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

Exmoor (16-31 October 2020)

As daylight hours begin to fade, October is a great time to celebrate the skies at the annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival.

North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales (12-28 February 2021)

Since 2016's inaugural event, the Yorkshire collaboration 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. Exploration was the theme in 2020 and both National Park's enjoyed their largest programme of events to date. Here's to another stellar line up in 2021.

South Downs (February 2021 tbc)

Held over two weeks in February, the Festival celebrates their International Dark Skies Reserve designation with star parties, talks, observations and other family activities.

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.