Dartmoor celebrates culture, nature, and community with packed seasonal events

Dartmoor is set to come alive with a celebration of its rich culture, history, and environment as it hosts the inaugural Dartmoor Tors Festival this weekend in and around Ashburton. The festival promises a vibrant and varied programme featuring musicians, writers, artists, archaeologists, historians, and campaigners, all coming together to honour the spirit of Dartmoor and its people.

A key highlight will take place on Saturday, 24th May, when Dartmoor National Park Authority archaeologists Lee Bray and Andy Crabb present groundbreaking findings from recent excavations. Their talk will include details of the Bronze Age cist discovery at Cut Hill and findings from Piles Hill, where a quartz surface was uncovered beneath a prehistoric stone row—further enriching the understanding of Dartmoor’s ancient landscape. Book tickets for Lee and Andy's talk (https://wegottickets.com/event/651686)

Family-friendly nature events

Nature lovers and families are also invited to take part in a host of interactive activities this season. On Thursday, 29th May (10:30am – noon), the Postbridge Visitor Centre will host a free River Dipping session, perfect for introducing children to Dartmoor’s aquatic wildlife. Participants will explore the shallows near the famous Postbridge clapper bridge, using nets and trays to discover what lives in the clear moorland waters. This is a free activity, but Donations to the Donate for Dartmoor scheme are encouraged to support conservation work across the park. Book a place for river dipping (https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/83453)

Celebrating 25 years of Moor Trees

Another unmissable event takes place on Friday, 6th June, when a special Moor Trees Walk and Talk will celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary. Led by local guide Emma Cunis (Dartmoor’s Daughter) and supported by the Headwaters Natural Flood Management Project, this four-mile guided walk through Harford Moor will showcase nature restoration in action.

Participants will learn about innovative tree-planting methods that help reduce flood risk by slowing water run-off, highlighting how land management can play a crucial role in combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity. Along the route, walkers will have ample opportunity to ask questions and take in Dartmoor’s stunning southern landscapes. Find out more and book your tickets (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/recovery-of-the-erme-river-upper-catchment-an-exploration-of-harford-moor-tickets-1360500025199)

More to see and do on Dartmoor

• Monday, 26th May: Experience the lively colour and rhythm of traditional Morris dancing with the Exeter Morris Dartmoor Whit Tour, including a performance outside Princetown Visitor Centre at 2:30pm.

• Explore Dartmoor’s scenic beauty on one of its Miles Without Stiles routes—ideal for all levels of mobility.

• Take a step back in time with a guided tour of Higher Uppacott, a rare surviving medieval longhouse.

• Visit the Rock Idols exhibition in Princetown Visitor Centre, exploring the legends and lore behind Dartmoor’s tors.

A reminder about wildfire risks

With recent prolonged dry weather, Dartmoor is at increased risk of wildfires. Dartmoor National Park Rangers are working in close partnership with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, monitoring conditions and patrolling vulnerable areas. Visitors are reminded:

• No barbecues or open fires are permitted.

• Take all litter home, especially glass bottles, which can magnify sunlight and start fires.

• If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.

With its wide-ranging programme of cultural events, environmental education, and community spirit, Dartmoor offers countless opportunities for discovery and connection this season. Whether you're a lifelong local or first-time visitor, there’s never been a better time to explore all that the National Park has to offer.