Dark Skies Festival 18 February to 06 March 2022
View the Yorkshire Dales in a different light.
We are now officially an International Dark Sky Reserve and we’re delighted to bring you our Dark Skies Festival 2022 programme, filled with opportunities to get out and enjoy our wonderful dark skies.
With an array of Festival events and Dark Sky Friendly places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find lots of opportunities to linger, look up and marvel at the beauty of our amazing night skies this autumn.
We're looking forward to seeing you!
Friday, 11.02.22 to Sunday, 06.03.22
Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail – Dark Skies Planet Trail
Discover the planets of our solar system as you follow the Planet Trail through the woodland of the Ingleborough Estate leading to Ingleborough Cave. Learn mind-blowing facts as you travel millions of miles, through the cosmos, towards the Sun. The 2.5 mile/4km walk is popular with people of all ages. The walk to Ingleborough Cave […]
Read MoreFriday, 18.02.22 to Sunday, 06.03.22
Aysgarth Falls Planet Trail
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a place where you can find the most wondrous star-filled skies, free from light pollution. Learn fun facts about the planets and star constellations in our solar system along the self guided Trail. The Planet Trail is in Freeholders Wood, Which is just a few metres away from the […]
Read MoreFriday, 18.02.22 to Sunday, 06.03.22
Dark Skies Crafts in the Creation Station
The creation station’s fun drop-in and self-led activities are associated with exploring our dales skies’ life and traditions. Make nocturnal animals, learn about the past and reflect on our stunning dark sky within the National Park. Included in museum admission.
Read MoreFriday, 18.02.22 to Sunday, 20.02.22
Stargaze from the Temple Folly
As part of this year’s Dark Skies Festival, we are offering our unique 18th century temple folly as the perfect romantic retreat for couples to relax under the stars. Stargaze from the stone balcony, or while relaxing in the outdoor wood-fired couples hot tub, or sat at the fire pit toasting marshmallows. The Temple enjoys […]
Read MoreSaturday, 19.02.22
Come stargazing by Canoe with How Stean Gorge
Sorry, all spaces on this event are now fully booked but please contact us as extra dates are being planned! Glide and paddle your rafted Canoe along Scar House Reservoir surrounded by the moon and stars (weather permitting) Ever thought of having a go at Stargazing? Scar House Reservoir is 1 of 3 places in […]
Read MoreSaturday, 19.02.22
Festival Star Party, Keld
Join us for a stunning view of the early spring night sky in the ultra dark village of Keld in Upper Swaledale. This event is part of the Dark Sky Festival and we’ll take you on a magical tour using powerful telescopes to spy distant galaxies and sparkling star clusters. There will also be colourful […]
Read MoreSunday, 20.02.22
Guide to the heavens
This event is SOLD OUT but please see our website as private bookings can be made. Join astronomers from the Lime Tree Observatory in a tour through our solar system and out into our galaxy. If the weather is clear, telescopes will be available to enjoy the dark nights skies at Lime Tree Farm. This […]
Read MoreSunday, 20.02.22
SOLD OUT! – Stargazing Beneath Ingleborough
Join expert astronomers from GoStargazing for an evening of stargazing, and experience the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail as never before. A superb dark sky is one of the things that make the Yorkshire Dales National Park so special, and with large areas completely free from local light pollution, it’s a fantastic place to start your stargazing adventure. There’s […]
Read MoreMonday, 21.02.22
Canopy under the Stars
An evening of stars and stargazing. We will be out in the fresh air and safe from the elements under the large canopy. Arrive 18:00 for a hot drink and sausage sandwich with veggie option – included in ticket price, cakes extra. From 18:30, whilst the night falls, there will be a presentation of beautiful […]
Read MoreMonday, 21.02.22
A beginners guide to the night sky at the Wensleydale Ice Cream Parlour with Neill Sanders
Join us at the Wensleydale Ice Cream Parlour and learn from expert astronomer Neill Sanders of Go Stargazing how to find your way around the night sky, identify constellations and their brightest stars and if the weather permits go outside and see the constellations for real in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales night sky. […]
Read MoreWednesday, 23.02.22
Natures Night-time Marvels at Dales Countryside Museum
Join us at the Dales Countryside Museum for a dark skies extravaganza. It’s not only the stars that come out at night! Get ready to explore nature’s night-time neighbourhood with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as your intrepid guide… Discover the curious creatures who seek out midnight feasts, moonlit strolls and twilight temperatures. Get creative and […]
Read MoreWednesday, 23.02.22
In the Night Sky Live
Come and investigate the amazing sky full of stars. Learn about constellations and how our ancestors would have viewed the night sky. And then become a Dark Sky Ranger and understand just how important it is to look after and care for the night not just for now but for future generations. Delivered by “Space […]
Read MoreWednesday, 23.02.22
Guide to the heavens
This event is SOLD OUT but please see our website as private bookings can be made. Join astronomers from the Lime Tree Observatory in a tour through our solar system and out into our galaxy. If the weather is clear, telescopes will be available to enjoy the dark nights skies at Lime Tree Farm. This […]
Read MoreWednesday, 23.02.22
In the Night Sky Live – later session
Come and investigate the amazing sky full of stars. Learn about constellations and how our ancestors would have viewed the night sky. And then become a Dark Sky Ranger and understand just how important it is to look after and care for the night not just for now but for future generations. Delivered by “Space […]
