Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026: Friday October 23rd to Sunday November 1st
Even more events than last year, scroll down to view.
Dip, Dine and Divine Vibes is back in a new location. Also a Moonlight swim at Porlock Weir, a sunrise walk on Porlock Marsh and an afternoon Woody Bay swim. Something for everyone, including a Astrophysics talk on Deep Space Astrophotography.
Image: Keith Trueman
Sunset Dips, Oysters & Coastal Martinis - Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
Fri 23 Oct 2026 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Porlock Weir, TA24 8PB
Experience the beauty of Porlock Bay at sunset with this unique coastal event as part of the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival.
Begin with a guided sea dip in the calm waters of Porlock Harbour before gathering at the Porlock Bay Oyster Hut to enjoy freshly shucked oysters and discover the area’s rich oyster heritage.
Complete the evening with a signature Sea Centaur Coastal Martini, handcrafted by award-winning distiller Becky Wright using Sea Centaur Gin and locally foraged samphire from Porlock Bay. As the sun sets over Exmoor, celebrate the sea, local food and craftsmanship in one unforgettable experience.
From the waters you swim in, to the oysters you taste and the botanicals in your martini, every element is inspired by the unique character of Porlock Bay.
Your ticket price includes:
- Guided dip in Porlock Bay with Unity
- Dryad Gin Sea Centaur Coastal Martini or Non Alcoholic alternative after your swim
- 3 Oysters served in Porlock Bay Oyster Hut or Vegan Option.
£45 per person
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival Event
Friday 30th October 2026 or Saturday 31st October. Possible extra date 1st Nov.
Dip, Dine and Divine Vibes, A Dark Skies Celebration
This is a Dark Skies Event with a difference: it includes the opportunity to wild swim in a completely unspoilt and private dipping spot in a high stretch of the River Exe, above Exford. I will support you to immerse yourself into the invigorating waters as the afternoon light begins to fade, for a momentary plunge or longer, luxuriating letting-go of your daily pre-occupations.
Following the swim we will quickly wrap up in warm clothes, and get the blood going with a brisk walk back to Westermill Farm. There you will find a cosy dining area in a barn, and some hot spiced apple juice to promote the warming further. Here we will all eat together a delicious and warming supper of either traditionally raised beef chilli, or a vegan alternative . Please inform us of any intolerances or allergies.
Once everyone is warm and replete, we will move into our moonlit finale; a celestial outdoor gong ceremony, where you will be gently resonated into a transcendental state by Gong meditation practitioner Megan.
The farm is located deep in the centre of the Dark Skies reserve, so if we have clear skies you will certainly be treated to a great view of the Milky Way.
Any questions, please call Unity for more information. This is an outdoor event, but provision will be made if we have particularly poor conditions. Wear boots for the walk to the river, and bring beach shoes to protect your feet in the water. Please also bring a yoga mat, lots of warm layers, including a hat, and blankets to use during the gong session.
£60 per person
Porlock Weir Harbour Moonlight Swim
Saturday October 24th @ 6pm
Porlock Weir is one of the best places to experience a super-high Spring tide, and when it coincides with sunset and a rising moon in the North East, it has to be a great opportunity to experience a dusk to night swim. The harbour at Porlock Weir is really safe, and I will support you to embrace the deep joy of a night swim, using illuminated swim floats for safety.
We can pop into any of the warm and welcoming pubs for a hot drink after our swim.
£20 per person
If you are tempted but feel unsure please call me to chat. 07775560644
Photography courtesy of Exmoor National Park
Credits left to right: Nigel Stone, Nick Simpson, Tim Edwards
Porlock Marsh High Tide Sunrise guided walk Tuesday 27th October @6.30am
On a Spring High Tide (yes, in the Autumn too!) Porlock Marsh floods in spectacular fashion that needs to be seen to be believed. The iconic dead oak trees are a photographers dream, the birdlife a joy for birders. We will meet in Porlock village, in the Doverhay car park, to walk down to witness this event as the sun rises, and the moon sets behind Porlock Hill. Shelducks, curlews and oyster catchers are just some of the marsh birds we might see. We will skirt the edge of the marsh, hoping to keep dry feet (bring wellies) to enjoy this infrequent event before returing to Porlock in time for a cafe breakfast if desired. Bring bino’s, a camera, snacks and hot drink.