Exmoor Dark Skies Leave Festival Goers Starry-Eyed

Two weeks of fantastic events bringing together thousands of visitors to celebrate the magic of Exmoor’s night skies. Exmoor was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve back in 2011 and now hosts over 60 activities every year. From planetarium sessions to lakeside campfire storytelling, Dark Skies Yoga, and astronomy suppers, the festival offered opportunities to learn and explore under the stars.

Dark Sky International recently certified its 250^th 'International Dark Sky Place'

The programme spans six continents, protecting more than 196,000 square kilometres of nocturnal landscapes and the starry skies above. The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival chimes with the programme’s aims to preserve a cherished natural resource and cultural heritage, as well as promoting the importance of responsible lighting for nocturnal wildlife and human health. Many events aim to be family-friendly and accessible, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and nature connection.

Glowing festival feedback for Dark Skies activities

Planetarium

‘Spending an hour in the planetarium was the best time of my life, just completely in awe of what I’ve experienced.”

Wistlandpound Reservoir and Wimbleball lake ‘Pathway to the Planets – Meteors and Marshmallows’

“We had a fantastic time at. Listening to Jo and Sophie chatting about the Skies, and Exmoor National Park was great for both the children and grownups. Also, we particularly enjoyed walking with Patrick and how incredible it was seeing all the plants and fungi with the UV light and bioluminescence. We want to go and buy a UV torch so we can learn more about it”

“it was incredible to see such clear skies and the children were amazed to see Saturn and the comet”.

‘Barrow Beacons - Illuminating the Ancient Landscape’ and ‘Wild Twilight’ events:

“Best Exmoor event we've been to. All the people were so friendly and informative, from endless runs of hot chocolate to answering our many questions enthusiastically. Wonderful to feel that all those running the event were enjoying it as much as those attending. All so generous with their knowledge too. The crafts were interesting and the lady facilitating was endlessly encouraging and patient. A huge thumbs up.”

“Experience was awesome, inspiring, great fun to connect with landscape and history in this way. Staff so friendly and informative.”

“We had an amazing evening at Ashcombe gardens for some nocturnal crafts and wildlife. A really generous and helpful team on hand to dish out great experiences and marshmallows and hot chocolate!”

Exmoor was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve back in 2011 and now hosts over 60 activities every year.

From planetarium sessions to lakeside campfire storytelling, Dark Skies Yoga, and astronomy suppers, the festival offered opportunities to learn and explore under the stars.

Dark Sky International recently certified its 250^th International Dark Sky Place, the programme spans six continents, protecting more than 196,000 square kilometres of nocturnal landscapes and the starry skies above. The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival chimes with the programme’s aims to preserve a cherished natural resource and cultural heritage, as well as promoting the importance of responsible lighting for nocturnal wildlife and human health. Many events aim to be family-friendly and accessible, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and nature connection.

Festival Coordinator Julie Colman said:

“This year’s festival has been magical. The enthusiasm from visitors, the creativity of our event partners, and the sheer beauty of Exmoor’s night skies made for an unforgettable experience. We’re proud to have welcomed guests from across the UK and beyond, all drawn by the wonder of the cosmos. A huge thank you to all the local businesses, astronomy groups and community organisations supporting the Dark Skies Festival and to our sponsor BMW Vertu Bridgwater.

Our Children’s ‘Dark Skies Protector’ Competition received over 100 entries and our judges are busy assessing the creative submissions, with prizes being awarded later this month.

“As the nights draw in, Winter is an excellent time to explore our Dark Sky Discovery Trail. Stargazers can enjoy our International Dark Sky Reserve with the naked eye or binoculars, but for those wanting to see phenomena such as Saturn’s moon Titan, they can hire a telescope from one of our National Park Centres”.

Plans for the 2026 Dark Skies Festival, 16Oct to 1 November, are already underway. For more information and sponorship opportunities visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival

Photo credit  Shaun Davey