Exhibition at Exmoor National Park Centre, Lynmouth1st September – 31st October 2026High up on Exmoor’s dramatic sea cliffs sits Kipscombe, an 880 acre landscape with a rich history over thousands of years. As it enters a new chapter, cared for by the National Trust, our exhibition looks at this special place and the people who have helped bring it back to life for nature and community. Featuring photos, artwork, stories and footage for a lively and truly personal take on this unique Exmoor project. To find out more about this project, visit the following websites:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/watersmeet @NorthDevonNT on Instagram and Facebook

Join a guided walk leader on a 2 hr walk and discover the many ways in which water has shaped life in this coastal community.From rivers to the sea, discover how water has shaped life in this picturesque coastal community, from its roots as a small fishing village, to the growth of tourism and the impact of nature.A 2 hour walk on fairly even ground. Starts at Lynmouth National Park Centre.Dogs on short leads allowed.Booking advisable.Free event with - donation welcome to our CareMoor for Exmoor scheme supporting heritage, nature and access projects on Exmoor. For more information: Lynmouth National Park Centre Tel: 01598 752509

A 2h-2.5hr/4 mile guided walk, exploring the hills and landscape that surround the historical village of Dunster.

Join a guided walk leader and explore the picturesque landscape around Dunster.

A 2- 2.5hr/4 mile guided walk, taking in the historical sites of Dunster village and the breathtaking views above the village from the ancient hillforts of Grabbist Hill and Bat’s Castle.

Accessibility: The walk route includes some steep inclines, over uneven ground. A moderate level of fitness is required.

Please ensure you wear suitable outdoor clothing and walking boots.

Dogs on short leads allowed.

Booking recommended. Walk starts at the National Park Centre Dunster.

Free event - donations welcome (for the CareMoor for Exmoor scheme supporting heritage, nature and access projects on Exmoor).

Experience the beauty of Porlock Bay at sunset with this unique coastal event as part of the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival. Begin with a guided sea dip led by qualified Open Water Swim Coach Unity before gathering at the Porlock Bay Oyster Hut to enjoy freshly shucked oysters and discover the area's rich oyster heritage. Complete the evening with a signature Sea Centaur Coastal Martini, handcrafted by award-winning distiller Becky Wright using Sea Centaur Gin and locally foraged samphire from Porlock Bay. As the sun sets over Exmoor, celebrate the sea, local food and craftsmanship in one unforgettable experience. From the waters you swim in, to the oysters you taste and the botanicals in your martini, every element is inspired by the unique character of Porlock Bay. £45 over 18s only

A 2 night 3 day break to explore Exmoor's Dark Skies, led by Terry Evans, Chairman of Crewkerne Astronomical Society. The break includes 2 nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast, lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and Stargazing talks and activities including an evening excursion to Holworthy Farm and Wimbleball Lake. Cost is £250.00 per person inclusive.

Secret Sauna at Cloud farm offering sauna and star gazing sessions at various dates across the festival. £20pp

Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person

Experience the wonders of the cosmos from one of the UK's best dark sky locations. Join us at The Porlock Weir Hotel for an unforgettable evening under the stars, featuring a captivating talk by renowned astrophysicist Professor Roger Davies of Oxford University.  This package includes a two night's stay in a beautifully appointed room , a fascinating presentation by Professor Davies, access to stargazing equipment and night vision binoculars, a delicious two-course dinner in our restaurant and full Exmoor breakfast the following morning.

Illustrated talk by Exeter University Astrophysics students, with stargazing opportunity outside after the talk. Advice on equipment, including how to make the most of your smartphone as a stargazing device. The students will show their own photos of deep space, and try to explain their obsession with the night sky. Prepare to be baffled! Suitable for older children. £10 adults, £5 children including refreshments. Free parking in the village.

Discovering the Moon’s Influence on Everyday Life, with Jess Twydall  Join us for an inspiring evening exploring how the lunar cycle can help us slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and live more intentionally.  Discover the different phases of the moon and how each one offers an opportunity to reflect, plan, take action, rest, or let go. Jess will share simple, practical ways to work with the moon’s natural rhythms, helping you bring a little more balance, awareness and magic into daily life.  Whether you’re completely new to moon living or already curious about lunar cycles, this relaxed and welcoming evening will leave you looking at the night sky in a whole new way.  Under Exmoor’s incredible dark skies, take time to pause, connect, and learn how the moon can become a gentle guide through the seasons of life. Limited Spaces available - booking essential. Please visit our website for booking details £25pp.

