Twistleton Scar - photographer Cr. Danny Lawson

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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Wednesday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Saturday, 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 […]

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Saturday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 More

Sunday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Monday, 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 […]

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Monday, 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 […]

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Monday, 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 […]

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Monday, 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 […]

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Monday, 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 […]

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Monday, 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 […]

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Tuesday, 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 […]

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Tuesday, 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 […]

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Wednesday, 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 […]

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Wednesday, 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 […]

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Wednesday, 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 […]

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Wednesday, 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 […]

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Thursday, 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 […]

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Thursday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Monday, 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, […]

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Tuesday, 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 […]

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Tuesday, 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 […]

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Wednesday, 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 […]

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Thursday, 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 […]

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Thursday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 More

Friday, 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 […]

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Friday, 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 […]

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Sunday, 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 More

Friday, 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 More

Sunday, 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 More

Friday, 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 More

Saturday, 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 More

Saturday, 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 More

Sunday, 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 […]

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Wednesday, 29.10.25

Dark Skies Family Crafting

Join Jane for a Dark Skies Festival family crafting drop in session Included in museum admission

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