Milky Way over Ravenscar by Steve Bell

Dark Skies Festival: 5 to 21 February 2027

Join us and the Yorkshire Dales National Park to celebrate the wonders of our skies and explore two incredible International Dark Sky Reserves in the peak of our stargazing season. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Dark Skies Festival is your chance to experience the magic of unspoilt dark skies. Visit the North York Moors National Park and enjoy walks, cycling, wellbeing and creative events after dark, as well as amazing stargazing events.

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The North York Moors is one of only 27 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!

Jan 23, 2027 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Magical Moonlight Coastal Walk at Robin Hood's Bay

Join Adventures for the Soul and AFS Mountaineering, for a 4 to 6 mile circular night walk starting at Robin Hood's Bay.

Walking by the light of the full - or...

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Feb 1, 2027 - Feb 28, 2027

Stargazing Break at The White Horse Lodge Hotel

Escape to the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay while exploring the spectacular dark skies of the North York Moors National Park.

This special offer includes:

Feb 5, 2027 - Feb 21, 2027

Stay and Gaze at Helmsley Meadows

Book a stay at Helmsley Meadows, a collection of luxury cabins and a beautiful cottage on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The cabins are perfect for...

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Feb 5, 2027 - Feb 21, 2027

Star Spotting at The Green, Lastingham

Escape to The Green, a beautifully renovated 18th-century cottage in the picturesque village of Lastingham, nestled in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. Sleeping up to six...

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Feb 5, 2027 5:00 PM

Walking & Night Navigation Using The Stars - Goathland (Heartbeat Country)

For when the winter sun goes down and the darkness is upon us we feel compelled to retreat within the safety of our homes; closing out the nocturnal countryside instead...

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Feb 5, 2027 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Stargazing with Richard Darn at Sutton Bank

A sky full of wonder as we get into festival mode.

This is the first in a brilliant series of events to mark the Dark Skies Festival across the North York...

Read More

Feb 6, 2027 5:00 PM

Walking & Night Navigation Using The Stars - Helmsley & Rievaulx Abbey

For when the winter sun goes down and the darkness is upon us we feel compelled to retreat within the safety of our homes; closing out the nocturnal countryside instead...

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Feb 6, 2027 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Stargazing at RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Attend an Astro Dog stargazing event at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and experience the magic of stargazing under truly dark skies! Enjoy a guided tour of the night sky, learn about...

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Feb 6, 2027 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Stargazing with Richard Darn at Sutton Bank

A sky full of wonder as we get into festival mode.

This is the second in a brilliant series of events to mark the Dark Skies Festival across the North York...

Read More

Feb 7, 2027 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Stargazing at RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Attend an Astro Dog stargazing event at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and experience the magic of stargazing under truly dark skies! Enjoy a guided tour of the night sky, learn about...

Read More

Feb 12, 2027 5:00 PM

Walking & Night Navigation Using The Stars - Robin Hood's Bay

For when the winter sun goes down and the darkness is upon us we feel compelled to retreat within the safety of our homes; closing out the nocturnal countryside instead...

Read More

Feb 12, 2027 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Stargazing with Richard Darn at Sutton Bank

A sky full of wonder as we get into festival mode.

This is the third in a brilliant series of events to mark the Dark Skies Festival across the North York...

Read More

Feb 13, 2027 5:00 PM

Walking & Night Navigation Using The Stars - Sutton Bank, White Horse Circuit

For when the winter sun goes down and the darkness is upon us we feel compelled to retreat within the safety of our homes; closing out the nocturnal countryside instead...

Read More

Feb 13, 2027 6:45 PM - 10:00 PM

Whitby Night Photography Workshop

Do you fancy trying your hand at photographing something different? If so, then why not join local landscape photographer Richard Burdon and learn how to shoot stunning images of the...

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Feb 13, 2027 6:45 PM - 10:00 PM

Whitby Night Photography Workshop

Do you fancy trying your hand at photographing something different? If so, then why not join local landscape photographer Richard Burdon and learn how to shoot stunning images of the...

Read More

Feb 13, 2027 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Stargazing with Richard Darn at Sutton Bank

A sky full of wonder as we get into festival mode.

This is the fourth in a brilliant series of events to mark the Dark Skies Festival across the North York...

Read More

Feb 19, 2027 5:00 PM

Walking & Night Navigation Using The Stars - Hole of Horcum

For when the winter sun goes down and the darkness is upon us we feel compelled to retreat within the safety of our homes; closing out the nocturnal countryside instead...

Read More

Feb 19, 2027 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Stargazing with Richard Darn at Sutton Bank

A sky full of wonder as we get into festival mode.

This is the fifth in a brilliant series of events to mark the Dark Skies Festival across the North York...

Read More

Feb 20, 2027 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Magical Moonlight Coastal Walk at Robin Hood's Bay

Join Adventures for the Soul and AFS Mountaineering, for a 4 to 6 mile circular night walk starting at Robin Hood's Bay.

Walking by the light of the full - or...

Read More

Feb 20, 2027 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Stargazing with Richard Darn at Sutton Bank

A sky full of wonder as we get into festival mode.

This is the last in a brilliant series of events to mark the Dark Skies Festival across the North York...

Read More