Easter 2026: Seven Years of Growth and a Guide to Dartmoor Events 2026
Easter is nearly over and the valley is truly waking up. This spring feels particularly special as we celebrate a major milestone: it’s been seven years since we first moved back to Dartmoor to begin the Wray Valley adventure! As we look ahead to a busy season of Dartmoor Events 2026, we are so grateful to everyone who has been part of our story so far.
From renovating our first rooms to welcoming so many of you to this beautiful corner of the world, it’s been an incredible journey. It’s been seven years of growth and restoration, and you can read our updated Green Story here to see how our journey and our ethos have evolved since we first arrived.
Grab a cuppa and read on for:
- our 100-year-old woodland mystery,
- the new 18-inch upgrade in the Teign Room,
- how to win our next B&B prize draw, and
- how to catch the May bluebell carpet before it’s gone!
Congratulations to our B&B Prize Draw Winners!
We are absolutely delighted to announce the winners of our latest draw: a lovely couple who are both in their final year of university. Having camped with us previously, the boyfriend decided to bring his girlfriend along to experience the valley together.
Living in busy, multi-occupancy student houses, they were craving a bit of space and stillness. Despite the unpredictable January weather, they truly made the most of the “peace and quiet” that defines Wray Valley. Seeing them recharge before their final exams was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do!
How you can win a 2-night B&B stay
The draw is open to all visitors — whether you’ve joined us for a day trip, pitched a tent in the meadow, or stayed in the B&B. To enter, simply complete the feedback survey after your next visit. Not only does it help us keep improving, but you might just find yourself back here for a free getaway!
A “Surprizing” Find: The 1920s Tizer Bottle
Conservation work in our woodland always turns up something interesting, but a recent find really took the biscuit! While working in the undergrowth, we unearthed a genuine piece of history: an original Tizer glass bottle dating back to approximately 1926.
It’s been “surprizing” the soil for nearly a century while the valley’s ecosystem flourished around it. It is a wonderful reminder that protecting our woodland is about more than just nature—it’s about preserving the layers of history that make this landscape so special. See the discovery on Instagram or Facebook here .
Our Woodland is now an official County Wildlife Site!
We are thrilled to share that our 10-acre woodland has been formally recognised as a County Wildlife Site (CWS). This designation by the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre highlights the importance of our rare “wet woodland” and deciduous habitats. It gives our “nature sponges” a much stronger voice in local planning, ensuring this ecosystem is protected for the future.
Conservation in Action: Halo Thinning for Future Veterans
As part of our ongoing Woodland Management Plan, we’ve been busy with “Halo Thinning” in the woods. By carefully clearing space around our most notable trees, we are giving these “future veterans” the breathing room and dappled light they need to thrive. It’s all about the long-term health and structure of our forest.
Don’t Miss the Bluebell Carpet!
One of the absolute highlights of our seven years here has been watching the woodland floor transform every spring. As a newly recognised County Wildlife Site, our”lowland deciduous” woodland provides the perfect conditions for a truly spectacular display of native bluebells.
That unmistakable carpet of deep blue usually peaks in May, and they’ll be gone before our next newsletter! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to see the valley at its most magical, now is the time to plan your visit. Whether you’re walking the Wray Valley Trail or staying overnight, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
The Big Green Step: Our New Heat Pump
Sustainability isn’t just about maintaining our “Green Tourism Gold” status; it is the core ethos of everything we do at Wray Valley. Our latest major project is the installation of a new Heat Pump. This replaces our old oil-fired system, moving us closer to the carbon-neutral future we are committed to. It joins our solar panels and intelligent hot water system as part of our permanent mission to live and work as lightly as possible on the land.
More Space in the Teign Room
We’ve also been working on updates to the Teign Room to improve comfort and accessibility. The most significant change involved moving the bedroom wall 18 inches, creating a much more spacious feel. Along with the underfloor heating and its stylish pyrography nameplate, it’s the perfect spot for a spring getaway.
