Our annual Dark Skies Festival will run from 05 to 21 February 2027.
The Festival is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of the night sky and learn more about the universe we live in. With its stunning landscapes and clear skies, the Yorkshire Dales is the perfect place to celebrate dark skies and appreciate the wonders of the universe. The stunning dark sky of the National Park, free from light pollution, is one of its very special qualities. And we are thrilled to have been designated a Dark Sky Reserve by DarkSky International (formerly International Dark-Sky Association). Each year we host a free Planet and Constellation Trail in the woodland at Aysgarth Falls and a Planet Trail along a section of the Dales Way between Buckden and Hubberholme . These self-guided trails offer a unique experience where you can walk among models of the planets, learn fascinating facts, and even take part in a quiz to test your dark skies knowledge! Local businesses in and around the Yorkshire Dales National Park are hosting various events to help visitors get under the starry skies and experience the best of the Yorkshire Dales by night. Events and activities include stargazing talks with expert astronomers at some of the best locations in the Park, night-time fell running, astro-photography and canoeing in the dark. There are also plenty of family friendly fun such as rocket making, nocturnal wildlife talks, planet trails and dark skies crafts. Check out this calendar of interesting astronomical events to look out for during the Festival, and throughout the year.Come and discover the beauty of the dark skies here in the Yorkshire Dales for yourselves and stay with one of our Dark Sky Friendly businesses. These businesses include accommodation providers but also activity providers, and offer specific activities, facilities, information or services to enhance your stargazing experience during your stay. If you have stars in your eyes from all our Festival talk, you can read more about stargazing in the National Park or download our top tips brochure.