Milky Way over Ravenscar by Steve Bell

Dark Skies Festival 9 February - 25 February 2024

We're delighted to be showcasing our ninth Dark Skies Festival - full of activities and opportunities 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).

This two week long festival has an events programme jam packed full of exciting after dark adventures for the full family to explore. So, get prepared for the wonders of what's to come in our ninth Dark Skies Festival, taking place in February 2024...

So, what are you waiting for? Tis the season to look up and marvel at the thousands of sparkles in the sky. There's stay and gaze packages to spend a night under the stars, all manners of night walks, stargazing aplenty, daytime adventures and craft activities, bat-box making, mindful experiences and much more. See our exciting programme below.

Extend your visit and book dark skies friendly accommodation so you can explore during the daytime too!

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...

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

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...

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27th Jan 2024 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm

Winter Owl Evening

Wrap up warm and join us for a magical “must-do” evening event with the world’s most famous nocturnal birds! Winter Owl Evenings are a great idea for an evening out...

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2nd Feb 2024 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Festival Stars under Dark Skies

The North York Moors famous Dark Sky Festival begins on the 9 Feb, but Richard Darn is offering a sneak preview! With no moon in the sky we'll see more...

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9th Feb 2024 - 25th Feb 2024

Stargazing in Dalby Forest

Join Astro Dog for a magical evening of stargazing in Dalby Forest.

Astro Dog offer exciting, interactive, stargazing sessions in the enchanting setting of Dalby Forest. Dalby Forest is a designated...

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9th Feb 2024 10:00 am - 15th Feb 2024 3:00 pm

Star Gazing at Alum House Luxury B&B

Book your starry stay at Alum House Luxury B&B this Dark Skies Festival!

Guest rooms are equipped with loungers, blankets, pillows, binoculars, hot chocolate and additional Dark...

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9th Feb 2024 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Terrington Stargaze - Dark Sky Festival 2024

Join us for an exciting stargazing evening near the beautiful village of Terrington. It’s being hosted by Birkdale Farm as part of a new dark skies project by the Howardian...

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10th Feb 2024 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Starry Nights Watercolour Workshop

Join artist Ione Harrison for a Dark Skies watercolour painting workshop to celebrate and explore a starry, starry night. This watercolour workshop is suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners...

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10th Feb 2024 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Whitby Night Photography Workshop

Do you fancy trying your hand at photographing something different during the North York Moors Dark Skies Festival? If so, then why not join local landscape photographer Richard Burdon and...

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17th Feb 2024 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Whitby Night Photography Workshop

Do you fancy trying your hand at photographing something different during the North York Moors Dark Skies Festival? If so, then why not join local landscape photographer Richard Burdon and...

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17th Feb 2024 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Festival Stars and a Stunning Moon

As part of the North York Moors Dark Sky Festival we are spending a night on the moon! You will be amazed by how much we can see on the...

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22nd Feb 2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Starry Nights Watercolour Workshop

Join artist Ione Harrison for a Dark Skies watercolour painting workshop to celebrate and explore a starry, starry night. This watercolour workshop is suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners...

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23rd Feb 2024 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Magical Moonlight Coastal Walk

Come and join Adventures for the Soul and AFS Mountaineering for a magical, moonlight, night experience that is so much more than a walk.

Feel wonder and awe as...

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24th Feb 2024 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Magical Moonlit Meander- full moon experience for women

Join Adventures for the Soul for a magical moonlit night experience for women. This will be a wonderful opportunity to switch off, slow down and take time out for you....

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