Dark Skies Fringe Festival 25 October - 03 November 2024
Dark Skies Festival 14 February - 02 March 2025
View the Yorkshire Dales in a different light.
We are officially an International Dark Sky Reserve as awarded by DarkSky International (formally the International Dark-Sky Association) and we’re delighted to bring you our fabulously dark and starry skies.
With an array of Festival events hosted by local businesses 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.
February 2025 will see the 10th Anniversary of our main Dark Skies Festival and will be a celebration not to be missed!
We're looking forward to seeing you!
Saturday, 01.02.25 to Sunday, 02.03.25
The Buckden – Hubberholme Planet Trail
Be amazed at the vastness of our solar system and learn fun facts along this free, self-guided (1.5 mile/2.5km) Planet Trail and receive a little prize when you hand in […]
Read MoreSunday, 09.02.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreWednesday, 12.02.25
Introduction to the Wonders of the Night Sky
Yorkshire Dales environmental campaigning charity, Friends of the Dales with Keighley Astronomical Society brings you an introduction to the wonders of the night sky. The part theoretical, part practical event […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25 to Sunday, 02.03.25
Dark Skies Champing™ – Stay at St Mary’s Church in Arkengarthdale
Calling all stargazing enthusiasts! The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the darkest skies in the country. With large areas of unpolluted night sky, it’s possible to see the […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25 to Sunday, 02.03.25
10 Year Anniversary of the Dark Skies Festival
🌌 Join us in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Park to celebrate the beauty of the night skies and our monumental 10th Anniversary of the Dark Skies […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25 to Monday, 17.02.25
Dark Skies Safari at Broughton Sanctuary
Dark Skies Festival 2025 Broughton Sanctuary is thrilled to host the opening celebration for the 10th Anniversary celebration event of the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Dark Skies Festival, set to […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25 to Sunday, 02.03.25
Planet and Constellation 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 […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25 to Sunday, 02.03.25
Star gazing stays at Stay Lambing Live
Event- Star gazing stays. Description- Romantic star gazing stay for 2 at our cottage Stay Lambing Live. Keep warm in the wood fired hot tub while you look at the […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25
By the Light of the Moon – Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette
By the Light of the Moon 4.00pm – 5.00pm Nature Recovery Films Broughton Sanctuary’s Rewilding Journey. Explore Broughton’s conservation efforts that earned it a place on National Geographic’s Cool List […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25
By the Light of the Moon – Solar System Wonders with Chris Higgins (family-friendly)
By the Light of the Moon 4.00pm – 5.00pm Nature Recovery Films Broughton Sanctuary’s Rewilding Journey. Explore Broughton’s conservation efforts that earned it a place on National Geographic’s Cool List […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.02.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreSaturday, 15.02.25 to Monday, 17.02.25
Cosmic Cinema: We are Aliens – Planetarium and Rewilding Films
Cosmic Cinema: Exploring Life Beyond Earth and Our Journey to the Moon Saturday 15 to Monday 17 February 10.00am – 3:30pm Includes 30 minute planetarium plus 1 hour nature film […]
Read MoreSaturday, 15.02.25 to Monday, 17.02.25
Cosmic Cinema Forward to the Moon – Planetarium and Rewilding Films
Cosmic Cinema: Exploring Life Beyond Earth and Our Journey to the Moon Saturday 15 to Monday 17 February 10.00am – 3:30pm Includes 30 minute planetarium plus 1 hour nature film […]
Read MoreSunday, 16.02.25
Morning Sunrise Reflections with Mark Westmoquette
Morning Sunrise Reflections Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February 8.00am – 9.30am £26 per person A Journey with Nature and Light Begin the morning with Zen Yoga by Dr. Mark […]
Read MoreSunday, 16.02.25
Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection with Mark Westmoquette
Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February 1.00pm – 2.30pm with Dr. Mark Westmoquette 3.00pm – 4.00pm Nature Recovery Films £26 […]
Read MoreSunday, 16.02.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreSunday, 16.02.25
