Yorkshire

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844_Rosedale-Milky-Way-by-Tony-Marsh.jpg-resized.jpg" alt="Dark Skies Festival Rosedale Milky Way" class="wp-image-1883" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844_Rosedale-Milky-Way-by-Tony-Marsh.jpg-resized.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844_Rosedale-Milky-Way-by-Tony-Marsh.jpg-resized-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844_Rosedale-Milky-Way-by-Tony-Marsh.jpg-resized-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844_Rosedale-Milky-Way-by-Tony-Marsh.jpg-resized-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rosedale Milky Way. Photo by Tony Marsh</figcaption></figure>



Lights out and look up! Awarded <a href="https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/stargazing-and-dark-skies/what-does-international-dark-sky-reserve-mean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Dark Sky Reserve</a> status by <a href="https://darksky.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DarkSky International</a>, the <a href="https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/north-york-moors-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North York Moors</a> and <a href="https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/yorkshire-dales-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yorkshire Dales</a> National Parks are two of only 21 locations in the world to be recognised for pristine, dark skies, far from light pollution. There are few better places to look up to the heavens and marvel at the thousands of stars, constellations, planets, northern lights and nebulae that glitter above.



Both National Parks staged the UK’s first Dark Skies Festival in 2016 and are now preparing to jointly host the 10th Anniversary from 14 Feb – 2 Mar with another star-studded programme of after-dark activities for all ages. The Festival will coincide with an opportunity to see one of the best planetary displays for years as Venus, Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus and Neptune all line up on the same side of the sun.



This so-called ‘Planet Parade’ will last throughout February making the Festival’s astronomy events and night sky safaris, where powerful telescopes will help showcase the cosmic spectacle, even more out of this world. But you don’t need to wait till then to make the most of the night sky as there are stargazing events all winter long, as well as dark skies friendly accommodation with special stay and gaze packages.



Perhaps it’s partly due to all the recent spectacular showings of the Aurora Borealis – including here in Yorkshire – that younger people in particular are beginning to see the light – shunning traditional nights out in favour of adventurous activities such as stargazing. And when you browse the seemingly never-ending infinity of events to celebrate the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Dark Skies Festival, you can appreciate why.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844-star-trail-dalby-forest-cClasslane-Media.jpg" alt="Dark Skies Festival Star Trail Dalby Forest" class="wp-image-1884" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844-star-trail-dalby-forest-cClasslane-Media.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844-star-trail-dalby-forest-cClasslane-Media-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844-star-trail-dalby-forest-cClasslane-Media-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-844-star-trail-dalby-forest-cClasslane-Media-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Star trail Dalby Forest. Photo credit Classlane Media.</figcaption></figure>



The Festival’s 17-day run is officially launching over Valentine’s Day and the start of half-term, but there&#8217;s daytime, family-friendly <a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/cosmic-adventures-at-stump-cross-caverns/2025-01-25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmic Adventures</a> workshops at Stump Cross Caverns in Nidderdale every weekend from 25 Jan to 30 Mar or the <a href="https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/north-york-moors-events/northyorkmoors/dark-sky-meander-and-stargazing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark Sky Meander &amp; Stargazing in Dalby Forest</a> on 22 Mar.



Here is our starter for 10 must-sees on the space programme and as some events such as the Birthday Bashes are already sold out, I’d rocket on to book your place.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1000-x-1250-Maggie-Aderin-Pocock-hi-res.jpg" alt="Dark Skies Festival Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock" class="wp-image-1885" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1000-x-1250-Maggie-Aderin-Pocock-hi-res.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1000-x-1250-Maggie-Aderin-Pocock-hi-res-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1000-x-1250-Maggie-Aderin-Pocock-hi-res-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1000-x-1250-Maggie-Aderin-Pocock-hi-res-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Space scientist and broadcaster Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.</figcaption></figure>



1. Renowned space scientist and broadcaster Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock will give a special preview talk <a href="https://shop.beyonk.com/hl3h2ac9/experiences/8epqbv7a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reaching for the Stars – an exploration of the night sky</a> at Sneaton Castle near Whitby on 13 Feb.



2. <a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/dark-skies-safari-at-broughton-sanctuary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broughton Sanctuary</a> near Skipton is thrilled to be hosting the opening celebration for the 10th Anniversary with a four-day programme of dark skies events. Aptly on Valentine’s Day (other dates are also available), guests will be invited to dine in the woodland shelter of the Fire Temple before enjoying the romance of stargazing. Children will love cosmic cinema screenings and nature walks through the rewilded landscape showing why darkness matters to wildlife and our own wellbeing from 14 – 17 Feb.



