Dark Skies Festival: North York Moors events

North York Moors Events

Milky Way over Ravenscar by Steve Bell

Dark Skies Fringe Festival 25 October - 03 November 2024

One festival in February isn't enough! We know you want to #SeeMoorStars so we added another fixture to the stargazing calendar, our fifth Dark Skies Fringe Festival! It's a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, start your stargazing journey and truly appreciate the delights of the night.

Prepare yourself to welcome in the stargazing season with night navigation walks, astrophotography workshops, dark skies watercolour sessions, dinners surrounded by stars and so much more. Take a look at the programme below and join us to celebrate some of the darkest night skies.

Dark Skies Festival 10th anniversary 14 February - 02 March 2025

We're delighted to be showcasing our fifth Dark Skies Fringe Festival and our tenth Dark Skies Festival in the up-coming year - these two festivals will be full of activities and opportunities for you to appreciate the wonders of the night sky.

The North York Moors is one of only 21 locations in the world to be recognised for pristine, dark skies. We're an International Dark Sky Reserve, awarded by DarkSky (formerly International Dark-Sky Association).

Get prepared for your star-studded visit to the North York Moors and book a stay with one of our dark skies friendly accommodation providers. Not only will you get to experience this International Dark Sky reserve for longer, you will have the opportunity to meet the fantastic businesses that help us keep our skies dark.

We hope you can join us to celebrate!

22nd Nov 2023 10:30 am - 22nd Nov 2024 4:00 pm

Constellation Rubbing Trail at Danby Lodge National Park Centre

Come and try our new permanent Dark Sky themed rubbing trail at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.

Explore the grounds and find the constellation rubbing plaques, use your brass...

Constellation Rubbing Trail at Sutton Bank National Park Centre

Come and try our new permanent Dark Sky themed rubbing trail at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.

Explore the grounds and find the constellation rubbing plaques, use your brass...

Illuminated Whitby Abbey

Join English Heritage for an unforgettable evening beneath the soaring illuminated remains of Whitby Abbey. Time Will Tell theatre group will take you on a journey into a nightmare world...

Stars and S'Mores

Book an October Week Holiday during the North York Moors National Park Dark Skies Fringe Festival and Cliff House will give you a complimentary Hot Chocolate and S'Mores kit for...

Eat surrounded by stars

A set 3 course meal plus coffee at the beautiful Carr House Farm in the North York Moors - using local produce to be eaten at a "long table" surrounded...

Hole of Horcum – Levisham circular walk at night

Join Walk Yorkshire for this six mile circular walk that combines the Hole of Horcum/Levisham. Walk leader Kevin will not only go into the deep history of the area, he...

Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank

Join Large Outdoors for a unique Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank in the North York Moors. This event is perfect for those looking to explore the wonders of the...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Whitby and District Astronomical Society present a Dark Skies Event

Enjoy star gazing through the Astro team’s telescopes during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival to explore the fantastic stars above us. If the skies are cloudy, learn...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Sutton Bank – White Horse Circuit dark skies walk

Join Walk Yorkshire to explore Sutton Bank at night. Once described by James Herriot as the finest view in England, what better place to start your dark skies adventure. Read More

26th Oct 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Family stargazing at Danby Lodge

Join Cosmic Wonders for an introduction to stargazing and astronomy, suitable for all the family! Learn to navigate the stars, hear stories of the constellations, and discover our universe together...Read More

26th Oct 2024 6:45 pm

Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank

Join Large Outdoors for a unique Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank in the North York Moors. This event is perfect for those looking to explore the wonders of the...

Night Navigation Experience

Join Large Outdoors for a chance to learn night navigation and stargazing under the dark skies of the North York Moors National Park.

Book your place here: Night...

Whitby Night Photography Workshop

One again, Richard Burdon will be running a night photography workshop at Whitby in conjunction with the North York Moors National Park Dark Skies Festival.

Do you fancy trying your hand...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Winter Owl Evenings

Wrap up warm and join the National Centre for Birds of Pray for a magical “must-do” evening event with the world’s most famous nocturnal birds during the North York Moors...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Dark Skies Watercolour Workshop

A painting workshop to celebrate and explore a starry, starry night. This watercolour workshop is suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners to anyone wanting to explore new techniques. No...

Ink and Moonlight: An Experiential Nature-Inspired Linoprint workshop

Are you looking to find some magic, wonder and connection in the darkness? In this experiential workshop you will be led through a nature-based visualisation, read some atmospheric poetry, and...

The Cistercian Walk under dark skies

This is a 7 mile circular walk linking ancient monuments set within the beautiful North York Moors with Walk Yorkshire, starting at 4:30pm will take you from the light into...

Dark Skies Festival Night Walk Lastingham

Join Large Outdoors for a special Dark Skies Festival night walk along footpaths and trails around the village of Lastingham in the North York Moors National Park, a designated International...

