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)

Join the celebrations of Exmoor’s dark skies. Live and virtual Festival events are taking place all over the National Park.

All events must be pre-booked and numbers are limited due to covid-19 safety measures. See the full events listing and booking details.

*             Ranger Guided Night Walks
*             Stargazing Guides
*             Outdoor Adventures in the Dark
*             Well-being Retreats under the Stars
*             Dark Skies Adventure by Boat
*             Stargazing Suppers
*             Dusk Safaris
*             Expert Astronomy Talks
*             Star & Nature Evenings

North York Moors Fringe Festival (23 October-1 November 2020)

It's the first of its kind and a chance to celebrate the special dark skies of the North York Moors for a second time in one year! Expect much of the same sparkle and celestial fun of February's festival.

New activities to join the list of favourites include dark skies trail runs, moorland meanders under a moonlit sky, live baby barn owl streaming and stay and gaze packages at dark skies accommodation. See the full line up under North York Moors events.

All events have Covid-19 safety measures in place, and most must be pre-booked. Numbers will be limited and therefore early booking is recommended.

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. The theme for 2021 is nocturnal wildlife. Be prepared to get up close and personal with things that go bump in the night!

We're working on a line up to provide a fascinating insight into our precious wildlife when the sun goes down. We hope to reveal the importance of dark skies and how being free from light pollution plays a crucial role to many species' existence. Keep a watchful eye, events are to be released shortly.

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.