When the Night Becomes the Main Event: A Sky Most People Never See
Most people have never seen a real night sky. On Exmoor, you do. When darkness falls here, it is deep, uninterrupted and vast. Stars do not just appear, they flood the sky. The Milky Way stretches overhead, constellations sharpen into focus, and shooting stars are common, not rare. It is why Exmoor became Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, and why the Dark Skies Festival has become one of the most atmospheric events in the calendar.
What the Festival Brings
Running through autumn and winter, the festival is a celebration of Exmoor after dark. Events include guided stargazing walks, telescope viewings, astrophotography sessions, expert talks and family friendly star spotting evenings. You do not need equipment or experience. Just warm layers and a sense of curiosity. Stand on the moor at night and you will understand the appeal within minutes.
Stargazing That Stops You
Through telescopes you can see Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons and distant galaxies. With the naked eye you will see more stars than you thought possible. Cold air, high ground and minimal light pollution make Exmoor one of the best stargazing locations in the country. It is the kind of experience that makes people go quiet without realising it.
Dip, Dine and Divine Vibes at West Hollowcombe Farm
In 2025, we created our own Dark Skies experience at West Hollowcombe Farm through our sister business, Exmoor Retreats. We called it Dip, Dine and Divine Vibes. Guests began the evening with a guided cold water dip in our river, led by a specialist. Invigorating, grounding and the perfect reset as daylight faded. They then warmed up and dined like kings (in a warm and hearty sense) in our dining room, long tables laid with candlelight and a feast of local produce. The evening closed with a sound bath in one of the farm’s most special locations, guests immersed in sound and stillness beneath the vast Exmoor sky. It was part wellness, part dining, part stargazing, and it captured exactly what the Dark Skies Festival is about.
Make a Stay of It
The best way to experience the festival is not to rush it. Spend the day walking the moor or visiting local villages, head out after dusk for guided stargazing, then return to a roaring fire and something warming to drink. No driving, no light pollution, no schedule. Just sky.
