Guided stargazing walks
Head out beneath Exmoor’s dark skies with experienced guides and discover the stars, planets and constellations overhead.
Stargazing event · Exmoor, Devon
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
A celebration of dark skies, astronomy and nights beneath one of Britain’s most spectacular night skies.
About the festival
A celebration of Exmoor's dark skies
The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is a celebration of astronomy, stargazing and the extraordinary night sky above Exmoor. Events take place across the National Park, bringing together guided stargazing, astronomy talks, astrophotography and experiences for people of all ages.
The 2026 festival runs from 16 October to 1 November 2026, giving visitors several weeks of opportunities to discover Exmoor after dark.
Whether you're completely new to stargazing or already spend your nights looking upwards, the festival is an opportunity to experience one of England's most important dark-sky landscapes.
Festival information
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026
Dates 16 October – 1 November 2026
Location Exmoor, Devon
Dark-sky status International Dark Sky Reserve
Best for Stargazing · Astronomy · Astrophotography
What's happening
What happens at the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival?
The festival brings together events designed to help visitors experience Exmoor after dark, from guided observations to talks, workshops and evenings built around the night sky.
Planetarium sessions
Explore the night sky from indoors with planetarium sessions designed to bring the universe closer.
Astrophotography workshops
Learn how to capture Exmoor’s dark skies and turn a night beneath the stars into photographs you can keep.
Stargazing suppers
Combine good food with a night beneath one of Britain’s darkest skies.
Talks and events
Hear from people who know the night sky and discover more about astronomy, dark skies and Exmoor.
The night sky
Why is Exmoor good for stargazing?
Exmoor is an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised for the quality of its night skies and efforts to protect them from unnecessary artificial light.
Away from towns and major sources of light pollution, the darkness allows much more of the night sky to become visible. On a clear night, the Milky Way can appear as a bright band stretching across the sky.
The combination of dark skies, open landscapes and relatively quiet surroundings makes Exmoor a particularly rewarding place to spend an evening stargazing.
Look up
What can you see in the night sky on Exmoor?
You do not need specialist equipment to enjoy a dark Exmoor night. Many of the most impressive sights can be seen simply by looking up.
The Milky Way
Away from artificial light, the glowing band of our galaxy becomes clearly visible to the naked eye.
Planets
Depending on the date, bright planets and details such as Jupiter’s brightest moons can become visible.
Meteor showers
Autumn is a great time to watch for shooting stars, including the Orionids in October.
Constellations
Orion, Cassiopeia, the Plough and the Andromeda Galaxy are among the sights waiting above Exmoor.
October skies
Is October a good time for stargazing?
October can be an excellent month for stargazing in the UK. Nights are becoming longer, giving you more time to explore the sky after sunset, while autumn constellations begin to take centre stage.
The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival also coincides with the Orionid meteor shower , which is active during October and can produce shooting stars under suitable conditions.
As always, clear skies are essential. Check the forecast before heading outside and allow your eyes time to adapt fully to the darkness.
Plan your night
How do you stargaze on Exmoor?
You do not need to be an astronomer to enjoy Exmoor's night skies. A little preparation can make a big difference.
Do you need a telescope?
No. Many of Exmoor's most spectacular sights can be enjoyed with the naked eye. Binoculars are useful, while a telescope is an optional extra.
What should you bring?
Take warm clothing, comfortable footwear and a torch. A red-light torch is especially useful because it helps preserve your night vision.
Where should you look?
Move away from direct artificial light and give your eyes time to adjust. An open view of the sky will give you the best opportunity to see stars and celestial objects.
What if it is cloudy?
Outdoor stargazing depends on clear skies, but some festival activities can take place indoors. Always check the individual event details before travelling.
Stay beneath the stars
Where can you stay for the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival?
Make the festival part of a longer stay on Exmoor. Starnook features places chosen for dark skies, quiet surroundings and memorable nights beneath the stars.
Before you travel
Check the festival programme before travelling
Festival events take place at different locations across Exmoor and individual activities may have their own booking requirements, times and weather arrangements.
Check the latest programme and event information before planning your visit.
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