Exmoor Dark Skies
A Unique Selling Point for Local Businesses
Exmoor is Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve — an accreditation that very few destinations hold. For local businesses, this status is not just a natural asset—it is a commercial advantage.
Dark skies attract:
Overnight visitors
Off-season tourism
Niche markets (photographers, astronomers, wellness travellers)
High-value experience seekers
For accommodation providers, activity leaders, guides, food & drink venues and retail, Exmoor’s dark skies create opportunities to diversify, extend the season and increase revenue.
Who Benefits from Dark Skies Tourism?
Accommodation Providers
Offer stargazing packages or “Dark Sky Rooms” with information, binoculars or red-light torches.
Promote off-peak stays in autumn and winter when skies are darkest.
Attract premium-value guests seeking tranquillity and nature.
Activity & Experience Businesses
Guided night-walks
Astrophotography workshops
Night-navigation or dark-sky safaris
Meditation, wellbeing or yoga under the stars
These offerings appeal to growing experience-led markets and can run outside daytime peak hours.
Food, Drink & Hospitality
“Stargazer Suppers,” night-time picnics or tasting events.
Warm, late-evening hospitality options for stargazing visitors.
Tie-ins with the Dark Skies Festival to boost footfall.
Retail & Local Makers
Dark-sky themed products (prints, books, star charts, crafts).
Visitor essentials such as blankets, flasks, red-light torches, guides.
Business Advantages at a Glance
Extended season: Dark skies attract visitors in autumn/winter, boosting quieter periods.
Higher spend per visitor: Astronomy and photography travellers spend more on gear, guides, food, and accommodation.
Low-impact tourism: Night-sky tourism spreads demand without overloading infrastructure.
Brand differentiation: Only a handful of Dark Sky Reserves exist in the world — Exmoor businesses can market this premium status.
How Your Business Can Get Involved
1. Create Dark-Sky Friendly Offers
Examples:
Stargazing weekend packages
Telescope hire
After-dark guided experiences
Fire-pits, blankets, warm drinks for evening visitors
“Cosy under the stars” winter escapes
2. Promote Your Dark Skies Credentials
Use the International Dark Sky Reserve branding in marketing:
Website banners
Social media
Google Business listings
On-site materials
This helps build a strong, unified Exmoor identity.
3. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses
Bundle offers:
Accommodation + food + guided night walk
Café + astrophotography workshop
Holiday cottages + Dark Skies welcome packs
Collaboration helps create full visitor journeys and increases local spend.
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival: A Major Business Booster
Held annually in autumn, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival attracts thousands of visitors across multiple weeks.
Opportunities for businesses:
Host events or workshops
Offer themed menus, deals or late opening
Create festival packages
Promote shoulder-season availability
Even small involvement can bring significant local visibility.
Business Resources & Support
Visit Exmoor and Exmoor National Park offer:
Promotion for Dark Sky–related events
Business toolkits and marketing assets
Training opportunities (e.g., guiding, astrophotography partnerships)
Advice on event planning or collaboration
We encourage businesses to reach out if they’d like support developing dark-sky experiences or marketing their offer.
Why Dark Skies Matter for Exmoor’s Economy
Dark-sky visitors are typically higher-spending, longer-staying, and repeat travellers.
It supports diversification—something that rural economies benefit from.
It builds pride in place and strengthens Exmoor’s brand.
It supports environmental protection and sustainability messaging, valued by modern travellers.
Get Involved
If your business wants to:
Develop dark-sky experiences
Be featured in Visit Exmoor Dark Skies promotions
Join collaborative packages
Host events during the Dark Skies Festival
Visit Exmoor can support you to discuss ideas or get guidance.
Photo by Laurence Liddy @LaurenceLiddy – winner in Exmoor At Night Photo Competition 2020
