Exmoor Events Calendar

February 2025

<< Previous Month    Year view    Next Month >>

Dark Skies of Exmoor Stargazing Break

Startrails Dunster Castle
Yarn Market Hotel, High Street, Dunster, TA24 6SF
More Info
The Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, based within Exmoor National Park, Europe’s first designated Dark Skies Reserve, is hosting an Autumn 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.
Inclusive charge £240.00 per person. No single supplements.
Contact phone 01643 821425 Contact email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk

Snowdrop Valley - Wheddon Cross

Snowdrops
Parking at Exmoor Farmers Market, Wheddon Cross, TA24 7DT
More Info
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.
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.
Contact phone 07919001801 Contact email cutcombeclerk@gmail.com

Photography : Understanding Your Camera on Exmoor National Park

camera
Porlock Weir, Minehead TA24 8PB
Sign up
This half-day, 4-hour workshop is designed for people that have a new camera or have never got to grips with their camera.
We meet with informal refreshments to get to know each other and explain your camera’s settings before heading off for the rest of our time on a Photowalk around the local area, exploring your camera’s settings.
Workshops are limited to a maximum of 4 participants (unless otherwise specified) to ensure you get personal tuition and the opportunity to get the most from the chosen location.
WORKSHOP CONTENT
These workshops will aim to cover the fundamentals of good photography. Most workshops will, therefore, include the following;
The camera, its buttons, dials and menus
Exposure control
Focus control
Depth of field
Composition
White balance
The Histogram
WHY LEARN WITH MARK
Mark is a qualified photographer and trainer, with over 30 years of experience as a freelance photographer and holds a Masters** degree in photography, in addition to a BA (Hons) photography degree; amongst other media qualifications.
On first submission, Mark was awarded by his peers at the Royal Photographic Society, Licentiate Distinction. Now preparing to return to university for a Doctorial in Photography.
The area of research for this PhD is investigating Psychogeography and Affect Theory relating to Photography, Media and Art with the philosophical and cultural relationship of Posthumanism.
Holding £10M of public liability insurance and is a trained First Aider.
WHAT DO PAST ATTENDEES SAY ABOUT MARK AND HIS WORKSHOPS?
“I was looking for someone to help me understand my canon camera whilst on holiday in Minehead. I am so glad that I booked a one-to-one day out with Mark. I can’t say enough about how professional Mark is & how wonderful our day out together was. Mark instantly put me at ease and nothing was too much trouble for him to explain. Mark does this in a way that you can easily relate to in day to day scenarios. I have since joined Mark‘s Lightroom Monday group and now enjoy learning all about post production of my images.”
Joan, Middlesex
“I joined Mark on one of his 1 to 1 workshops “New to Photography Workshop” back in April 2019, I wanted to rejuvenate my hobby for photography, having been a member of a local camera club where if your face fits you were ok I wanted to understand more about photography and techniques, well 18 mths on having been a regular attendee on his walks and trips I feel I have learned much more from a very motivated, experienced educator and communicator.”
Malcolm, Somerset
“Many thanks for all the help on your photography workshop in getting me away from auto settings, and understanding depth of field, rule of 3rds ect, it has been a great help in improving my photography skills and making everything even more enjoyable than I ever thought possible, Many thanks, Mark.” Mike, Taunton, Somerset
“Mark has the knack of simplifying the technical. He is always available to answer questions, even when they have been asked before.”
Katrina, Minehead, Somerset
“After having owned my Nikon DSLR camera for many years and never having taken it off Auto, I decided to join Mark on one of his Full Day Camera courses. He took me through the basics and encouraged me throughout the day, by adding new skills at varying locations. By the time we had finished, I felt confident to continue learning and practising my new skills. A great day for those who need to better understand their camera. Thanks Mark.”
Karen, Porlock, Somerset
“Mark has endless patience, is very encouraging and has a wealth of knowledge, he has been a great support in helping me progress my intermediate photography skills from capturing the shot to editing in Lightroom.”
Joanne, Minehead, Somerset
”We had some lovely days with sun, clouds, rain and wind. Today an Exmoor photographer showed us some beautiful places on Exmoor. Thank you Mark Stothard for taking us the whole day out and giving us a lot of tips ?”
Elma, Facebook
Contact phone 01643 252525 Contact email mark@stothard.email

Exmoor Food Fest

oysters
Across Exmoor
More Info

The Exmoor Food Fest is celebrating the best hospitality our region has to offer throughout February. Participating restaurants offer special menus during that time, at a price which allows customer to discover new venues and revisit old favourites. Some restaurants are also putting on Tasting Dinners (dates to be found on the website www.exmoorfoodfest.com)

Contact email info@exmoorevents.com

Watercolour Class with Chris Howe

chris-howe-Rhenish-tower
Exmoor National Park Centre, Exmoor House, Dulverton, TA22 9HL

