This autumn, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2025 returns from Friday 17th October to Sunday 2nd November. Spanning two weeks, the festival celebrates Exmoor National Park’s status as an International Dark Sky Reserve — one of the best places in the UK to see the stars.
These events are for anyone with an interest in the outdoors, the natural world, the night sky and our place in the universe.
For Somerset families, it’s the perfect chance to combine outdoor adventure with astronomy, giving children an unforgettable experience of the night sky. With events ranging from planetarium shows to guided night walks, there’s something for all ages.
Planning a half-term trip? Don’t miss our guide to things to do in Somerset during October half-term. The festival is one of the top Somerset half term events October 2025 you can experience.
From planetarium shows and night hikes to stargazing at Dunster Castle, the Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2025 is packed with activities designed for families. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.
Family Fun Day & Planetarium – Torre Cider Farm, Washford
Where: Washford TA23 0LA
Date: Saturday 25th October 2025, 11:00–16:00
Simon from Bath Astronomers will take you on a Space Adventure in the pop-up planetarium, visiting the International Space Station and some fun astronaut challenges and activities.
Enjoy an exciting planetarium show that brings the constellations to life. Torre Cider Farm also offers play areas, cider tastings, and family-friendly facilities — one of the best family friendly dark skies events in Somerset.
Price: Bookable sessions available throughout the day £5 per child.
Stargazing Evening at Dunster Castle & Watermill
Where: Dunster, TA24 6NY
Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 19:00 – 22:00.
Explore the castle grounds by night and enjoy a Stargazing Evening at Dunster Castle and Watermill. National Trust staff and astronomers will lead a guided astronomy session helping kids spot planets, constellations, and shooting stars.
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.
Price: £20/pp
For more ideas about visiting Dunster during the day, check out our full guide to exploring Dunster.
Exmoor Ponies and Wildlife at Night
Where: The Exmoor Pony Centre, Ashwick, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9QE
Dates: Thursday 30th October & Saturday 1st November 2025
Time: Evening (exact time confirmed on booking) – call 01398 323093 to book.
Cost: £7 per adult, £5 per child
What’s included: Hot chocolate and marshmallows!
This family-friendly evening lets children and adults meet the famous Exmoor Ponies and explore the nocturnal wildlife of Exmoor.
Using a bat detector, you can help identify local bats and learn about the park’s fascinating nocturnal creatures. Guided by the National Park staff team, it’s a fun and educational way to experience Exmoor’s wildlife at night.
Conquer Conygar by Torchlight
Location: Exmoor National Park Centre, Dunster
Date: Thursday 30 October 2025
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Cost: £2.00 per person (booking essential)
What to bring: Warm coat, good walking shoes or boots, and a torch.
Join Exmoor National Park staff for a family-friendly torch-lit circular walk of 1.75 miles to Conygar Tower. Along the way, explore mysterious ruins and hear stories of long-lost tunnels and giant statues before arriving at the historic tower, standing proudly since the 1770s. The walk finishes back at the National Park Centre with a warming cup of hot chocolate.
Not suitable for pushchairs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
E-bike Night Rides with Exmoor Adventure
Looking for something a little more adventurous during the Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2025? Try an E-Mountain Bike Night Ride with Exmoor Adventures at Porlock Weir.
Dates: 18th, 23rd, 25th, 27th & 30th October 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm (approx. 2.5 hours)
Meeting point: Exmoor Adventures base, Porlock Weir, Somerset (TA24 8PE)
Price: £49 per person + booking fee (16+ only, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Included: Specialized Tero E-bikes, 1,200-lumen bike lights, helmets, gloves, and guidance from a qualified British Cycling Night Leader.
The ride takes you onto Exmoor’s bridleways and quiet country roads, climbing up onto the moors to stop and take in the International Dark Sky Reserve views above. Expect around 20–25 km of easy-going off-road trails, suitable for confident cyclists (not beginners, but you don’t need advanced off-road experience).
