Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2026: Best Family Events in Somerset
If your kids are fascinated by space, stars and everything beyond our planet, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is a brilliant October half-term adventure.
This autumn, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026 returns from Friday 16th October to Sunday 1st 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.
For Somerset families, it’s the perfect chance to combine outdoor adventure with astronomy, giving children an unforgettable experience of the night sky.
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 2026 you can experience.
Top Family-Friendly Events at the Dark Skies Festival 2026
Now in its tenth year, there is a packed programme of events and the Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2026 is packed with many activities designed for families. I’ve picked out some of the best family-friendly events taking place across Exmoor, including stargazing, wildlife walks, planetarium shows and plenty of activities for younger children.
Stargazing Evening at Dunster Castle & Watermill
Where: Dunster, TA24 6NY
Date: Wednesday 21st October 2026, 7:00pm – 10:00pm.
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 families spot planets, constellations and other sights in the night sky.
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: £25/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 29th October & Saturday 30th October 2026
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Cost: £7 per adult, £6 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.
E-bike Night Rides with Exmoor Adventure
Looking for something a little more adventurous during the Dark Skies Festival Somerset 2026? Try an E-Mountain Bike Night Ride with Exmoor Adventures at Porlock Weir.
Dates: 16th, 19th, 24th, 27th & 30th October 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm (approx. 2.5 hours)
Meeting point: Exmoor Adventures base, Porlock Weir, Somerset (TA24 8PE)
Best for: Older teens and adults
Price: £55 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.
Dark Skies Hedgehog Craft Session, Dunster
Where: Exmoor National Park Centre, Dunster, TA24 6SE
When: Monday 26th October 2026, 10:30am – 12:00pm, or 1.30pm – 3pm.
Enjoy a fun-filled half-term event inspired by hedgehogs! Children can enjoy: Hedgehog-themed arts and crafts, hedgehog quiz trail and a delightful story about Bertie the hedgehog, who finds himself with a prickly problem! Perfect for primary-aged children (4–11 years). Parent/carer must stay throughout the session.
Cost: £2 per child.
Ranger Guided Walk at Bossington Hill
Where: Bossington Beacon Car Park, Bossington Hill, Somerset, TA24
When: Sunday 1st November 2026, 4.00pm – 7.00pm.
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.
Biofluorescent Night Walk, Oare
Where: Root Project, Oare, Somerset, EX35 6NX
Date: Saturday 24th October 2026, 6:30pm – 8.00pm or 8.30pm – 10.00pm.
Price: £25/pp
Step into a hidden world of colour on this biofluorescent night walk with David Atthowe.
You’ll head into the forest after dark, where UV light reveals something unexpected—lichens in day-glo colours, fungi glowing electric blue.
Join David for a 1.5-hour guided night walk as part of the Dark Skies Festival. With UV torches provided, you’ll move slowly through the landscape, watching colour behave in unfamiliar ways.
Suitable for: Ages 12+ (under 18s with an adult).
What to bring: Warm layers and sturdy shoes.
Exmoor Planetarium sessions – Minehead Middle School
Where: Ponsford Road, Minehead TA24 5RH
Date: Monday 19th October 2026, 3 sessions between 4.30pm- 8.00pm.
Simon from Bath Astronomers will take you on a Space Adventure in the pop-up planetarium, an immersive experience, learning about space and the universe.
Enjoy an exciting planetarium show that brings the constellations to life.
Price: Adult £7.50 and £5 per child.
Sessions also being held at Lee Abbey, Lynton on Saturday 31st October 2026, with sessions throughout the day.
Pathway to the Planets, Meteors and Marshmallows - Wimbleball Lake
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun to include a space themed trail and quiz along the lakes edge, fireside talk with astronomer Jo Richardson from Space Detectives and the Ranger team, stargazing overlooking the lake, childrens’ activities, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Dates: Thursday 29th October 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 8:00pm
Meeting point: Wimbleball Reservoir, near Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9NU
Cost: £7pp (under 3 free) Booking is essential.
What to bring: Bring your own picnic. Tea/coffee/cold drinks and snacks will be for sale. Suitable for families, sensible footwear is advised.
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 2026, 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.
FAQ
What are the Best Dark Skies Festival events for families?
Younger children
- Hedgehog Craft Session
- Planetarium
- Exmoor Ponies and Wildlife
- Wimbleball Lake
Older children/teens
- Dunster Castle Stargazing
- Wimbleball Lake
- Planetarium
- Biofluorescent Walk (12+)
Older teens/adults
- E-bike Night Ride (16+)
When is the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026?
The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026 takes place from Friday 16th October to Sunday 1st November 2026, with events held at locations across Exmoor.
Is the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival suitable for children?
Yes. There are several family-friendly events during the festival, including planetarium sessions, wildlife activities, stargazing and family activities at Wimbleball Lake. Some events have specific age restrictions, so check the individual event details before booking.
Do you need to book Dark Skies Festival events?
Yes, advance booking is required for several of the events featured in this guide. Popular activities can have limited spaces, so it is worth booking early.
If you’re planning an October half-term trip to Exmoor, I’d book your chosen event early. Some activities have limited spaces, and evening events can be popular.
For the full programme and to book tickets, visit the Exmoor National Park Dark Skies Festival page.
Read Next
For more inspiration of things to do around Somerset for families, check out the following posts:
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- 12 Best National Trust Properties in Somerset to Visit With Kids
- Somerset Train Travel With Teens: Car-Free Family Adventures
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the venue before you leave in case there are any changes or closures. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly days out in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!