3. <a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/27-malham-cove-magical-full-moon-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malham Cove Magical Full Moon Experience</a> with Adventures for the Soul is a once in a blue moon chance (couldn&#8217;t resist) to traverse down to Janet’s Foss in the dark. Exuding even more of a mystical atmosphere on big shiny, full moon nights or when it is very dark, it’s a spine-tingling, but-oh-so exhilarating experience. You’ll discover more about the folklore of this magical, mysterious place on 15 Feb.



4. Stargazing with <a href="https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/north-york-moors-events/northyorkmoors/stargazing-in-dalby-forest-25-feb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astro Dog</a> at Dalby Forest is extra-special as Nicole and Simon are stars at showing amateur astronomers how to navigate the night sky through telescopes, binoculars and even with the naked eye. We were enthralled to see the craters of a full moon and Jupiter’s four moons as clear as day. Even when cloudy, there is the chance to sit in a pop-up planetarium and wonder at the constellations above over various dates from 7.30 pm.



5. Relish an astronomy supper at <a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/astronomy-supper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elsworth at the Mill</a> near Skipton and a Ramble through the Solar System with Martin Lunn MBE, who was Curator of Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yorkshire Museum</a> for over 20 years. On 21 Feb from 6.30/7pm – 11 pm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-999-Rievaulx-Abbey-cRussell_Norman-NYMNP.jpg" alt="Rivaulk Abbey Dark Skies Festival" class="wp-image-1887" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-999-Rievaulx-Abbey-cRussell_Norman-NYMNP.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-999-Rievaulx-Abbey-cRussell_Norman-NYMNP-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-999-Rievaulx-Abbey-cRussell_Norman-NYMNP-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-999-Rievaulx-Abbey-cRussell_Norman-NYMNP-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rivaulx Abbey. Photo credit: Russell_Norman NYMNP</figcaption></figure>



6. Join a <a href="https://walk-yorkshire.co.uk/products/dark-skies-festival-walks?variant=42195445776559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cistercian guided walk</a> under dark skies following a seven-mile circular route linking ancient monuments from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey on 23 Feb.



7. A celestial night to remember at <a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/an-evening-under-the-stars-at-aysgarth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aysgarth Falls Hotel</a> at Leyburn with a Turf &amp; Sky three-course menu and guided presentation from astronomer Neill Sanders on 25 Feb.



8. <a href="https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/13-access-the-dales-dark-skies-walk-join-us-under-the-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Access the Dales Dark Skies Walk</a> on an inclusive guided evening event designed for all at Grimwith Reservoir in the Yorkshire Dales. The easy route is suitable for all-terrain wheelchairs, ensuring a welcoming experience for everyone with supper afterwards on 28 Feb.



9. A <a href="https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/north-york-moors-events/northyorkmoors/starry-night-watercolour-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starry Night Watercolour Workshop</a> in Welburn, Ryedale with talented artist Ione Harrison suitable for adults of all levels from absolute beginners to anyone wanting to explore new techniques. No drawing needed, you’ll create two starry night skyscapes to take home with you on 28 Feb from 10 am – 3 pm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-1000-Orion-over-Saltwick-Bay-North-York-Moors-National-Park-cTony-Marsh.jpg" alt="Dark Skies Festival Orion over Saltwick Bay" class="wp-image-1889" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-1000-Orion-over-Saltwick-Bay-North-York-Moors-National-Park-cTony-Marsh.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-1000-Orion-over-Saltwick-Bay-North-York-Moors-National-Park-cTony-Marsh-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-1000-Orion-over-Saltwick-Bay-North-York-Moors-National-Park-cTony-Marsh-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/01/1500-x-1000-Orion-over-Saltwick-Bay-North-York-Moors-National-Park-cTony-Marsh-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Orion over Saltwick Bay NYMNP</figcaption></figure>



10. New for this year, <a href="https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/north-york-moors-events/northyorkmoors/dancing-with-the-long-dead-stars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dancing with the Long Dead Stars</a> on a short walk from Boggle Hole YHA down to the beach to mark the Spotify launch of their debut album Whitby Mudstone, inspired by the geology and dark skies of the Yorkshire coast.



Perennial favourites at the Dark Skies Festival include astro photography sessions; nocturnal nature rambles; night navigation; mindfulness walks; magical moonlit meanders; mini bus tours; kayaking; mountain biking; painting and star parties. The annual event has become so popular that there is even a fringe festival during autumn, while related activities such as <a href="https://www.ncbp.co.uk/visit-us/winter-owl-evenings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winter Owl Evenings</a> are available at other times.



Go on, reach for the stars at <a href="https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk</a>.

Northern lights: 10 star picks for the 10th Dark Skies Festival

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