Read MoreThursday, 24.02.22
Rocket Making and Solar System Fun at Dales Countryside Museum
Join us at the Dales Countryside Museum for a dark skies extravaganza. Come along on a cosmic adventure through through the Solar System with a family friendly talk by expert astronomer Richard Darn. Make your own rocket and launch into space with kids’ crafts in the Firebox Café. All dark skies activities included in the […]
Read MoreThursday, 24.02.22
Astronomical Evening at Aysgarth Falls
Join us at Aysgarth National Park Centre for an evening of stargazing near the site of the stunning Aysgarth Falls. The session will be led by astronomer Richard Darn, alongside local astronomer Steve Smith who also runs Yore Mill Craft Shop and Gallery in Aysgarth. The ticket price includes a free hot drink from The […]
Read MoreFriday, 25.02.22
Bike Ride and Pizza Planet Party
Follow a trail of stars and seek out the planets. Your reward for making it to the sun is to return to the Firebox Cafe for a planet pizza making session. Suitable for beginner cyclists all activities will be undertaken in a traffic free site. Bikes/helmets available to loan. Places must be booked £10 (includes […]
Read MoreFriday, 25.02.22
Meet the Stars of Gill Garth Farm
Visit a family run Yorkshire Dales hill farm. Meet the animals and see the stars come out over Pen-y-ghent. In the company of expert astronomer, Richard Darn, there will be a short walk onto the hillside (including stiles) to hear about the night sky visible in this remote area. Meet at 17.00. Booking essential. Email: […]
Read MoreFriday, 25.02.22
Askrigg Camping – Dark Skies Fell Run
Join me for an exciting night-time, off-road Fell Run adventure. This is a guided event, not a race. For more info and for all the T&C’s, please contact Heather – heather@askrigg-camping.co.uk This event is being held as part of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival 2022.
Read MoreFriday, 25.02.22
Astrophotography Photo Walk
As part of the 2022 Dark Skies Festival, Join Yorkshire Photo Walks at Malham’s dramatic Cove, after dark and point your camera skywards. Learn astrophotography techniques, capture stunning photographs of the night’s sky and master manual camera settings. If the weather isn’t on our side, we will train our cameras on the landscape and miraculously […]
Read MoreFriday, 25.02.22
The Pie at Night
Friday 25th February As part of the Dark Skies Festival 2022, we are delighted to announce an evening star gazing with Martin Whipp, the Director of the Lime Tree Observatory in Grewelthorpe, under some of the darkest skies in the UK. Come and enjoy a warming supper and a presentation, before stepping outside for some […]
Read MoreSaturday, 26.02.22
Come stargazing by Canoe with How Stean Gorge
Sorry, all spaces on this event are now fully booked but please contact us as extra dates are being planned! Glide and paddle your rafted Canoe along Scar House Reservoir surrounded by the moon and stars (weather permitting) Ever thought of having a go at Stargazing? Scar House Reservoir is 1 of 3 places in […]
Read MoreSunday, 27.02.22
Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette
Nethergill is a haven of peace and tranquillity and provides a great opportunity to get away from it all. To celebrate the Yorkshire Dales National Park Dark Skies Festival 2022, we are hosting a Mindful Stargazing event with Mark Westmoquette. As an astrophysicist and Zen teacher, Mark offers a unique method of mindfulness, based on […]
Read MoreSunday, 27.02.22
Guide to the heavens
This event is SOLD OUT but please see our website as private bookings can be made. Join astronomers from the Lime Tree Observatory in a tour through our solar system and out into our galaxy. If the weather is clear, telescopes will be available to enjoy the dark nights skies at Lime Tree Farm. This […]
Read MoreMonday, 28.02.22
Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette at Dent Meditation Centre
Come along for a truly magical dark skies experience with Mark Westmoquette to help de-stress, connect with your natural surroundings and be filled with the awesomeness of life and the cosmos. Mark is a former astrophysicist-come-Zen yoga and meditation teacher, and will guide you on a mindful stargazing journey, both indoors and outside, to explore […]
Read MoreWednesday, 02.03.22
Guide to the heavens
This event is SOLD OUT but please see our website as private bookings can be made. Join astronomers from the Lime Tree Observatory in a tour through our solar system and out into our galaxy. If the weather is clear, telescopes will be available to enjoy the dark nights skies at Lime Tree Farm. This […]
Read MoreWednesday, 02.03.22
Nightscape Photography in the Yorkshire Dales with Pete Collins
Learn how to shoot stunning images of starry skies over Dales landscapes with just a DSLR and a tripod. Pete Collins is an astronomer and photographer. Many of his stunning nightscape images are taken in the Dales and you can see his work at https://diamond-skies.co.uk/ It’s not essential but bring a DSLR and tripod if […]
Read MoreSaturday, 05.03.22
Come stargazing by Canoe with How Stean Gorge
Sorry, all spaces on this event are now fully booked but please contact us as extra dates are being planned! Glide and paddle your rafted Canoe along Scar House Reservoir surrounded by the moon and stars (weather permitting) Ever thought of having a go at Stargazing? Scar House Reservoir is 1 of 3 places in […]
Read MoreSaturday, 12.03.22
Come stargazing by Canoe with How Stean Gorge
Sorry, all spaces on this event are now fully booked but please contact us as extra dates are being planned! Glide and paddle your rafted Canoe along Scar House Reservoir surrounded by the moon and stars (weather permitting) Ever thought of having a go at Stargazing? Scar House Reservoir is 1 of 3 places in […]
Read More