Discover the wonders of the universe at our interactive space event as part of the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2026, with Jo and Pete from Spaces Detectives and Kate Earl from Skyhigh Astronomy, and featuring various immersive activities!
A talk and presentation will firstly set the space scene, before being taken on a journey through the stars as you enter the planetarium dome, then leave Earth behind as you use VR Showtime headsets to go on a virtual voyage into space. Lastly, if the skies are clear, you are invited to star gaze from our Nectar Gardens using high end “Go To” telescopes, with astronomers on hand to guide and assist. As well as all of this, you can take a browse of the astrophotography gallery with opportunity to speak with astronomers. It is set to be a packed, unforgettable experience guaranteed to leave you in awe!
- slow cooked rich chicken and vegetable stew served with homemade bread
- winter squash, borlotti bean and chard stew, with homemade bread (vegetarian option)
Please note, the menu will utilise fresh and homegrown produce from our Kitchen Garden and therefore may vary slightly from what is listed above. Both of these options can be offered gluten free and dairy free.
Date: Wed 28th October 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 9pm (doors open at 6pm, finish time is approx)
Ticket Price: £32.50
Tickets are available to book online HERE (booking fee applies), in person in our shop, or by telephone on 01769 572 401.
About Space Detectives:
Jo Richardson, the founder and owner of ‘Space Detectives’, is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society as well as one of the current 6 UK Space Ambassadors working on behalf of the European Space Education Office. She works alongside her husband Pete, who is an internationally acclaimed Astrophotographer and Telescope Maker. Supporting them at large events are their team of astronomers who are all keen to share their love and passion for all things “Space” with the wider public. Jo is the resident astronomer for Exmoor National Park Dark Sky Reserve, as well as an advisor to other National Parks, such as the Yorkshire Dales, Cranborne Chase and the North York Moors. Her long-held belief is that if she can inspire just one person to “look up” and see what lies beyond the remit of our home planet, then her job has been wholly worthwhile.
About Kate Earl:
Kate is a Bournemouth-based astronomy enthusiast and the current Chair of Wessex Astronomical Society, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and the founder of Bournemouth-based ‘Skyhigh Astronomy’. Kate runs stargazing and astronomy activities at a number of locations across Southern England and is a Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University (BU). She works closely with Dr. Fabio Silva on the fascinating subject of Skyscape Archaeology (previously known as Archaeoastronomy), with a recent collaboration to produce a planetarium show, which was first presented to the public during English Heritage’s Festival of Neolithic Ideas held at Stonehenge in November 2023 which was short-listed for the Partnership of the Year for the Museums+Heritage Awards.
Please note:
- The event is suitable for beginners, those new to cosmology and stargazing, for adults and older children age 10 years +.
- Tickets must be booked in advance and cannot be purchased on the door.
- Please ensure you specify any dietary requirements at the time of booking, and arrive in good time ready for supper which will be served at 6:30pm.
- Doors open at 6pm, supper starts at 6:30pm, and drinks and refreshments will be available to purchase from the Nectary Restaurant between 6pm – 7pm. The event will finish at approximately 9pm.
