Record-breaking Dartmoor Outdoor Festival proves growing appetite for outdoor adventure

A record-breaking turnout at this year’s Dartmoor Outdoor Festival has been hailed as proof of a growing appetite for outdoor adventure in Devon, placing it alongside events such as the Kendal Mountain Festival and the Big Welsh Walk as a leading destination for nature-based tourism.

The festival, held across Dartmoor National Park from 29 August to 5 September 2025, offered seven days of walks, talks, workshops, films, live music and outdoor adventures.

In total, 76 different activities were organised, the highest number in the event’s history.

Festival co-director Richard Matthews, who runs the event with Hannah Durdin, said: “We were confident of holding a successful festival but have been a little surprised and delighted with the numbers attending. Despite some heavy showers throughout the week, attendance was strong.”

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The festival first began as the Dartmoor Walking Festival, but was rebranded this year as the Dartmoor Outdoor Festival to reflect its wider range of activities.

Organisers say the change helped drive interest, alongside a stronger social media campaign.

Mr Matthews said: “This was really a test of whether people wanted this kind of festival, and the answer was a clear yes.”

Early figures show over 900 bookings, with more than 400 people attending, marking a 500 per cent increase compared with 2024.

It makes 2025 the most successful year since the festival began in 2016.

Charity has always been at the heart of the event and since 2016, the festival has raised £10,350 for Devon Air Ambulance, and Mr Matthews confirmed the team is “actively looking for more ways to support local charities in 2026, through letterbox walks and other activities.”

ABOVE: Festival Organisers Hannah and Richard (Credit: Dartmoor Outdoor Festival)

The weather did present challenges, with some walks seeing fewer numbers than expected. “The weather always plays a huge part in any outdoor event, especially one completely outdoors. Despite the terrible conditions, we didn’t have to cancel any events outright, just a couple were rearranged for the following week,” Mr Matthews explained.

Organisers also see the festival as part of a wider effort to boost Dartmoor’s economy.
According to Mr Matthews: “The data on business impact is still being collected, particularly in towns like Princetown, but guides and providers reported more trade than in previous years.”

Meetings with local businesses are planned for next month to explore how the festival can further support the area.

Looking ahead, Mr Matthews said the team is working on new partnerships with other summer events and is already planning next year’s festival, which will run from 28 August to 4 September 2026.

He added: “There is a huge outdoor culture in Devon, from Ten Tors to our climbing and walking heritage. This festival shows that Dartmoor has the potential to stand alongside some of the UK’s biggest outdoor events, and we’re only just getting started.”