10 October 2005
Moor fun and Moor to stay for on Dartmoor this half-term
Making puppets, carving Hallowe’en lanterns, a family navigation day, discovery trails, talking with ghosts and more…it’s all happening on Dartmoor this half-term (Saturday 22 October to Monday 31 October 2005).
As part of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Moor to stay for campaign, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the National Trust have put together an exciting and entertaining range of events and activities, designed to help you and your family enjoy a fun filled half-term on Dartmoor.
The full programme is as follows:
Saturday 22 October to Sunday 30 October
Hallowe’en Trail at Castle Drogo (11.00 am - 5.00 pm). Normal admission charges plus £1.00 per trail. Tel: (01647) 433 306.
Fun & Games at Buckland Abbey (10.30 am - 5.00 pm - not Thursday). Normal admission charges. Tel: (01822) 853 607.
Spooky Children’s Trail at Lydford Gorge (10.30 am - 3.30 pm). Normal admission charges. Tel: (01822) 820 320.
Saturday 22 October
Talking with Ghosts at Buckland Abbey (10.30 am - 5.30 pm). Tel: (01822) 853 607. Find out what life was like for servants before the days of vacuum cleaners, washing machines and electric irons.
Sunday 23 October
Myths & Legends (11.00 am - 1.00 pm). Enjoy a special family introduction to Dartmoor at Hound Tor, led by an experienced Dartmoor National Park Authority Guide.
Monday 24 October
All our Yesterdays (2.00 pm - 3.30 pm). A family walk at Haytor, looking at the wildlife and fascinating archaeology of this popular area.
Tuesday 25 October
Great Seed Give-Away (11.00 am - 5.00 pm). A rare opportunity to collect a selection of late flowering plant seeds at Castle Drogo. Telephone the National Trust on (01647) 433 306.
Wednesday 26 October
Children’s Dartmoor Discovery Trail (11.00 am - 1.00 pm). Enjoy following the trail at Merrivale and win prizes (suitable for families with children aged 7+).
Thursday 27 October
More Fun with Puppets (10.00 am - 12.30 pm). Join Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Education Officer, Willem Montagne, at Leusdon Village Hall, for an inspirational stroll, before making your very own Dartmoor shadow puppets. Suitable for children aged 6 to 13. Booking essential (01822) 890 414.
Family Fun and Hallowe’en Harvest (10.00 am - 1.30 pm). Enjoy a walk with farmer Mark Pilkington and National Park Authority Ranger Bill Allen at Ullacombe Farm, Bovey Tracey, meeting animals and carving your own Hallowe’en lantern to take home. Booking essential (01822) 890 414.
Friday 28 October
Children’s Woodland Sculptures Workshop (11.00 am - 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm). Visit Castle Drogo and learn to carve wonderful creatures out of wood. For children 7 aged years and over (£6.00 per child). Booking essential. Telephone the National Trust on (01647) 433 306.
Saturday 29 October
Family Navigation Day (10.00 am - 4.00 pm) at Princetown. Learn how to use a map and compass and understand the art of navigation. Suitable for families with children aged 11+. Booking essential (01822) 890 414.
Monday 31 October
Ranger Ralph’s Spooky Treasure (7.00 pm - 8.30 pm) at Newbridge. Bookings taken from 10 October. Tel: (01822) 890 414.
A free, full-colour leaflet, containing information about all the Moor to stay events, is available from Dartmoor National Park Authority Information Centres, libraries and many other outlets in and around Dartmoor. Alternatively, visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s website (www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk) and click on ‘Guided Walks and Events’.
Because there is so much to see and do on Dartmoor this half-term, why not make the most of your visit and stay overnight. The Dartmoor Tourist Association is also promoting Moor to stay for and its members are offering a host of special accommodation offers during the campaign period, featured in the leaflet, or on the Association’s website www.discoverdartmoor.com. Copies of the leaflet are also available by post from the Dartmoor Tourist Association, telephone (01822) 890 567.
Ends
For Further Information from Dartmoor National Park Authority
Steve Widman, Tourism & Recreational Transport Officer
Claire Partridge, Information Officer (Activities)
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
For Further Information from the Dartmoor Tourist Association
Penny McInnes, Dartmoor Tourist Association
Tel: (08122) 890 567
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are now available on the Authority's website
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Notes for Editors
Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Moor to stay for campaign began in September 2005 and continues through to May 2006. The campaign seeks to promote sustainable tourism throughout the autumn and winter periods on Dartmoor.
The Moor to stay for programme includes the following themed weekends and events:
Dartmoor Myths & Legends (5 - 6 November 2005)
Pixies, witches, headless horsemen, hairy hands, heartbreak and romance. Dartmoor abounds with myths and legends that never fail to intrigue. This weekend of walks and talks will appeal to everyone with an interest in Dartmoor’s mysteries.
Dartmoor Beer & Cheese Challenge (26 - 27 November 2005)
A weekend when Dartmoor’s eating establishments will be challenged to produce the most original menus, using Princetown produced Jail Ale, and the finest west country cheeses.
Winter Wonderland (December 2005)
Think of roaring log fires, great food, and good company. During the month of December, Dartmoor accommodation providers will be offering special deals to tempt you to enjoy the festive season in style.
Archaeology Weekend (28 - 29 January 2006)
Dartmoor is one of the most important areas in western Europe, in terms of its Bronze Age archeology. There are also medieval farmsteads and associated field systems, and the remains of a tin industry at least 700 years old. This weekend of special walks and talks is dedicated to helping people enjoy and appreciate Dartmoor’s exceptional archaeological importance.
Dartmoor in Focus (February 2006)
With its spectacular landscape, wealth of wildlife, rich archaeological remains, and fascinating cultural heritage, there is something to inspire us all to take out our cameras. The Dartmoor Tourist Association is sponsoring Dartmoor in Focus, a photographic competition. The winners will be chosen by visitors to the Tourist Association’s website, where the images will be on display.
Poetry Please (22 April 2006)
Schools, pubs, clubs, hotels, restaurants and many other establishments will be participating in Poetry Please special events, recitals and workshops.
Gardens in Trust (20 - 21 May 2006)
Talks and special tours, hosted by the head gardeners of Castle Drogo (the last castle to be built in Britain) and Buckland Abbey (home of famous Elizabethan sea farer Sir Francis Drake) will take place during this two day event. A must for all interested in gardens and gardening.
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,000 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
Return to General Interest News Releases 2005 Archive
This page last updated 10 October 2005
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