What time should I arrive?

Report to the Poltimore Inn at the listed check-in time; sessions start promptly at 6pm so arrive 10–15 minutes early.

What if the sky is cloudy?

Organizers offer a virtual sky and VR space talk as a weather-proof alternative so learning continues even in poor conditions.

Is there an age limit?

Children must be accompanied by an adult and the event is open to ages nine and up.

How long is the event?

The session lasts approximately four hours, including talks, observatory tour, and telescope viewing.

Can I bring food or drink?

Check-in occurs at the Poltimore Inn; contact contact@thepoltimoreinnnorthmolton.co.uk for dietary requirements or onsite arrangements.

Is parking available?

Park at the Poltimore Inn or adjacent village spaces as directed by staff; if unsure call 01598 740338 in advance.

Exmoor Dark Sky Stargazing: Our Place In Space at the Poltimore Inn | Guided Tour | Events

Under one of England's darkest skies, Our Place In Space is a four-hour stargazing event held at the Poltimore Inn in North Molton on the edge of Exmoor National Park. This is a night designed for anyone who wants to see the Milky Way without city glare, learn the constellations, and peer at planets through research-grade telescopes guided by professional astronomers. The experience begins at the Poltimore Inn, where participants check in and receive an introduction before stepping onto open moorland. Exmoor's dark-sky status means blacker horizons and sharper stars; you'll notice how familiar constellations reshape themselves when freed from light pollution. Key features include telescope viewing, an observatory tour, laser-guided sky explanations, and a virtual-sky backup if clouds roll in. A VR space talk rounds out the evening for younger guests and weather-proofed learning. What makes this event special is the mix of hands-on optics and place. Exmoor's high moors and low coastal rims give crisp, stable air that helps telescopes resolve planet details and faint deep-sky objects. The telescopes on site reveal Jupiter's bands, Saturn's rings, and the dusty sweep of the Milky Way. The observatory tour adds context: you're not just looking up, you're seeing how amateur and professional techniques are used to study the night. Families and beginners find the format welcoming: sessions are paced, jargon is translated, and children nine and older can attend with an adult. The host's virtual sky and laser-pointer sessions are especially useful when clouds threaten, and education continues even if direct viewing falters. Practical details are clear: the event runs four hours and asks attendees to report to the Poltimore Inn; for dietary or accessibility questions contact [email protected] or call 01598 740338. Local character elevates the evening. North Molton's village green, old stone lanes, and broad moorland frames are part of the show; the event channels Exmoor's long tradition of rural astronomy while staying accessible. For photographers, the clean sky is prime for long exposures; for curious minds, the VR talk and guided commentary turn random dots into stories about our solar system. This is a night for slow observation: bring a warm layer, let your eyes adapt, and plan to stand in one place and watch small details emerge. Whether you're chasing your first clear view of the Milky Way or want a family-friendly science night out, Our Place In Space at the Poltimore Inn delivers a practical, memorable tie between this landscape and the wider cosmos. Expect educators to answer questions about telescope setup, star charts, and seasonal targets; organizers typically point attendees toward current planetary highlights. Book early - group size is limited to 20 - and arrive ready to swap city lights for constellations. Warm boots and patience pay off with spectacular rewards tonight.

About The Poltimore Inn

The Poltimore Inn in North Molton, England, is a hospitality venue that hosts a range of astronomy and immersive evening experiences. The inn organizes Exmoor Dark Sky Festival stargazing events led by expert astronomers who provide telescope viewings, laser-guided tours and virtual sky options when weather limits visibility. These festival evenings introduce constellations, star myths and guided observation under Exmoor National Park's dark skies.

In addition to the festival, The Poltimore Inn offers Space Rocks sessions timed with meteor displays such as the Geminids, featuring expert guidance, telescope viewing and a VR space talk when clouds intervene. The In The Night Sky experience focuses on stellar formation, star sizes and distances alongside constellation storytelling suitable for astronomy enthusiasts.

For groups seeking interactive entertainment, the venue stages fully interactive murder mystery events, including "Murder mystery - The demon of the well," where guests follow clues, interrogate suspects and work to solve the plot before an investigator reveals the outcome. These evenings combine entertainment with hands-on participation in a social setting.

All experiences are presented as distinct bookings at the inn in North Molton and are described with clear summaries of activities: guided stargazing, telescope viewing, laser-guided tours, virtual or VR alternatives, and interactive sleuthing. The Poltimore Inn emphasizes guided instruction and immersive formats to create educational and entertaining evenings that fit varied weather conditions and audience interests.

Bookings are available for public festival evenings and private group events tailored to visitor interests and seasonal dark-sky conditions. Staff provide onsite guidance regularly.

Exmoor Dark Sky Stargazing: Our Place In Space at the Poltimore Inn

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