Join Sophie from Exmoor National Park and the Landmark Theatre Team for a free, drop in Space Adventure VR style! Craft activities and VR fun for all the family.

Join the Exmoor National Park Centre Team to learn all about the moon and create your own phases of the moon slider or mobile to take home. £3 per child. Suitable for children aged 4-11. Parent/adult to stay for the duration of the session.

Discover a secret cove, and even more secret mermaid pool revealed at low tide. Learn about the blaggard who tried to steal the glory from Lynmouth by building a pleasure beach just round the corner! Dip in the safe waters, then warm up with hot drinks and snack along with new friends. £30. Suitable for (brave) novice outdoor swimmers.

Meet at Pinkery to uncover the Bronze Age legacy of Exmoor and learn about the lives of its ancient inhabitants. As dusk settles, we will embark on a unique twilight walking experience across the sweeping moorland of Exmoor, connecting two ancient sites under the stars: Wood Barrow and The Chains Barrow.  Two small groups will embark on separate paths to each barrow. Once in position, we’ll light up the landscape—literally—by flashing our torches across the distances between us, forming a triangle of living light. After the walk, warm up with delicious hot chocolates back at Pinkery, surrounded by good company and shared wonder. Reasonable level of fitness required, walks will be on uneven ground and approximately 5km in distance. Please bring waterproof/sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing and torch. Free but donations to CareMoor appreciated. Booking required.

Ever wanted to learn about capturing the beauty of the Exmoor landscape and dark skies at night? Join local photographer Mark Johnson for a photography experience to remember. Full information on Lorna Doone Website. . Adult £15, Child £8.

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In this themed event, we take a look at the night sky as told by the Vikings. Come and enjoy a Viking Meal followed by stories of Norsemen, Norse Gods and the constellations of Thor and Odin. A night sky and evening with a difference in celebration of this year's Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026. Cost from £35 pp as well as the option to stay overnight.

A family star-gazing get-together at the Countygate Carpark with the North Devon Astronomical Society. Bring your own food and drink. The Society will be providing many telescopes to use and Society Members will be on hand to guide you through a journey of the night sky. Free of charge.

Step into a hidden world of colour on this fascinating biofluorescent night walk with David Atthowe from Reveal Nature. Guided through the woodland after dark, you'll use UV torches to reveal nature in an entirely new light. Discover lichens glowing in vivid day-glo colours, fungi shining electric blue, and a landscape transformed by remarkable natural fluorescence.  A rare opportunity to experience the hidden wonders of the night and see familiar woodland species as you've never seen them before.  Tickets: £25 per person. Suitable for age 12+.

Further session 8.30pm - 10pm

Book an evening session in one of the Country's largest mobile planetariums where you will be immersed under spectacular night skies with experienced science teacher and presenter Simon Ould from Space Odyssey. A memorable experience for all ages and a must for anyone who's never had a go. Sessions from 4.30pm. Adult £7.50, Under 16s £5. Booking essential.

Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person

Take part on a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and the wider Exmoor landscape. Make the most of the Dark Sky Reserve with the National Trust guide taking the group to some of the best stargazing spots in the valley. £5 adult £3 child.

A 2hr guided walk around a village steeped in history, starting from the National Park Centre Dunster.
Accessibility: The walk route includes some gentle inclines around the village lanes and passes over some uneven ground towards the end of the route. The route can be adapted - if you have a particular mobility requirement please contact Dunster National Park Centre prior to booking for further information - tel: 01643 821835.
Please ensure you bring suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear.
Dogs on short leads allowed.
Booking recommended.

Discover Exmoor's rocky coast after dark! Join us for a fascinating Night-Time UV Rock Pooling event, where ultraviolet torches reveal a hidden world of glowing marine life. Explore the rock pools of Combe Martin alongside our Rangers and expert volunteers. This event is suitable for ages 10+. Equipment provided. £5pp

Join us on the Keep Garden as we host Space Detectives, a leading space and astronomy education company.  Enjoy an evening of stargazing activities using telescopic equipment, laser guided star mapping, constellation story telling and much more. Wet weather options will include VR headsets and a mobile planetarium. Booking Essential £25pp.

Come and enjoy an evening of supper and stars within the wonderful world of Exford Bridge Tearooms. Enjoy a hearty cooked 3 course meal cooked by Bruce and then join Pete and Jo Richardson for a journey through the stars. If skies are clear, a short dark sky walk follows a starry presentation and the opportunity to look through a high end telescope. If skies are cloudy, we will stay in the warmth of the log burner and look at a virtual sky for star hopping and stories Cost £56 for adults and £30 for children under 16.

