The Poltimore Inn is an Exmoor National Park Dark Sky accredited business. Exmoor National Park was granted its International Dark Sky status in 2011 and was the first in Europe to earn this accolade.
Alan, the proprietor of the Poltimore Inn, first enjoyed the wonders of the night sky when looking at the Moon with his uncle using a brass telescope on top of a coalbunker! His interest was further sparked by the Moon landings and continues right up to today with the ISS operations and launch of the recent James Webb Space Telescope. The building of the Poltimore Inn Observatory helps him share his passion for astronomy and space exploration and hopefully inspire both young and old just as he was those many years ago.
The Poltimore Inn Observatory holds regular monthly events run by Astronomers Jo and Pete Richardson which can be booked by visiting our stargazing events page https://www.thepoltimoreinnnorthmolton.co.uk/stargazing-observatory
It can also be hired by individuals or groups once completion of our 4-session telescope course has been undertaken. This can also be booked through the above link or contact us for more information.
https://www.thepoltimoreinnnorthmolton.co.uk/contact
Within the observatory, we have a permanently Polar and star aligned Meade LX200 12-inch telescope, a new era “smart” telescope in the Unistellar Ev-Scope, as well as numerous other manual telescopes and Skywatcher Dobsonians for beginners. It features an electronic roll off roof, a private outdoor decking observation area, as well as private amenities, plus tea and coffee making facilities.