Dark Skies with the Whitby Astronomical Society

Join Whitby Astronomical Society for an in-depth presentation on the spectacular things that can be seen in our night skies. Followed by a picture show and Q&A.

Then...

Dark Skies Festival Night Walk at Sutton Bank

Join Large Outdoors to enjoy the very special experience of walking at night through the Sutton Bank landscape, under the North York Moor’s dark skies.

Listen to what's around...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Dark Skies Sound Walk

A free dark skies sound walk lead by Cecilia Tyrrell (sound artist). The walk will take place along Sutton Bank and as we walk we will listen, noticing how...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Park in the Dark at Danby Lodge National Park Centre

Join us for a twilight wander around the grounds of Danby Lodge. We’ll lead you on a shadowy stroll through the woods, stopping here and there to investigate life in...

Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank

Join Large Outdoors for a unique Dark Skies Experience at Sutton Bank in the North York Moors. This event is perfect for those looking to explore the wonders of the...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Robin Hoods Bay night walk – A Smugglers Paradise

This coastal walk starts and finishes in Robin Hoods Bay the busiest smuggling community on the Yorkshire coastline during the 18th century. With countless tales of thieves, rogues and smugglers,...

Dark Skies Festival Night Walk at Sutton Bank

Join Large Outdoors to enjoy the very special experience of walking at night through the Sutton Bank landscape, under the North York Moor’s dark skies.

Listen to what's around...

Dark Skies with the Whitby Astronomical Society

Join Whitby Astronomical Society for an in-depth presentation on the spectacular things that can be seen in our night skies. Followed by a picture show and Q&A.

Then...

Dark Skies - Walking in Heartbeat Country

Surrounded by high moors and interlaced with cascading streams and waterfalls, Heartbeat Country is a walker’s paradise. You will experience the Mallyan Spout Waterfall, which at over 60 feet, is...

Dark Skies Festival Night Walk Robin Hood’s Bay

Join Large Outdoors for a fabulous walk from the iconic Robin Hood’s Bay to experience the coastline of the North York Moors National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Reserve,...

Winter Owl Evenings

Wrap up warm and join the National Centre for Birds of Pray for a magical “must-do” evening event with the world’s most famous nocturnal birds during the North York Moors...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Stargazing in Dalby Forest with AstroDog

Join AstroDog at the incredibly dark Dalby Forest for a fantastic evening of stargazing during the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival.

Learn about asterisms, constellations, how to...

Sensory Wander: A Dark Sky Walk for Women

Join Claire and Jenny to walk at night, in a protected Dark Sky reserve for a sensory, imaginary, playful and transformative experience, as part of the North York Moors National...

Dark Skies Fringe Festival 25 October - 03 November 2024

Dark Skies Festival 10th anniversary 14 February - 02 March 2025

22nd Nov 2023 10:30 am - 22nd Nov 2024 4:00 pm

22nd Nov 2023 10:30 am - 22nd Nov 2024 4:00 pm

24th Oct 2024 6:00 pm - 2nd Nov 2024 9:00 pm

25th Oct 2024 - 3rd Nov 2024

25th Oct 2024 - 3rd Nov 2024

25th Oct 2024 4:30 pm

25th Oct 2024 6:45 pm

25th Oct 2024 7:00 pm

25th Oct 2024 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

25th Oct 2024 10:00 pm

26th Oct 2024 4:30 pm

26th Oct 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

26th Oct 2024 6:45 pm

26th Oct 2024 6:45 pm

26th Oct 2024 7:00 pm

26th Oct 2024 7:00 pm

26th Oct 2024 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm

26th Oct 2024 10:00 pm

27th Oct 2024 10:00 am - 1:10 pm

27th Oct 2024 11:00 am - 3:30 pm

27th Oct 2024 4:30 pm

27th Oct 2024 6:45 pm

27th Oct 2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

28th Oct 2024 6:45 pm

28th Oct 2024 7:00 pm

29th Oct 2024 6:00 pm

29th Oct 2024 7:00 pm

30th Oct 2024 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

31st Oct 2024 6:45 pm

31st Oct 2024 7:00 pm

1st Nov 2024 4:30 pm

1st Nov 2024 6:45 pm

1st Nov 2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

2nd Nov 2024 4:30 pm

2nd Nov 2024 6:45 pm

2nd Nov 2024 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm

2nd Nov 2024 7:00 pm

2nd Nov 2024 10:00 pm

3rd Nov 2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

23rd Nov 2024 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

15th Feb 2025 6:45 pm

18th Feb 2025 6:45 pm

19th Feb 2025 6:45 pm

21st Feb 2025 6:45 pm

22nd Feb 2025 6:45 pm

22nd Feb 2025 6:45 pm

23rd Feb 2025 6:45 pm

28th Feb 2025 6:45 pm

1st Mar 2025 6:45 pm

1st Mar 2025 6:45 pm