Experience the beauty of Porlock Bay at sunset with this unique coastal event as part of the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival. Begin with a guided sea dip led by qualified Open Water Swim Coach Unity before gathering at the Porlock Bay Oyster Hut to enjoy freshly shucked oysters and discover the area's rich oyster heritage. Complete the evening with a signature Sea Centaur Coastal Martini, handcrafted by award-winning distiller Becky Wright using Sea Centaur Gin and locally foraged samphire from Porlock Bay. As the sun sets over Exmoor, celebrate the sea, local food and craftsmanship in one unforgettable experience. From the waters you swim in, to the oysters you taste and the botanicals in your martini, every element is inspired by the unique character of Porlock Bay. £45 over 18s only

Join National Park Ranger Tim Parish for a guided walk from Webbers Post (w3w torso.modifies.cheetahs) up to the top of Dunkery Beacon - the highest point on Exmoor as the sun sets. There'll be amateur astronomers on hand to guide you around the constellations if skies are clear. Under clear skies the 360- degree views of the night sky will be awe-inspiring but even on a cloudy wet day we'll make our way up listening for the deer and sounds of Exmoor at night. Parts of the 4-mile walk (around 3 hours) will be on uneven, narrow paths in the dark, and use of headtorches is discouraged. A good level of fitness and the ability to walk unaided is essential.  Adult £5.50, Under 16s £3.50

Photo credit Keith Trueman

Join Exmoor National Park Ranger Nathan for a guided nocturnal wildlife walk through the beautiful Heddon Valley, starting from The Hunters Inn. As darkness falls, discover the fascinating wildlife that comes alive at night, from bats and owls to the hidden creatures that call Exmoor home, while learning about the unique habitats of this spectacular landscape.  Meet at The Hunters Inn at 5:30pm, with the walk departing at 6:00pm. After your adventure, return to the inn to enjoy your choice of fish & chips or pie and mash (vegetarian and vegan options available), served with a drink.  £20pp, with a £10 deposit required at the time of booking. The event is weather dependent and you will be emailed in the event of cancellation.

Minehead Golf Club join forces with the Exmoor National Park team for a fun evening of quizzing and stargazing. Food options available from 6pm and quiz commences at 7pm. Max 6 per team. Booking essential via Minehead Golf Club Website.

Take part on a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and the wider Exmoor landscape. Make the most of the Dark Sky Reserve with the National Trust guide taking the group to some of the best stargazing spots in the valley. £5 adult £3 child.

Astronomer Seb Jay has been inspiring Exmoor visitors for years - come and learn fascinating facts and stories about the night skies and how to enjoy them. Seb takes us on a journey through time and space, introducing us to the solar system, Milky Way and wider Universe.  Two timeslots available - 2pm and 4pm (talk lasts approximately 1hour) £6pp

A collaboration between the Queer Nature Club and Arlington Court. Guided walk followed by a fireside creative writing session. The walk through the woods will be led by a National Trust Ranger discussing the mythical and murderous tales in which our trees, plants and animals played central roles. Followed by a creative writing session led by Queer Nature Club, accompanied by hot soup and marshmallows. LGBTQIA+ led event: Allies, friends & family welcome. Sensible footwear and torch recommended, free entry. Please email Ella to book your place.

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Join writer, Jade Angeles Fitton, for a walk and talk in the woods of Dulverton.   When the Sky Falls, explores the varied influences the shooting star has had on our global culture and history from the governing of kings, queens and emperors, to folklore, superstitions, myths, art, music and literature.  Even in our present day, a shooting star symbolises hope: an irrational excuse to make a wish in an increasingly rational world. Tickets - £15 Walk + Talk or £25 Walk + Talk + Book (HB £15.99)

Bring a torch as the walk concludes at dusk. A walking fitness is required and we kindly request no dogs.

Porlock Weir is a magical spot to swim at any high tide, but when the super-high Spring tide coincides with a moonrise it has to be time to slip into the harbour to be completely immersed in the moment. Experienced outdoor swimmers only. Cost £20. Illuminated tow floats essential, please ask to hire one. Email or call to confirm availability before booking.

