Stargazing & Dark Skies
Our dark skies are some of the best in the UK. We have minimal light pollution and on a cloudless night you can see literally thousands of stars and astronomical sights such as the Milky Way with the naked eye. In 2011 Exmoor was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association. So why not take the time to visit Exmoor and look up?
Dark skies stargazing events are now being run all year round by the following accredited businesses. Please check their websites or contact them direct to find out about their 2023 events. The first two businesses also offer bespoke stargazing experiences.
- Wild About Exmoor (events every week)
- Moor Wild Experiences
- Holworthy Farm
- Poltimore Inn & Observatory, North Molton (events throughout the year)
- MoorYoga - yoga and camp-outs under the stars
Find out more about opportunities to experience and protect our dark skies below and Sign up here for our Dark Skies E-newsletter
Discover Exmoor's Dark Skies
Dark Skies Festival
Each autumn Exmoor plays host to one of the most popular UK Dark Skies Festivals, with events aimed at a whole range of audiences with over 50 events all around Exmoor. Read more and learn about the 2023 festival (13-29 October).
The Exmoor Dark Sky Discovery Trail
Follow this 2-mile self-led route across open moorland to evocative ruins, offering 360-degree views of the night sky and the opportunity to see thousands of stars on a clear night, without a single artificial point of light. Read more and watch our inspirational short film at www.exmoorwalks.org/darksky
Stargazing Locations - Download a Free Astronomer's Guide
Whether you're a novice starting out or an experienced astronomer find out how you can explore Exmoor's night skies to have a fantastic dark skies experience. Visit this page to see our free downloadable Astronomer's Guide to Exmoor and other stargazing tips including what to take, when to go etc on the Go Stargazing website.
Dark Sky Discovery Hubs
The Dark Sky Discovery Hub at Exford is a collaboration between Wild About Exmoor and Exford Bridge Tea Rooms (Chapel Street, Exford TA24 7PY). They host bookable guided stargazing events and planetarium style presentations throughout the year including a regular weekly evening event. For more info contact Wild About Exmoor.
We delighted to welcome The Poltimore Inn at North Molton as a Dark Sky Discovery Hub. In addition to their lodges with telescopes and a purpose built Observatory they also run events throughout the year. Read more here.
A new stargazing hub facility is being opened in autumn 2023 at Wimbleball Lake. Read more here.
Dark Sky Friendly Businesses
A growing number of local businesses have been accredited by the National Park as Dark Sky Friendly. These businesses can help you make the most of our dark skies during your stay on Exmoor. Many have stargazing equipment and some have telescopes for your use. There are also stargazing guides and outdoor yoga teachers and camp-outs.
Telescopes for Hire on Exmoor
Telescope hire is available from our National Park Centres to explore the night sky. Find out more here.
International Dark Sky Reserve - Protecting our dark skies
Learn more about our designation as Europe's first International Dark Sky and how we're working with partners to protect this precious resource.
If you're thinking of visiting Exmoor then contact the businesses at the top of this page to ask about their events or to contact someone from the National Park Authority please email Katrina on KJMunro@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
For general tips on stargazing, moon phases, what to see and what to take, please visit https://gostargazing.co.uk
- Plan Your Visit
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- Stargazing & Dark Skies
- Exmoor 2023
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- ExploreMoor - Travel Information
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- Exmoor Day - 19th October
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- Summary of What's Happening at Haddon Hill and Exford Car Parks
- Proposed Improvement Works at Exford Car Park
- Revised Improvement Works - Haddon Hill Car Park - August 2023
- Proposed Improvement Works at Haddon Hill Car Park
- Revised Improvement Works - Exford Car Park - August 23 Update
Contact details
Exmoor National Park Authority,
Exmoor House,
Dulverton,
Somerset, TA22 9HL
Tel: 01398 323665
Email: info@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
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