Welcome to National Parks Dark Skies Festivals
National Parks remain some of the darkest places in Great Britain and we celebrate our star-studded skies at Festivals throughout autumn and winter.
Our Dark Skies festivals are all about discovering, learning and enjoying the dark and the stars you can see as a result. This could mean getting out for an activity such as cycling, walking, running or caving at night, attending a stargazing party, or taking part in a daytime event, learning more about star constellations or making a rocket.
There are events for families, first-time stargazers and those wishing to expand their knowledge or astrophotography skills further. We work with local astronomy clubs and other star loving organisations to help you discover the wonder of the night skies above your National Parks.
Upcoming Dark Skies Festivals
South Downs (7-23 February 2020)
Held over two weeks in February, the Festival celebrates their International Dark Skies Reserve designation with star parties, talks, observations and other family activities.
North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales (14 February-1 March 2020)
Since 2016's inaugural event, the Festival has become an unmissable fixture in the calendar, with the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities celebrating the jewels of the night sky. We go further in 2020 with activity themed around exploration. With over 100 events, join us on a nebula adventure to explore the cosmos for the fifth Dark Skies Festival.
Exmoor (October/November 2020 - dates tbc)
As daylight hours begin to fade, October is a great time to celebrate the skies at the annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival.
Where to go stargazing
You don't have to wait for a Festival to admire the night sky in all its stellar glory. Find out where the best places are to go stargazing in our National Parks throughout the year.
Our National Parks
Northumberland
Northumberland National Park forms part of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Unveiled in December 2013 and at 572 square miles (1,483 square kilometres) it is also Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. Thanks to its pristine skies it was awarded gold tier designation by the International Dark Sky Association, making it officially the best place in England for people to go to enjoy the heavens.
North York Moors
When the sun sets in the North York Moors, another breathtaking view emerges – a sky full of stars! The low levels of light pollution and dark skies of the National Park are one of the things that makes it such a special place. Come and join in our star-filled festival of fun and learn more about the magic above us, with events suitable for all ages.
Events in the North York Moors
South Downs
We think our star-studded skies overhead are as valuable as our beautiful rolling landscapes and, with properly dark skies in the South East of England under threat, our International Dark Sky Reserve status is a statement that the skies of the South Downs are worth protecting.
Events in the South Downs
Yorkshire Dales
Its superb dark skies are one of the things that make the Yorkshire Dales National Park so special. With large areas completely free from local light pollution, it's a fantastic place to start your stargazing adventure.
Events in the Yorkshire Dales