By the Light of the Moon – Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette
By the Light of the Moon 4.00pm – 5.00pm Nature Recovery Films Broughton Sanctuary’s Rewilding Journey. Explore Broughton’s conservation efforts that earned it a place on National Geographic’s Cool List […]
Read MoreSunday, 16.02.25
By the Light of the Moon – Solar System Wonders with Chris Higgins (family-friendly)
By the Light of the Moon 4.00pm – 5.00pm Nature Recovery Films Broughton Sanctuary’s Rewilding Journey. Explore Broughton’s conservation efforts that earned it a place on National Geographic’s Cool List […]
Read MoreSunday, 16.02.25
Malham Cove Magical Full Moon Experience – NEW DATE
Steeped in mystery and myth, Malham promises to provide an adventure like no other… A traverse down to Janet’s Foss in the dark exudes atmosphere on big shiny, full moons […]
Read MoreMonday, 17.02.25
Morning Sunrise Reflections with Mark Westmoquette
Morning Sunrise Reflections Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February 8.00am – 9.30am £26 per person A Journey with Nature and Light Begin the morning with Zen Yoga by Dr. Mark […]
Read MoreMonday, 17.02.25
Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection with Mark Westmoquette
Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February 1.00pm – 2.30pm with Dr. Mark Westmoquette 3.00pm – 4.00pm Nature Recovery Films £26 […]
Read MoreMonday, 17.02.25
Gruffalo’s Child themed woodland activity session
Join us at the The Dales Countryside Museum for a Gruffalo’s Child themed activity session this February half-term. Try your hand at whittling and learn new knife skills, build a […]
Read MoreMonday, 17.02.25
Cosmic Adventure at Stump Cross Cavern – Half Term Fun
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreMonday, 17.02.25
SOLD OUT! Café Under the Stars – 2025
Join Astronomer Paul Clark and explore the wonders of the late winter and springtime night sky! Arrive early at the Dales Bike Centre cafe with pizza specials, cake and hot […]
Read MoreMonday, 17.02.25
Dark Skies Social Run with Yorebridge Sport and Leisure
Dark Skies Social Run Dark Skies, Running AND getting to try out the Exposure Lights – that is a match made in starry heaven! Come and join us on Monday […]
Read MoreTuesday, 18.02.25
Cosmic Adventure at Stump Cross Cavern – Half Term Fun
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreTuesday, 18.02.25
Dark Skies Festival – Experience the Night Sky with Richard Darn
A dark skies presentation and celestial experience of a guide to the night sky with Richard Darn. We’ll go in search of wonders in the night sky as the winter […]
Read MoreWednesday, 19.02.25
Cosmic Adventure at Stump Cross Cavern – Half Term Fun
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreWednesday, 19.02.25
Pizza Planet Beginners Bike Activity
Start your afternoon with a planet pizza making session in our Firebox Cafe. Whilst your pizza is cooking work up an appetite following a trail of stars and seek […]
Read MoreWednesday, 19.02.25
Dark Skies at the Hostel at Hawes
Join us for a night under the stars at our lovely hostel. Get ready to witness the beauty of the night sky like never before. Our experienced guide, Astronomer […]
Read MoreWednesday, 19.02.25
Malham Cove – Stargazing/Night Time Landscapes Photo Walk
Join Yorkshire Photo Walks tutor Tom Marsh for an enchanting evening of night-time photography in the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. Discover the secrets of capturing stunning after-dark images as Tom guides […]
Read MoreThursday, 20.02.25
Dark Skies Tetrapak Workshop with Hester Cox
In this afternoon workshop, for adults, printmaker Hester Cox will demonstrate how to make unique and exciting printed images using recycled materials. Taking the night sky and the […]
Read MoreThursday, 20.02.25
Cosmic Adventure at Stump Cross Cavern – Half Term Fun
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreFriday, 21.02.25
Rocket Lab and Launch
Our Rocket lab is a drop in session where you will make a rocket and launch it outside. Please bring your own plastic 1l bottle if where possible. Spares […]
Read MoreFriday, 21.02.25
Cosmic Adventure at Stump Cross Cavern – Half Term Fun
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreFriday, 21.02.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreFriday, 21.02.25
Dark Skies in the Vale
Come experience the night sky like never before! As part of the 2024 Dark Skies Festival, the Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected Programme brings the night sky to you and presents an […]
