Wild about Dartmoor: August events bring nature, chocolate, and outdoor fun to the Moor

From bog walks to barn owl science, chocolate tastings to granite peak adventures, Dartmoor is buzzing with activity this August. Families, nature lovers and curious explorers can enjoy a packed calendar of free events celebrating the National Park’s wildlife, heritage and spectacular landscapes, all set against the backdrop of one of Devon’s most beautiful wild spaces.

Meldon Wildlife Festival – Tuesday, 19th August, 10.30am–4pm, Meldon Old Quarry

Dartmoor’s much-loved annual wildlife celebration returns, with hands-on activities for all ages. Try your hand at stream dipping, go on a mini-beast hunt, or explore the plants and creatures that thrive in the moor’s bogs and valley mires.
This year’s “boggy” theme ties into Peat-Fest South West, with interactive displays from the South West Peatland Partnership, a mossy art installation from Art and Energy, and the chance to “spot the difference” on Dartmoor’s peatlands.
Wildlife partners will be offering everything from barn owl pellet dissection to reptile encounters, pine marten picnics, invasive plant quizzes, crafts to take home, and even a water-themed obstacle course. Refreshments will be on hand courtesy of the 1st Okehampton Scout Group, plus ice creams from Taw River Dairy.
Admission is free, with parking, toilets and family-friendly facilities available.

Free Chocolate Tasting – Tuesday, 19th August, 10am–3pm, Postbridge Visitor Centre

Meet the artisan makers of Barbers Cocoa and sample their award-winning chocolate range, including the Great Taste three-star-winning Cocoa Husk Latte.

Operation Dartmoor: Mysterious Creatures of the River – Thursday, 21th August, 1.30pm–3.30pm, Simmons Park, Okehampton

Join the National Park team for an afternoon of river dipping and nature crafts in Okehampton’s beautiful Simmons Park. Discover what lives beneath the water’s surface — from tiny invertebrates to mysterious mini-monsters — and create your own crafty creatures to take home. Bring river shoes or wellies; all children must be supervised.

Dartmoor Outdoor Festival: Big Day of Adventures – Friday, 29th August, 10.30am–3pm, Haytor Visitor Centre

Kick off the week-long Dartmoor Outdoor Festival with a family day packed with activities, taster walks, and mini-adventures. Learn map and compass skills, tackle the Pack a Backpack Challenge, or see if you have what it takes to be a Countryside Code Hero.
Guided walks will explore archaeology, wildlife, peatland restoration, woodland trails, and the life of Dartmoor’s upland farmers. Haytor is the perfect base for your day, from exploring ancient round houses to walking the old granite railway.

Dartmoor’s Official Calendar 2026 Exhibition – Wednesday, 31st July–Friday, 31st October, Princetown Visitor Centre

See the winning photographs from Dartmoor’s 2026 official calendar, all taken by National Park staff. From snowy bridges to the northern lights over Hound Tor, each image captures a different facet of the moor’s beauty. Calendars are on sale for £8.99 at all visitor centres.

For full event details and directions, visit: www.dartmoor.gov.uk