This weekend, Okehampton is set to host a Destination Dartmoor event which the public are invited to attend.

The event is free and takes place from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 24th September and will see a day celebrating creativity, history and exploration

The event is part of the Destination Dartmoor Project and will see an array of activities taking place at Okehampton station which is the terminus station for the Dartmoor line which reopened for regular passenger services back in November 2021.

Some activities need to be booked ahead due to numbers being limited so book now to avoid missing out!

Taking place at Okehampton station:

• A Victorian photo booth will be available to visit with photographs taken by heritage photography expert Stephen Rafferty. The photo booth will be available from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm.
• A Hand-built solar-powered station clock has been specially created by artist and inventor Peter Moon for the event. The clock is completely unique and is inspired by the steampunk movement and will be in action on the heritage platform.
• The documentary, Remembering Okehampton Station will be shown on a loop throughout the day in the main station building. The film was made by students from Okehampton College’s media department who have worked alongside the Dartmoor Railway Association to collect stories from previous railway workers.
• The short film, The Fireman (2009) is an early film by BAFTA award-winning Cornish filmmaker Mark Jenkin and will be shown on a loop throughout the day in the main station building, in alternation with the Remembering Okehampton Station documentary.
• The Wren Music Junk Band will be meeting at 2pm on the heritage platform, and are inviting everyone to come along and create a band from rubbish. The band will set up their junk instruments which are made from recycled industrial items such as gas pipes and car wheels. Those attending will learn rhythms and make new sounds, altogether making a band! No musical experience is needed to enjoy this activity which is hosted by professional music leaders from Wren Music. Suitable for all ages however children must be accompanied by an adult.

  

Taking place on board trains:

• Art on the Train activity takes place with award-winning poet and artist Sally Crabtree. Sally will be travelling on the 10.32am departing from Exeter Central to Okehampton and the 11.27am departing from Okehampton to Exeter Central. The activity will see anyone travelling able to dig into Sally’s art trolley and create Dartmoor-themed postcards, edible poetry and much more. This activity requires no booking and is free however train fares do apply.

Bookable events:

All bookable events are free, however, they must be booked ahead.

• A photography walk will take place from 11am to 12.30pm with Harry Fricker who will teach attendees how to frame photographs in order to create beautiful images. Meet outside the entrance of the main station and following a short walk, the workshop will get underway, starting and ending at Simmons Park which is close by. The activity supports all kinds of cameras including camera phones or tablets and is suitable for all abilities and those aged 12+. Book now to secure your place.
• A station heritage walk will take place from 12pm to 1pm with Tom Baxter from the Dartmoor Railway Association and will see a tour of the station and an opportunity to learn about its restoration and re-opening. Meet at the entrance of the heritage platform. Book now to secure your place.
• A mindful photography walk will take place from 1.30pm to 3pm and will see a practical introduction to using photography in order to connect with nature to support personal well-being. This activity requires no prior experience and will not feature technical photography tips. All types of cameras including camera phones and tablets are suitable for the activity. Meet outside the entrance of the main station, following a short walk the workshop will commence at Simmons Park which is nearby. Book now to secure your place.
• A Nature walk with Dartmoor’s Daughter will take place from 1.45pm to 4pm with activity host Emma Cunis. Those attending can enjoy a walk whilst exploring the flora and fauna of Dartmoor. This activity sees a moderate 2.5-mile walk on tarmac roads, through woodland and fields. Attendees are advised to wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing. Meet outside the entrance to the main station. Book now to secure your place.