A FREE history festival exploring the Doone Valley and wider Exmoor landscape will take place on June 28 and 29.

Hosted by the National Trust, the Lorna Doone Valley History Festival invites visitors to discover the stories that shaped Exmoor through a programme of talks, walks, and workshops.

The festival offers a window into the lives of railway workers and pioneering women photographers, as well as exploring the dramatic transformation of the landscape in the 19th century.

It is a collaborative celebration, bringing together the National Trust, Exmoor Society, Dovery Manor Museum, Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, and local historians Dr Henry French and Tim Williams.

Visitors can look forward to sessions covering the life of R D Blackmore and his novel Lorna Doone, the fight for Exmoor in the 19th century, and the social history of the valley.

Giles Perkins, trustee of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in the Doone Valley History Festival.

“The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway was instrumental in opening up the North Devon area to visitors and bringing its culture and stories to the rest of the UK.

“Our revitalised railway continues to play a key role in the Exmoor tourism offer and we’re excited to tell our stories at the festival.”

James Adams, programming and partnerships officer at Lorna Doone for the National Trust, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing the history of the Doone Valley and Exmoor to life with the help of local historians and partners.

“This festival is a fantastic opportunity for people to connect with the stories, people, and places that have shaped this special part of the world.”

The festival will run from 11am to 5pm on both days.

For more information, visit the National Trust website.