Read MoreFriday, 21.02.25
Astronomy Supper at Elsworth at the Mill
Astronomy Supper, in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Dark Skies Festival. Date: Friday 21st February 2025 Time: 6.30/7.00pm – 11pm. Tickets: £29.50 This exciting, cosy, and […]
Read MoreSunday, 23.02.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreSunday, 23.02.25
DARK SKIES NIGHT HIKES – Hawes, Wensleydale
Gaze in awe at the Milky Way, marvel at millions of stars and soak up the unique atmosphere of an evening hike on one of our Dark Skies Night […]
Read MoreMonday, 24.02.25
Gaze and Graze Dark Skies Event
Gaze and Graze Dark Skies Event: Under some of the darkest skies in England, immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos with a captivating laser-guided tour of the constellations, […]
Read MoreTuesday, 25.02.25
An evening under the stars at Aysgarth
As part of the Dark Skies Festival, we’re hosting a celestial night to remember with a guided presentation from Astronomer Neill Sanders and we’re paying homage to the best local […]
Read MoreTuesday, 25.02.25
Another night of Cosmic Wonder
We get asked a lot about these nights As part of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival, we’ve managed to persuade Astronomer Richard Darn to host anothe one of his […]
Read MoreWednesday, 26.02.25
A Ramble through the Solar System at RIND 2025
After last year’s sell out success, we’re excited to welcome back Martin Lunn OBE to take us on celestial journey at Rind. Join us for an evening of cosmic exploration […]
Read MoreThursday, 27.02.25
Stargazing at Tupgill
Join Neill from Go Stargazing for an exploration of the night skies above the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Reserve. Enjoy a laser-guided tour of the constellations and learn simple tricks […]
Read MoreThursday, 27.02.25
Stargazing at The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa
Coniston’s Cosmic Canvas Star Gazing | Thursday 27 February 2025 Book now Join us for an out of this world dining experience in The Garnett Room. Astronomer, Sophie Carroll will […]
Read MoreFriday, 28.02.25
Dark Skies Monotype Workshop with Hester Cox
Join artist Hester Cox in celebrating the night and all things nocturnal on this fun and productive monotype workshop. Monoprinting is a direct and spontaneous way of making images and […]
Read MoreFriday, 28.02.25 to Sunday, 02.03.25
Dark Sky Stargazing Exclusive Experience at Ashes Farm, Celebrating the 10th Anniversary Night Sky.
Join us for a magical experience under the stars at Ashes Farm as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Yorkshire Dark Skies Festival! This special event is perfect for beginners […]
Read MoreFriday, 28.02.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreFriday, 28.02.25
Access the Dales – Dark Skies Walk, Join Us Under the Stars!
Dark Skies Walk Friday 28th February – Join Us Under the Stars! Following the amazing success of last February’s Dark Skies event, we’re thrilled to invite you to our […]
Read MoreSunday, 02.03.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreFriday, 07.03.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreSunday, 09.03.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.03.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreFriday, 14.03.25
Let There Be Dark
Celebrate some of the darkest places in Great Britain by discovering Langcliffe Quarry. Free your imagination during our sensory walk and creative writing workshop ‘ Let There Be Dark’ lead by […]
Read MoreSunday, 16.03.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreFriday, 21.03.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreSunday, 23.03.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreFriday, 28.03.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreSaturday, 29.03.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreSaturday, 29.03.25
Dark Skies Festival Activities at How Stean Gorge
Next Dates: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings between 1st November 2024 – 29th March 2025 How Stean Gorge is proud to be hosting the ever-popular Dark Skies Activities nights as part […]
Read MoreSunday, 30.03.25
Cosmic Adventures at Stump Cross Caverns
Blast off into an unforgettable journey through the stars with our Cosmic Adventures Workshop at Stump Cross Caverns! This exciting, family-friendly event combines education and creativity to explore the mysteries […]
Read MoreWednesday, 29.10.25
Dark Skies Family Crafting
Join Jane for a Dark Skies Festival family crafting drop in session Included in museum admission
Read More