Julia's Works can be quite spontaneous! But within that organic process, her main focus is on capturing as much atmosphere possible, from the subject matter being worked on, at any one time. Her pictures often strive to express their subjects, beyond the obvious; hopefully, inviting the viewer in, to share and enjoy her sensitive expressions, within the works.

Simonsbath Festival is a non profit making community festival which celebrates all things Exmoor in the six weeks between May Day and Midsummer. In the spirit of diversity the festival offers a variety of events and activities including talks, classical, folk and jazz music. The festival also collaborates with partners The Exmoor Society and the Exmoor Running and Walking Festival whose events showcase properties and locations on Exmoor that are not easily viewed from public roads. You can find more details of these collaborative activities in the events section of this website. They give an unrivaled insight into Exmoor countryside, its heritage, life and people.

Around 12 gardens will be open in and around this attractive small village between the Quantock and Brendon Hills, ranging from small cottage gardens to large country gardens. Fabulous food is served all day in the village hall, with coffee and cake, excellent lunches and puddings, and afternoon teas. There are plant stalls, and the large and interesting Grade 1 listed church is open.

Most of the gardens are within reasonable walking distance of the village hall and car park, though the village is hilly. There are nice walks to outlying gardens, but car parking is available at these for those who prefer to drive. The village is about 1 mile up hill from Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway.

Dogs on leads are welcome in many gardens, in the church, and on the outside terrace of the village hall.
Stogumber Open Gardens has been running for over 40 years and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity. This year the profits will be divided between the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, the Children's Hospice South West, and maintenance of the village church building and churchyard.

£10 covers both days (children under 14 free)

Join the Seven Fables Walking Book Club in the woods of Dulverton to discuss Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton.

A landslide has closed the Korowai Pass in New Zealand’s South Island, cutting off the town of Thorndike, leaving a sizable farm abandoned. The disaster presents an opportunity for Birnam Wood, a guerrilla gardening collective that plants crops wherever no one will notice. But they hadn’t figured on the enigmatic American billionaire Robert Lemoine, who also has an interest in the place. Can they trust him? And, as their ideals and ideologies are tested, can they trust each other?

A propulsive literary thriller from the Booker Prize-winning author of The Luminaries, Birnam Wood is Shakespearean in its wit, drama and immersion in character. It is a brilliantly constructed tale of intentions, actions and consequences, and an unflinching examination of the human impulse to ensure our own survival.

*A level of walking fitness is required, please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately as we walk in all weathers. Bring a drink and a snack to enjoy, and something to keep your bottom dry as we often sit on a mossy bank or fallen log!

Happy & sociable dogs are welcome. We kindly request short leads only, however once in the woods they may roam free kept under close control.

Walk + Book £12 (rrp£9.99 PB) or Walk Only £7