All abilities and experience are catered for.
Materials supplied, learn in a fun atmosphere with friendly tutor Chris Howe
£23 per person for each two-hour session.
Booking essential. Please contact Chris Howe for more information and to book:

Contact phone 07969 388815 Contact email chriswivey@hotmail.com

Willow Bird Feeder Workshop

Willow Bird Feeder workshop
Quince Honey Farm, ​Aller Cross, ​South Molton​, Devon EX36 3RD
Sign up
In this workshop you will learn the basic skills and techniques of working with willow to create a wonderful willow bird feeder which can be hung in your garden for the birds to feed in or even move into in time for the nesting season! Willow weaving uses natural and environmentally-friendly materials, and in this workshop we will use willow harvested from the grounds at Quince Honey Farm. You will find yourself immersed in the wonderful world of willow weaving and finish with a beautiful bird feeder to take home with you. Enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake for all your efforts, too!
This could be a perfect gift for your very own love bird on Valentines Day!
You can book your space online (booking fee applies), or book by telephone 017469 572 401, or in person in our shop. Places are limited so advance booking is essential!
Cost: £42 per person
Contact phone 01769 572 401 Contact email hello@quincehoneyfarm.co.uk

Valentines Weekend and Cream Tea Challenge

Valentine
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, EX35 6EQ
More Info

A weekend of romance on the Cliff Railway!  Featuring the couples cream tea challenge - can you eat one of our famous giant scone cream teas in the time it takes the lift to travel?  first date?  thinking of popping the question?  Second honeymoon?  or just feeling loved up?  why not join us for our weekend of romance?

Contact phone 01598 753486 Contact email Contact@cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk

Valentines Weekend and Cream Tea Challenge

Valentine
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, EX35 6EQ
More Info

A weekend of romance on the Cliff Railway!  Featuring the couples cream tea challenge - can you eat one of our famous giant scone cream teas in the time it takes the lift to travel?  first date?  thinking of popping the question?  Second honeymoon?  or just feeling loved up?  why not join us for our weekend of romance?

Contact phone 01598 753486 Contact email Contact@cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk

Volunteer Coffee Morning

Coffee morning
Garden Room, Exmoor House, Kemps Way, Dulverton TA22 9HL

Come and have a friendly chat over a cuppa about volunteering. Opportunity to meet Exmoor National Park's Volunteer Support team and fellow volunteers. New and existing volunteers welcome. No need to book, just drop in. Free event.

Venue: The Garden Room, Exmoor House, Kemps Way, Dulverton TA22 9HL

If coming by car please use the pay and display parking in Kemps Way.

Contact phone 07970099127 Contact email getinvolved@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Choral Singing Weekend - Nature in Song

A photo of the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster
Dunster
Full details here
A 2 night 3 day choral singing break exploring “Nature in Song”.

Based in the medieval village of Dunster, the Yarn Market Hotel has a 2 night 3 day choral singing break exploring “Words and Music ” – a music and literary feast, with a variety of settings of enchanting poetry and prose.. 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 packages and non residential places also available.

Contact phone 01643821425 Contact email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk

Free Choral Concert

Photo of the Yarn market in Dunster
Dunster
Full details here
Free Choral Concert in Dunster’s historic Tithe Barn

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 “Words and Music” – a music and literary feast with a variety of settings of enchanting poetry and prose. The choir is led by Robyn Sevastos, BMus, ARCM. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

Contact phone 01643821425 Contact email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk

Exmoor Churches and Villages Break

Dunster- Dream Garden and Dunster Church
Yarn Market Hotel, High Street, Dunster, TA24 6SF
More Info
The Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, based within Exmoor National Park, hosts a 4 night break on a Dinner Bed and Breakfast basis with lunch included on Friday, to visit lovely Exmoor villages and the wonderful churches of West Somerset and Exmoor, to include Bicknoller, Crowcombe, Holford, Kilve, Luxborough, Treborough, Leighland, Brompton Regis, Tivington, Stoke Pero, Winsford, Exton and our local churches St. Georges, Dunster.
You will be taken out each day in our hotel transport to visit the various locations with a guide.
Inclusive charge £540 per person.
Contact phone 01643 821425 Contact email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk

Folk Dance and Snowdrop Weekend

Snowdrop Valley path Dana March 2023
Yarn Market Hotel, High Street, Dunster, TA24 6SF
More Info
Based in the medieval village of Dunster, The Yarn Market Hotel has a 2 night / 3 day folk break, with a programme of activities during the weekend including a dance at Willands wonderful village hall on the Saturday, with live music from Fresh Aire Ceilidh Band with caller Robert Blackborough. Also on Saturday is a trip out to Dulverton returning via Snowdrop Valley. The break is on a full board basis including Sunday lunch and transport for the dance and excursion. The dance is most suited to those with experience.
£220.00 per person inclusive, no single supplements.
Contact phone 01643 821425 Contact email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk