Stargazing

Here in the Yorkshire Dales, we have some of the darkest skies in the UK.

The superb dark skies of the Yorkshire Dales National Park are one of the things that make it such a special place. Free from light pollution, it is a stargazer’s paradise.

You can get fantastic views of the night sky, stars and planets just about anywhere in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The more remote you are from ambient light sources, including street lamps, the better.

On a clear night you could see as many as 2,000 stars. In most places in the National Park it is possible to see the Milky Way, as well as planets, the northern lights, shooting stars – and not forgetting the Moon.

I can't imagine a better destination for rest, together times, and walking throughout the adjoining countryside.

- Hazel Brow Guest

Northern Lights

And it’s not just the stars you can see. The dark skies of the Dales and northern location mean you could also see the Northern Lights. The nearby Tan Hill, home to the highest pub in England, is a great spot for viewing auroras. The dark skies of The Dales are also good for nocturnal wildlife like owls.

Seasonal star spotting

See the planets and galaxies in spring, Perseid meteor shower in summer, star clusters and the Orionids in autumn and in winter, the best time for seeing the starry skies, gaze up at the magnificent Orion and the Geminids meteor shower. There’s plenty of dark skies magic to see all year round.

Stargazing

Star gazing in the Yorkshire Dales

Star spotting

Northern Lights

Seasonal star spotting

14 February - 02 March 2025

Dark Skies Festival

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