmallows.

20th October

• Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
  This family-friendly event is great at engaging children with stargazing and their local wildlife.
• Stargazing for Beginners with Moor Wild Experiences | Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath | 7.30pm – 9pm
  Liz from Moor Wild Experiences is back and she is helping you discover more about our planets and constellations, whilst you sit back and relax with a mug of hot chocolate and sweet treats made by the Exmoor Forest Inn team.

21st October

• Stories of the Stars | Whistlandpound Reservoir | 6pm – 9pm
  A great family event, with stories around the fire, stargazing and a nighttime wander. A hearty soup and hot drinks will be provided to keep you warm and sustained.
• Stargazing for Beginners with Moor Wild Experiences | Nettlecombe Court, Wilton | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
  A great introduction event to ‘stargazing’, hosted by Liz Cwilewicz from Moor Wild Experiences
• Dark Skies in the Forest | Nutcombe Bottom, Dunster | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
  Join Chris Sperring MBE and our Community Ranger, James Latus, for a delightful evening woodland walk.

22nd October

• Space-themed Craft Session | Dulverton National Park Centre | 2pm – 4pm
  A free drop-in arts and crafts session for children.
• Astro Party Family Event | Wimbleball Lake | 3pm – 7pm
  Join Jo Richardson for an exciting indoor and outdoor adventure for children.  There will be fun science experiments, you’ll learn about space, a campfire, marshmallows and outdoor activities.
• Dark Skies Astrophotography Walk | Doone Valley | 6pm – 9pm
  Have you ever admired nighttime photography and wondered how you could create images like this?  If so, this is the event for you. Join local photographer, Mark Johnson, for an event to remember.
• Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
  Spend an evening with Liz from Moor Wild Experiences, learning about our Universe, whilst crafting your own stonebaked pizza, followed by toasted marshmallows.

23rd October

• Dark Sky Discovery Trail – semi guided dark skies experience | Larkbarrow Corner, Exford | 5pm – 6.30pm
  Immerse yourself in our dark skies and sounds of nature on this flat 2-mile walk.
• Stargazing and Sunday Roast with Moor Wild Experiences | Nettlecombe Court | 6.30pm – 9.30pm
  Learn how to use traditional and modern telescopes, so you can view the array of celestial beings in the Galaxy. All this is set in the impressive grounds of the 11th Century Nettlecombe Court Estate.
• Night Walk through Valley of Rocks with Mother Moon | Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton | 7pm – 9pm
  Experience the stunning, Valley of the Rocks on this twilight tour. Hosted by local guide, Jess Twydall, you will learn about tales of the past, local history and the importance of our Moon.

24th October

• Stargazing for Beginners at the Buttery Tea Rooms, Malmsmead | 7pm – 8.30pm
  Stargazing with telescopes, pizza, and toasted marshmallows around a firepit. What’s not to love? All hosted by Liz Cwilewicz from Moor Wild Experiences.

25th October

• Dark Skies in Watercolour – painting sessions for children | National Park Centre, Lynmouth | 10am – 12.30pm
  Presented by Sophie Tyler, learn how to use watercolours to create amazing cosmic paintings.
• How to see the Aurora, supper and talk by Dr Lilian Hobbs | The Poltimore Inn, North Molton | 6.30pm – 9pm
  Have you ever wondered what the aurora is, what causes it and where do you go to see it? If so, then make sure you join Lilian Hobbs who will explain all.
• Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
  Spend an evening with Liz from Moor Wild Experiences, learning about our Universe, whilst crafting your own stonebaked pizza, followed by toasted marshmallows.

26th October

• Ranger Guided Walk and Stargazing at Haddon Hill | Bampton | 5.30pm
  Join National Park Ranger, Richard Eales, for a highly informative evening of the site and the skies above.
• Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
  This family friendly event is great at engaging children with stargazing and their local wildlife.
• Astronomy Talk with Dr Lilian Hobbs and optional supper | Washford | 6pm
  Discover the best way to see the stars and what to look for from your own back garden with Dr Lilian Hobbs from the Royal Astronomical Society.
• Stargazing and Pizza Nights with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7.30pm – 9.30pm
  Spend an evening with Liz from Moor Wild Experiences, learning about our Universe, whilst crafting your own stone backed pizza, followed by toasted marshmallows.

27th October

• Wildlife at Night | Exmoor Pony Centre | 5.30pm – 7pm
  This family-friendly event is great at engaging children with stargazing and their local wildlife.
• Watching the Stars | Sampford Brett | 6.30pm – 9pm
  Enjoy an evening of hot soup and warm drinks listening to Astronomer, Jo Richardson, talk about stargazing and a display of award-winning astrophotography.
• Night Walk through Valley of Rocks with Mother Moon | Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton | 7pm – 9pm
  Experience the stunning, Valley of the Rocks on this twilight tour. Hosted by local guide, Jess Twydall, you will learn about tales of the past, local history and the importance of our Moon.

28th October

• Dark Skies Wildlife Walks with National Trust Rangers | Lorna Doone Valley | 5pm
  A guided walk along the Doone Valley using night vision cameras. “ You had me at night vision cameras!”
• Ranger guided walk and stargazing with Charlotte Wray and Exmoor Stargazers | Minehead | 5.30pm
  Enjoy a guided night walk with portable telescopes and National Park Ranger, Charlotte Wray.
• Stargazing for Beginners with Moor Wild Experiences at National Trust Arlington Court
  A great introduction event to ‘stargazing’, hosted by Liz Cwilewicz in the lovely grounds of Arlington Court.

29th October

• Planetarium Sessions, talks and family fun | Tithe Barn, Dunster | 10.30 am
  The opportunity to book one of six sessions during the day in the Space Odyssey mobile planetarium for an immersive 360-degree experience.
• Moonlit Meadow Run | French Weir Park, Taunton | 6pm
  Fancy a fun run in the dark across Exmoor? Well if so, this is the one for you. There are 5km and 10km options available.
• Stargazing and presentation with Astronomer, Jo Richardson | Holworthy Farm | 6.30pm – 9pm
  A great introduction event to ‘stargazing’, hosted by Astronomer Jo Richardson.
• Simply Stargazing pub walk with Wild About Exmoor | Exford | 6.30pm
  Enjoy a night walk in Exford followed by supper in a traditional Exmoor pub.
• Night Walk through Valley of Rocks with Mother Moon | Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton | 7pm – 9pm
  Experience the stunning, Valley of the Rocks on this twilight tour. Hosted by local guide, Jess Twydall, you will learn about tales of the past, local history and the importance of our Moon.
• Stargazing and Pizza Night with Moor Wild Experiences | Barton Farm, Kentisbury | 7pm – 9pm
  Spend an evening with Liz from Moor Wild Experiences, learning about our Universe, whilst crafting your own stone backed pizza, followed by toasted marshmallows.
• A walk across the Solar System plus space-themed activities | Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre, St Michaels Church | 3pm
  Take a journey across the Solar System with Hugh Saxby and enjoy some space-themed activities.

To find out more details about the events at this years Dark Skies Festival and how to book, then visit the Exmoor National Park Dark Skies Festival web page.

If you are coming to Exmoor and want to get the best dark skies experience, then why not book yourself one of our lovely Exmoor holiday cottages. We are a local, family run business, so we can be on hand to assist with any queries you may have and can recommend the best places to visit.