After pausing to admire the Milky Way and constellations, you’ll enjoy the exhilarating descent by bike lights — an unforgettable way to combine adventure, stargazing, and Somerset’s dark skies.
Top tip: Bring a small backpack with water, a snack, and dress in warm layers — you’ll heat up on the climbs but it can get chilly on the moor tops.
Ranger Guided Walk at Bossington Hill
Where: Bossington Beacon Car Park, Bossington Hill, Somerset, TA24
When: Saturday 18th October 2025, 17:30-20:30
Length and route: The 3km gentle walk begins at dusk and goes to the top of Hurlstone Combe (allowing your eyes to adjust) before circling back round to the car park at Bossington Hill where a telescope will be on hand to view the planets and stars above.
Family friendly: Designed for families; ranger Charlotte and astronomers will be guiding.
Price: Adults £5, Child £3
Night Hikes in the Lorna Doone Valley
Although the Lorna Doone Valley sits just across the border in north Devon, it’s part of Exmoor National Park and included in the Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2025 programme. Families staying in west Somerset can easily reach the hikes, making it a great evening adventure.
Dates: 21st, 23rd, 28th and 30th October 2025.
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Meeting point: Welcome Hut, Lorna Doone Valley car park (postcode EX35 6NU)
Cost: £5 per adult, £3 per child
What to bring: warm layers, waterproofs, sturdy footwear, and a torch (preferably with a red filter).
Led by a National Trust guide, these hikes take families through one of Exmoor’s most atmospheric landscapes — famously linked to R.D. Blackmore’s classic novel Lorna Doone. With minimal light pollution, the valley offers superb views of the Milky Way and constellations overhead. Children will love the sense of adventure, while parents can enjoy the tranquillity of walking under the stars.
⚠️ Please note: the route is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users, and all children must be supervised.
Astronomy Talks & Workshops
The Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2025 includes a variety of talks and workshops designed to inspire both children and adults. From beginner-friendly introductions to astronomy to practical skills such as stargazing and astrophotography, there’s something for all levels of interest.
Planetarium shows: Mobile planetariums set up at venues such as Torre Cider Farm and local schools bring the night sky indoors, perfect for younger children.
Astronomy talks: Astronomers and guest speakers lead engaging talks across Exmoor, explaining everything from how to spot planets to the importance of reducing light pollution.
Workshops: Families can join hands-on sessions covering stargazing basics, how to use a telescope, and even introductory astrophotography.
Astronomers on hand: At many outdoor events, experts are available to help families use telescopes and binoculars, answer questions, and point out constellations.
Most events are designed to be accessible for beginners, so no prior knowledge is needed — just curiosity and warm clothing.
If your children love science, these sessions make an excellent introduction to astronomy and are ideal half-term activities in Somerset.
Why Dark Skies Matter
The Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve is one of only a few worldwide. By visiting, you’re supporting efforts to reduce light pollution, protect wildlife, and inspire young stargazers.
Dark Skies Festivals are important because they raise awareness about the impacts of light pollution, educate the public on how to reduce it, provide opportunities to experience the night sky, and support local tourism and economies through astrotourism.
Combine your trip with hidden gems and secret spots in Somerset for a full weekend adventure.
Tips for Families Attending the Dark Skies Festival
To make the most of your Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2025, keep these tips in mind:
Pack warm layers for evening activities.
Bring torches or headlamps (red light preserves night vision).
Take binoculars — great for beginners and kids.
Carry snacks and hot drinks for little adventurers.
Book popular events early.
The Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2025 is a magical way to bring families closer to nature, science, and the stars. From planetarium shows to stargazing at Dunster Castle Somerset, to night hikes and thrilling e-bike rides, the festival offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy an outdoor family adventure in Somerset, while also learning about the importance of protecting our dark skies.
For the full programme and to book tickets, visit the Exmoor National Park Dark Skies Festival page.
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