Exmoor Events Calendar
February 2024
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Snowdrop Valley
Snowdrop Valley is a privately owned remote valley in a hidden part of Exmoor close to Wheddon Cross. The Badgworthy Land Company kindly allow access to the valley while the beautiful carpet of snowdrops is in bloom throughout February each year.
The village of Wheddon Cross will be welcoming visitors to Snowdrop Valley from Saturday 27th January until Sunday 25th February 2024. There are various walking routes for visitors to enjoy, the most popular being the shorter walks, which are approximately 1 mile down to the valley and looping back uphill for a further mile. Maps of the walks will be available from the parking kiosk, staffed from 9.00 – 4.00 each day.
PARKING
The main parking will be at the Cutcombe Cattle Market (TA24 7DT) car park, the charge is £5.00 per car, £10 per minibus and £30 per coach.
The road down to Snowdrop Valley is closed to all vehicles (other than permit holders) during the event dates. All coach parties must be booked in advance, please call: 07919001801 to book your coach in. On market days (dates to be confirmed) parking for Snowdrop Valley will not be available in the Cutcombe Cattle Market. Alternative parking is at the Rest and Be Thankful car park. Signage will be in place.
PRIVATE HIRE
For those short on time or don’t feel up to the walk to the valley, there will be a Land Rover private hire taxi service, offered for a fee by a local safari company. Book in advance by contacting Andrew Turner on 07791 717058 or 01643 841831 (between 7pm – 10pm). The cost is £5 per person each way, taking up to 6 guests per trip. Sorry but they can’t take dogs. Journeys must be booked in advance.
REFRESHMENTS
Light refreshments will be available at the market car park (run by local charities) and also in Wheddon Cross village in the local shop, with lunches available in The Rest and Be Thankful pub (group bookings on 01643 841222). There are free public toilets at The Rest and Be Thankful car park.
BE PREPARED!
It is winter, the weather can be variable! Please ensure you wear suitable warm and waterproof clothes. The paths can be muddy so sturdy footwear is required. You can bring your dog to Snowdrop Valley. We do ask you keep them on a lead and pick up after them. If you have any questions please contact Jim on 07593 199021 or Eric on 01643 841222. We wish you a wonderful visit to Snowdrop Valley!
Amanda Perkins Art
We are delighted to welcome Amanda to our exhibition space. Her unique work is inspired by the buildings and landscape of Exmoor and North Devon. Her prints, as well as cards, will be available to buy.
Folk Dance and Snowdrop weekend
Based in the medieval village of Dunster, The Yarn Market Hotel has a 2 night / 3 day folk dance workshop break, with a programme of activities during the weekend
Based in the medieval village of Dunster, The Yarn Market Hotel has a 2 night / 3 day folk dance workshop break, with a programme of activities during the weekend including a trip out to Exmoor’s secret Snowdrop Valley and to take a walk through lovely woodland to view the flowers. The break is on a full board basis including Sunday lunch. With musicians Dampiers Round Band and caller Ray Goodswen. The dances are most suited to those with experience. The break is repeated annually.
Exmoor Dark Skies Stargazing break
The Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, based within Exmoor National Park, Europe’s first designated Dark Skies Reserve, is hosting an early Spring Stargazing weekend. The break is on a full board basis and includes Sunday lunch. A programme of activities takes place over the weekend, led by expert Terry Evans, who will provide fascinating talks and attend the evening stargazing sessions. If the weather should not be perfect to offer clear skies on any evening an alternative programme will be in place. The break is suitable for anyone with an interest in astronomy, at any level of experience. Young enthusiasts are also encouraged and there is a discount of 50% for under 20’s sharing a room with adults.
Supper and Stars
Join us for supper with a short walk plus laser guided stargazing at Exford Bridge Tea Rooms which is one of the Dark Sky Hubs for Exmoor National Park. If weather cloudy, we will use a virtual planetarium inside the tearooms and star hop with constellation stories. £40 pp £20 for anyone 16 or under. Booking essential.
Childrens Crafting
Bookmarks, greeting card making, and colouring activities with lots of pencils, crayons, felt tips and stickers to keep your little ones amused on those damp half term days. (Donations requested)
Pop-up Lynmouth Flood talks
A 10-minute illustrated talk on the Lynmouth Flood Disaster followed by 10 minutes of historical film from the time.
A chance to learn what happened and how it changed the village. No need to book. (Donations requested). Not Monday 12th.
Walking Book Club: The Year of the Hare
Join the Seven Fables Walking Book Club in the woods of Dulverton to discuss The Year of the Hare by Arto Paasilinna. A much-loved classic in Finland, The Year of the Hare is a freewheeling adventure through the Finnish countryside, and a witty portrayal of one man’s long detour from conventional living.
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, a flask is a good idea when the weather is cooler, 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 off lead kept under close control.
Walk + Book £12 (rrp£9.99) or Walk Only £7
Choral Singing Weekend - Nature in Song
Based in the medieval village of Dunster, the Yarn Market Hotel has a 2 night 3 day choral singing break exploring “Nature in Song” – a musical meander through the ages in celebration of the natural world.. The tutor for the break is Robyn Sevastos who has led the choir at our annual Music Holiday Week for many years. The weekend concludes with a public performance by the choir in Dunster’s historic Tithe Barn. Residential package from £200.00 per person, Non residential places also available from £40.00. Details can be found on our website.
Free Choral Concert
The choir from the Yarn Market Hotel’s choral singing weekend will be performing in Dunster’s historic Tithe Barn at 2.30 pm. The theme is “Nature in Song” – a musical meander through the ages in celebration of the natural world. The choir is led by Robyn Sevastos, BMus, ARCM. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. There will be a retiring collection for charity.
Pastels for Beginners with Beryl Perriam
New for 2024, Beryl shares her significant experience as a freelance professional artist with us each month. She begins with an insight into the wonderful world of pastels. Bring your own pastels, if you have them, paper will be supplied.
Booking essential on 01598 752509
£25 per person or book 3 months for £65.