DUNKERY Beacon Country House Hotel is backing Exmoor’s second Dark Skies Festival from October 20 until November 4 (2018) with a Pie at Night Stargazing evening on November 1.

During the event expert astronomer, Seb Jay will be on hand with his telescopes to guide guests through the night sky.

John Bradley, who co-owns the award-winning boutique hotel near Dunster with his wife Jane and is a keen astronomer too, said:

“Those who don’t have a telescope can have one-to-one sessions with myself using my telescope to view the night sky as well during the evening and we should also be able to see a lot without the telescopes as long as it’s clear.

“Exmoor National Park is Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve and it’s not very well-known out there as a place to stargaze, with or without a telescope, so we’re keen to support anything like this that helps raise awareness of this wonderful night sky and what we can see from our very own doorstep.”

Exmoor’s international dark sky designation means that in favourable conditions it is a fantastic place for viewing the stars with the naked eye and a telescope isn’t always necessary.

“The evening will start from 7pm where we will welcome guests to our restaurant and dining room for drinks and a hearty Cottage Pie Supper will then be served from 7.30pm. A little later in the evening, Seb, who wrote the book ‘Exmoor Dark Skies’, and I will be on hand with our telescopes to guide everyone through the night sky. Seb will impart some of his extensive knowledge gained from more than 20 years of stargazing. I will also have the hotel’s own telescope available to view the night sky.

“Exmoor’s International Dark Sky Designation means that in favourable conditions it is a fantastic place for viewing the stars with the naked eye and a telescope isn’t always necessary. Exmoor is one of the best places in the country for stargazing as it has very little light pollution and is often free from clouds. According to the Campaign for Dark Skies, less than 10% of people in the UK can see a natural night sky full of stars above them. But interest is growing annually.”

Tickets for the Pie at Night Stargazing evening at Dunkery Beacon Country House Hotel on Thursday, November 1 cost £19.50 per person.

This includes either a 125ml glass of wine, a bottle of beer/cider or a soft drink and a cottage pie supper plus the guided talk by Seb and chance to view the stars. In the event of cloudy weather, Seb will give an indoor presentation instead.

“For Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, I am more than happy to guide guests who stay with us through the wonders of the solar system, and beyond, with the aid of the hotel’s Newtonian Telescope.

“As one of my other passions is photography, there’s always the chance for guests to do some astrophotography as there are some great photos to be had when the skies are clear.”

But it’s not just the heavens that look good at the multi-award-winning Dunkery Beacon Country House Hotel, the bedrooms, service and food are also star-studded.

“All rooms have pocket-sprung beds, big fluffy towels and top-notch toiletries. Guests are provided with fresh locally ground coffee, tea from nearby Minehead, fresh spring water and milk, and homemade shortbread so they can unwind after a long journey or have a midnight feast!

“Our rooms have white Egyptian cotton sheets and guests are offered the option of either synthetic or feather and down bedding. Our Egyptian or Turkish cotton bathroom towels are either 550 or 600gsm in weight and are very fluffy too.”

John has more than 27 years’ experience in catering, notching up numerous top chef roles in this country and overseas.

Jane also has a background in hospitality and worked in the wine industry for more than 15 years.

John added:

“We pride ourselves on offering luxury accommodation for those wishing to escape the humdrum of day-to-day life and to unwind in a truly tranquil location with stunning scenery all around.

“Our award-winning Coleridge Restaurant offers relaxed yet classic dining with a seasonally changing, à la carte menu and a focus on locally-sourced produce and our wine list is supplied by top London merchants, Berry Bros. & Rudd. We’re the only establishment in the area to offer such a sophisticated selection of wines to diners.

“We use as much local, seasonal produce as possible including Exmoor honey, eggs, pork and even offers Exmoor roasted coffee and blended tea.

“Also on the menu is sea bass, bream, trout, cod and scallops from the nearby Devon coast - Exmoor straddles both Somerset and Devon."

The Pie at Night Stargazing evening at Dunkery Beacon Country House Hotel takes place on Thursday, November 1 and tickets cost £19.50 per person.

To find out more, please call Dunkery Beacon Country House on 01643 841 241 or visit www.dunkerybeaconaccommodation.co.uk.