Camping & Stays: Wild and Wonderful
The Hay Meadow is officially open for the season! These pitches offer a truly wild experience, nestled within the long grass and separated by swathes of uncut meadow as the summer progresses. It’s the ultimate Dartmoor escape by the Wray Brook.
For those who enjoy forest life, our Nearly Wild woodland pitches remain open all year round for the hardy souls. And if you prefer a bit more comfort during the cooler spring nights, our B&B rooms and Eco-Bothies are available to provide a cosy, warm retreat.
Spring Life: Tadpoles & Citizen Science
The pond is hopping! Have you been following our Tadpole Watch on Facebook and Instagram?
The pond is teeming with life! Our frog spawn hatched nearly 2 months ago, and the wildlife pond is now full of tadpoles —a fantastic sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. It has been fascinating watching them develop over the last few weeks. We’re encouraging all our guests to get involved in during their stay. Keep an eye out for amphibians, birds, butterflies and other insects and help us record the biodiversity that makes Wray Valley so special.
Away Days: Nature, Teamwork & Restoration
Did you know we now host bespoke Away Days at Wray Valley? Whether you are a business looking for team-building, a school seeking outdoor education, or a charity or youth group wanting to reconnect with nature, we offer the perfect setting. Groups can swap the daily routine for the fresh air of Dartmoor, participating in hands-on nature restoration projects right here on-site.
Groups can swap the daily routine for hands-on nature restoration projects right here on-site. From “Halo Thinning” in our new County Wildlife Site to citizen science at the pond, it’s a chance to make a real impact while recharging in the fresh Dartmoor air.
What’s On: Spring & Summer in the Valley
From traditional village Maypoles to world-class craft festivals, our local calendar is officially full for 2026. Whether you are staying in our B&B, our cosy Eco-Bothies, or pitching a tent in the Hay Meadow, there is so much to see and do just a short trip from our gates. In the next 3 months we have:
- Dartmoor Tors Festival – 30 April – 4 May: A five-day celebration of the moor’s culture, featuring folklore storytelling, archaeology talks, and guided walks.
- Lustleigh May Day – Saturday 2 May: A quintessentially British celebration in the Orchard. Watch the crowning of the May Queen and traditional Maypole dancing—just a 2-mile cycle or walk via the Wray Valley Trail
- Bovey Craft Festival – 12–14 June: Meet over 200 of the UK’s finest makers and join hands-on workshops in Mill Marsh Park.
- Moreton Music Day – Sunday 5 July: Twelve hours of free live music across Moretonhampstead, raising vital funds for local charities.
Discover our full Dartmoor Events 2026 Guide!
We’ve built a brand-new What’s On page on our website to help you plan your next escape. It features our complete seasonal timeline, from spring bluebells to the festive Boxing Day Duck Dash.
Share the Valley Love!
If you’ve enjoyed this update, we’d be so grateful if you could share it with a friend who loves Dartmoor as much as we do. Whether they are looking for a cosy Eco-Bothy retreat, a B&B break, or a night under the stars in our Hay Meadow, help them discover their next escape! Forward to a friend via Email, WhatsApp or Share on Facebook.
Thanks for Reading!
As always, thank you for your support and for choosing Wray Valley. Your encouragement means the world to us, and we hope this update has given you a little window into life in the valley this spring. We’d be truly grateful if you could take a moment to follow our journey online. It helps others discover the magic of Wray Valley and keeps us all connected between visits:
- Watch our Tadpoles on Instagram: See our “Tadpole Watch” series and daily reels from the pond.
- Like us on Facebook: Join the conversation about our 1926 Tizer find and woodland restoration.
- Subscribe on YouTube: For longer videos of Wray Valley and the changing seasons.
We wish you a wonderful Easter filled with unforgettable adventures and precious moments with loved ones. We look forward to sharing more stories with you soon—and hopefully seeing you back in the valley very soon!
Until next time, Michelle & Kevin