Photo credit Shaun Davey

Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person

Book at least 2 nights accommodation & join us to celebrate all that is Exmoor (except the glass of welcoming champagne) including a traditional Exmoor menu farmhouse supper & exploring the wonders of the Exmoor dark skies with the highly acclaimed Space Detectives Jo & Pete Richardson. Excluding accommodation cost: £30/adult 18 years & above. Children welcome (cost is age dependant) All proceeds to Brainwave Charity

Step into a hidden world of colour on this fascinating biofluorescent night walk with David Atthowe from Reveal Nature. Guided through the woodland after dark, you'll use UV torches to reveal nature in an entirely new light. Discover lichens glowing in vivid day-glo colours, fungi shining electric blue, and a landscape transformed by remarkable natural fluorescence.  A rare opportunity to experience the hidden wonders of the night and see familiar woodland species as you've never seen them before.  Tickets: £25 per person. Suitable for age 12+.

Further session 8.30pm - 10pm

Guided by astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS, Wonders of Our Universe takes audiences on an awe inspiring journey from the explosive birth of the cosmos to humanity's first steps beyond our home planet. Along the way, you'll uncover the secrets of black hols, witness the birth and death of stars and explore the breathtaking beauty of distant galaxies. Every moment is brought vividly to life with huge HD cinematic visuals, immersive sounds and a soring live soundtrack that turn complex science into pure emotion. Visually spectacular, scientifically rich and emotionally stirring, Wonders of Our Universe will change the way you see the night sky - and your place within it.£20 adult £18 child

As the nights draw in and the days get shorter, join our team at the Exmoor National Park Centre in Dunster for a fun-filled half-term event inspired by hedgehogs! Children can enjoy: Hedgehog-themed arts and crafts,  hedgehog quiz trail and a delightful story about Bertie the hedgehog, who finds himself with a prickly problem! Perfect for primary-aged children (4–11 years).  £2 per child, parent/carer must stay throughout the session. Two sessions available 10.30am - midday & 1.30pm - 3pm. Please select your timeslot when booking.

Discover the spectacle of high tide on Porlock Marsh, coinciding with sunrise, and perhaps even the setting of the moon! All in conjunction. We will walk from Porlock village onto the marsh along the new boardwalk, looking out for curlews, shelducks and oyster catchers, to name but a few of the marshland birds we might see. Taking care not to get cut off by the rising tide we can perhaps get as far as the famous oak tree skeletons before returning to Porlock in time for a cafe breakfast. Bring bino's, wellies essential. Cost £15

Photo credit Tim Edwards

Join us as twilight falls and Ashcombe gardens come alive! We invite families to discover the secrets of nocturnal wildlife and their habitats through nature exploration, gather round craft tables to make your own wild creations, and enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows around a campfire as night descends.   Please bring your own picnic dinner. Activities are primarily intended for children aged 6 and up, but younger children are welcome if they are interested and are supported by parents. Please come prepared for wet weather with waterproof coats and shoes: there is inside space, but some activities will happen outside even if it is raining. No dogs please. Free but donation to CareMoor appreciated. Booking essential.

As part of the Dark Skies Festival Lorna Doone Valley will be hosting a children's fireside story telling session. Join our team and listen to enchanting stories under the stars and around the fire. The event will be taking place in our new play area and forest school. Two sessions to choose from 5.30pm - 6.30pm & 6.45pm - 7.45pm £5 per child.

Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person

Hidden in the black shales of Lyme Regis are ammonite fossils made of Iron Pyrite. How did these fossils form? Where did the iron and sulphur in them and in our planet come from? These questions and many more will be answered in this journey from the heart of stars to the coasts of the south-west.   Grant Sherman has degrees in Astrophysics from Cardiff University and Ecology from Warwick University. He spent 13 years living on Lundy studying the seabirds and giving talks and walks on wildlife, history, geology and astronomy. This is a talk organised by the Exmoor Friends. Non-members are welcome and entry is free for the first visit as an introductory offer.

Discover the wonders of the universe at our interactive space evening at Quince Honey Farm, hosted by Jo and Pete from Space Detectives. The night begins with a warming supper served in our Nectary Restaurant, followed by an introductory presentation to set the cosmic scene. Next, you will step inside a brand-new planetarium dome for an immersive journey through the stars, before leaving Earth behind entirely with our VR Showtime headsets. Finally, if the skies are clear, you are invited into the Nectar Gardens for guided stargazing using high-end "Go To" telescopes. As well as all of this, you can take a browse of the astrophotography gallery with opportunity to speak with astronomers. It is set to be a packed, unforgettable evening guaranteed to leave you in awe! For further details and cost, please visit our website.

