May on Exmoor is a time brimming with new life, beauty & excitement. Of course, every month, Exmoor has a host of events, activities & seasonal stuff to get involved with. But here’s what’s happening this year (2023!) throughout this beautiful month of May on Exmoor…
Coronation Celebrations in May on Exmoor…
Of course the main thing that sets this May apart from the Mays of other years in Britain, is the Coronation of King Charles III! So there are many special events and tributes to celebrate this in May on Exmoor, including…
The Lyn & Exmoor Museum’s Coronations Exhibition
In the spirit of King Charles III’s coronation this month, the Lyn & Exmoor museum have put together a special exhibit with memorabilia from past coronations. Expect old souvenir programmes, photographs, mugs, plates, flags and even a Bakelite television produced in 1953, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, which many people would have gathered round to watch it on.
Saturday 6th May
Coronation Sea Pageant with the Lynmouth Shanty Crew
For a truly unique way to celebrate the Coronation, why not go down to Lynmouth Harbour to see the Lynmouth Shanty Crew sing their rendition of Heart of Oak, before they set sail. Patriotic dress encouraged and on the return of the pageant there will be a BBQ on the beach.
Dates: Saturday 6th May
Times: 5pm
Location: Lynmouth Harbour
Coronation Screening @ Winsford Village Hall
If you want to see the Coronation on a big screen and get into the spirit of things by celebrating with others, why not pop down to Winsford Village Hall where they will be screening the whole day?
Dates: Saturday 6th May
Times: All day
Location: Winsford Village Hall
Sunday 7th May
Coronation Celebration @ St Mary Magdalene’s
A celebration of the Coronation will be held at The Church of St Mary’s Magdalene on Sunday morning in Winsford.
Dates: Sunday 7th May
Times: Morning
Location: The Church of St Mary’s Magdalene, Winsford
Coronation Orchard Opening with the Lynmouth Shanty Crew
At East Lyn House by the wondrous Watersmeet, aforementioned singing seafarers will be at the opening & dedication of a Coronation Orchard, ready to regale you with songs from the sea. We highly recommend a walk down the river to Watersmeet for this musical magic.
Dates: Sunday 7th May
Times: 3pm
Location: East Lyn House, Watersmeet Road
Monday 8th May
Porlock’s Party in the Park
Porlock is celebrating the extra special Coronation bank holiday with a party in the park! There will be FREE cakes & cream teas, a bicycle gymkhana for kids, live music and a bar provided by our favourite Porlock local, The Top Ship.
Dates: Monday 8th May
Times: 1pm-5pm
Location: Porlock Recreation Ground
Winsford Community Gathering
The people of Winsford will be gathering together on the village green for more Coronation merriment from Midday on bank holiday Monday.
Dates: Monday 8th May
Times: 12pm onwards
Location: Winsford Village Green
Other things to do in May on Exmoor…
Of course, the fun this month on Exmoor doesn’t stop after the Coronation’s over and done with…
Wednesday 10th May
Lampshade Making Workshop
The Exmoor Society is offering a beautiful arts & crafts workshop for you to make your own lampshade! So if you’ve got a hankering to do up your decor why not get involved? Cost: £45pp – which includes all materials.
Dates: Wednesday 10th May
Times: 6pm
Location: The Exmoor Society, 34 High Street, Dulverton TA22 9DJ
Saturday 13th May
Cliff Railway Victorian Steampunk Day
Believe it or not the UK has a National Cliff Railway Day! This year will be the 6th year it’s taken place, and the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway are celebrating with a Victorian Steampunk gathering! If you go dressed up in Victorian or Steampunk clothing you get to ride the world’s highest, steepest, totally water powered funicular railway for FREE. There will also be themed music & entertainment – a great one for the family and dogs are welcome.
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st May
Porlock Open Gardens
The annual Porlock Open Gardens weekend allows you to explore some gorgeous gardens which would not normally be open to the public, as the locals with the greenest of fingers show off their flora & fauna. If trees, plants & flowers make you as happy as they make us, you’re in for a treat here. Booking essential – cost: £7.50pp. (No dogs allowed.)
Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st May
Times: 2pm-6pm
Location: Bossington Lane, West Porlock & Porlock Weir
Sunday 21st May
Glorious Gardens 2023 – Arden Cottage
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to horticulture this weekend! The stunning Arden cottage with its centuries old Wisteria and fragrant lavender & rose gardens is also open to the public on Sunday 21st May. There’s a beautiful lawn with tables & a pergola where you can enjoy a cream tea too. Entry is free but donations are welcome.
Dates: Sunday 21st May
Times: 1pm-4pm
Location: Arden Cottage, No. 33 Long Street, Williton TA4 4QU
Thursday 25th May
Porlock’s Coastal Wildlife Walk
Join The Exmoor Society for a beautiful circular walk starting in Bossington, going up to Hurlstone Point for its incredible views, and then down onto Porlock Marshes & the shingle ridge of Bossington Bay. Along the way you’ll be introduced to a plethora of wonderful wildlife creatures and features. Booking essential – cost: £5pp.
Dates: Thursday 25th May
Times: 10am-1pm
Location: National Trust Car Park, Bossington
Saturday 27th May
Dulverton Farmers Market
On the last Saturday of every month (April-September) the Dulverton Farmers Market springs to life. Go along for the opportunity to purchase gorgeous local produce, such as ales from The Cottage Beer Project, Northmoor Gin from The Exmoor Distillery, fresh bread from Lucho Bakes, preserves and chutneys from The Selworthy Pantry and spicy stuff from The Culmstock Chilli Co, as well as a range of beautiful arts & crafts.
Dates: Saturday 27th May
Times: 10am-2.30pm
Location: Lion Stables Car Park (opposite Tantivy) – Dulverton
Sunday 28th May
Porlock Duck Race!
Oh yes, you read it right. This is the annual Porlock Duck Race! Hundreds of rubber duckies will be taking to the the river (carefully numbered) for a race to the finish line. There are big prizes to be won by the fastest ducks and there will be a bar, BBQ and ice creams for sale. Free entry & parking. All proceeds support the Porlock Carnival on 2nd September.
Dates: Sunday 28th May
Times: 2pm
Location: Sparkhayes Campsite
So there you go – that’s a host of wonderful things to get involved with or pop along to in May on Exmoor. And if that isn’t enough to be getting on with, why not follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more regular updates and inspiration?
Of course the other thing we can absolutely help you with, is a beautiful holiday cottage for all your Exmoor May-hem!
