Set within a 1200 acre estate, Dartington Hall, a Grade I listed venue in the tranquil Devon countryside, is hosting a spectacular line up of events, inspirational courses and festivals throughout the year. Utterly unique in the area, Dartington Hall is a social enterprise venue, whereby society not the business profits, and has a long history of using its land and activities to provide learning opportunities and entertainment for all ages and interests. 

Headline events are listed below, but an abundance of other captivating events and courses are available from fly fishing breaks, digital photography and floristry workshops to a five day 'Wild Craftival' on the River Dart or the soon to launch, 'A Farmer for a Day' experience. Not forgetting a year-long film programme shown in Dartington Hall's remarkable 14th Century Barn Cinema. 

Spring is in the air! Easter (Sunday 27th and Monday 28th March) is a beautiful time of year across the estate and always celebrated at Dartington Hall. Amongst the glorious daffodils and crocuses emerging in the grounds, enjoy live music, special offers in the shops, farm tours and activities for the children.

Simon Weston's 'My Life, My Story' (9th April) finale of his sell out UK tour, is set to be a truly inspirational show about one man's journey from the front line of war, being on the edge of death, to today a happy and contented father, grandfather and national treasure. Hosted by BBC Radio Devon Presenter, and Simon's closest friend David Fitzgerald, guaranteed to be a fascinating and poignant evening.

Wedding season is fast approaching, and for any newly engaged couples searching for a distinctive and magical wedding venue with character, history and great service, Dartington Hall ticks all the boxes. Stunning grounds, fabulous locally sourced food and always tailored to the bride and grooms exact requirements. Dartington Hall's Wedding Fair (24th April) is a perfect opportunity to meet Dartington Hall's experienced team and a huge variety of highly recommended suppliers including outstanding cake suppliers, fabulous florists, experienced photographers, venue dressers, an ice cream trike, sweet cart and musicians! Free entry, complimentary luxury goody bags, champagne and canapés will be available.

Party in the Town (Friday 27th May) is part of the new year-round Arts programme at Dartington. This exciting annual event is a night of music and performance in Totnes, with free entry to all. It celebrates the panoramic local music scene and vibrant cultural life that the community of Totnes and its surrounding areas has to offer. 

This Spring Bank Holiday (Sunday 29th and Monday 30th May), The Shops at Dartington is the place to be – join the fun at the 6th annual Food Fair for a delicious day out that will be to the whole family's taste! With over 40 of Devon's finest food and drink producers showcasing their mouth-watering wares in and around the main marquee – in addition to those demonstrating in the expanded Food Shop, there is plenty to tempt the appetite.

For those who have a huge appetite for books, Dartington's literary festival, 'Ways With Words' (8th-17th July) is just the ticket and a chance meet those who write them. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this festival is a vibrant and joyful 10-day event with an invigorating atmosphere. The mission of the festival is to “promote both the written and the spoken word” and to gather people in spectacular surroundings, where they can share the pleasure and power of language and ideas.

Dartington's Community Day (Wednesday 1st June) will give everyone a flavour of what Dartington is all about. Bring the family, a picnic to enjoy on the Great Lawn and experience the best of the Dartington Hall Estate. On the day there will be a range of activities for all ages at this free event, including magicians, musicians, tractor and trailer rides, face-painting, wood-working, archery, pony rides and sample local produce.

With over eighty public concerts and events scheduled throughout August, Dartington's International Summer School and Festival (throughout August) is definitely the place to be for a wonderful summer of music, arts and creativity! Open to everyone from professional musicians and music students, but also those who just love to listen, these events attract some of the most celebrated artists, poets and thinkers. Try a masterclass with world-class performers, experience poetry and multimedia courses, yoga and a wealth of different dance genres.

Don't rush off after one of Dartington Hall's fabulous events, stay overnight in the beautiful 4* accommodation located around a 14th century medieval courtyard and enjoy the surroundings. Step through the charming original doors to one of the 50 rooms, each a mix of heritage and comfort with antique features to discover throughout. 

Stroll across the Courtyard to discover Dartington Hall's Two Rosette White Hart Bar and Restaurant with an emphasis on locally sourced food, as well as offering great value for money. The White Hart is a place to enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal before or after an event, in atmospheric surroundings at the heart of the estate's stunning formal gardens and leafy woodland paths.

For more information about the various events scheduled throughout the year please log on to Dartington Hall's website www.dartington.org

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

• Extremely accessible, within easy driving reach of Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth, Dartington Hall is the largest medieval manor house in The West of England.

• Rich in history, Dartington Hall has existed for over a thousand years, mentioned in the Royal Charter of 833 and again in the Domesday Book of 1086. The Elmhirst family bought the estate in 1925 when it was badly run down and most of the Great Hall was in ruins. They spent much time and money restoring the estate to its former glory and building additional properties within the grounds. 

• Renowned as one of Devon's top wedding venues, Dartington Hall offers 5 licensed ceremony rooms including outdoor ceremony space and banqueting for up to 144 guests in the magnificent Great Hall.

• It is also ideal for corporate days and business meetings with 12 comfortable meeting rooms, all well-equipped offering natural daylight and spectacular views across the estate. For those wishing to explore the grounds, an array of team building activities are on offer, the perfect setting for a corporate event.

• The Dartington Estate is many things to many people but one aim underpins everything, how the estate is used to stimulate new thinking and action to help develop a more sustainable, more just and more enriching world.

• Since its conception in 1975, Dartington Hall has evolved from being one of Devon's best kept secrets, offering accommodation to delegates attending The Trust led courses and events, to one of Devon's largest venues with an overall capacity of 1700. Dartington Hall is a Social Enterprise generating revenue to support the charitable work of The Trust.

For further information, photography or an interview with Tej Walia, General Manager at Dartington Hall, please contact:

Hayley Reynolds at RAW PR and Marketing

Email: hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk

Telephone: 01548 550 429 / 07887 474 104

Twitter: @HayleyJReynolds / @RawSW