Come nestle in the warmth under the Exmoor sky after a guided night time walk, taking in woodland, river and coast. An evening of peace and relaxation for mind, body and soul £35pp.

An afternoon of family fun to include a space themed trail and quiz along the lakes edge (approx. 2 miles), fireside talk with astronomer Jo Richardson from Space Detectives and our Ranger team, stargazing overlooking the lake, childrens’ activities, hot chocolate and marshmallows.  3.30pm – 8pm. Bring your own picnic. Tea/coffee/cold drinks and snacks will be for sale. Suitable for families, sensible footwear advised. £7pp (under 3 free). Booking Essential

A family friendly evening, meeting Exmoor ponies and finding out about Exmoor's nocturnal wildlife. Hot chocolate, marshmallows and biscuits included. £8 adult  £6 child

A guided hour and a half walk exploring the wildlife of a nocturnal woodland from bats to moths, with some haunting tales along the way and hot drinks at the end. Free entry, sensible footwear and torch recommended. Book by emailing ella.ronan@nationaltrust.org.uk

Take part on a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and the wider Exmoor landscape. Make the most of the Dark Sky Reserve with the National Trust guide taking the group to some of the best stargazing spots in the valley. £5 adult £3 child.

On the high reaches of the River Exe, above Exford, a tiny tributary of the river feeds a pond before it drops into the valley to continue its journey. Here, surrounded by wildlife, we will slip into the water to be revived by Nature herself, washing away the outside world. Exiting the water before anyone is too cold, we will warm up with hearty food, either Traditionally reared beef chilli or a vegan version, before settling down for a Gong Bath. Accomplished Gong practitioner Megan Players will soothe away stress or stagnation in a farm shelter for an hour's practice (you do nothing but lie back and enjoy), before we send you off filled with Dark Skies Goodness! £60

Call or email to check availability before booking. Not suitable for novice swimmers.

A family friendly evening, meeting Exmoor ponies and finding out about Exmoor's nocturnal wildlife. Hot chocolate, marshallows and biscuits included. £8 adult  £6 child

Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person

Come nestle in the warmth under the Exmoor sky after a guided night time walk, taking in woodland, river and coast. An evening of peace and relaxation for mind, body and soul.

Come and enjoy an evening of supper and stars within the wonderful world of Exford Bridge Tearooms. Enjoy a hearty cooked 3 course meal cooked by Bruce and then join Pete and Jo Richardson for a journey through the stars. If skies are clear, a short dark sky walk follows a starry presentation and the opportunity to look through a high end telescope. If skies are cloudy, we will stay in the warmth of the log burner and look at a virtual sky for star hopping and stories Cost £56 for adults and £30 for children under 16.

Channel Events host the Selworthy Stargazer  - a 5km or 10km run set on Selworthy Beacon. Brave the dark and embrace the fancy dress for this fantastic night run. £21pp (plus booking fee). Entries open 1st August. Fabulous pre and post refreshments provided by Really Wild Coffee.

Book an immersive 45/60 minute session in the Space Odyssey Planetarium and learn about Space and the universe from Simon Ould - an experienced Science Teacher and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. The shorter sessions are slightly more suited for families with younger children. Following your session you are invited to join our Exmoor Nature Park Ranger Team for some nature activities and exploration at Lee beach and surrounding area. Hot drinks and snacks will be available to purchase.  Adults £7.50, Under 16 £5

Join Jane (our Willow Weaving expert) and the National Park Centre Team to make your own Willow Star. £5 per person. Booking recommended.

On the high reaches of the River Exe, above Exford, a tiny tributary of the river feeds a pond before it drops into the valley to continue its journey. Here, surrounded by wildlife, we will slip into the water to be revived by Nature herself, washing away the outside world. Exiting the water before anyone is too cold, we will warm up with hearty food, either Traditionally reared beef chilli or a vegan version, before settling down for a Gong Bath. Accomplished Gong practitioner Megan Players will soothe away stress or stagnation in a farm shelter for an hour's practice (you do nothing but lie back and enjoy), before we send you off filled with Dark Skies Goodness! £60

Call or email to check availability before booking. Not suitable for novice swimmers

In this themed event, we take a look at the night sky as told by the Vikings. Come and enjoy a Viking Meal followed by stories of Norsemen, Norse Gods and the constellations of Thor and Odin. A night sky and evening with a difference in celebration of this year's Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026. Cost from £35 pp as well as the option to stay overnight.