Discover Dark Skies in North Yorkshire in the October Half Term
The North York Moors National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastlines, and vast open spaces, but during autumn, it transforms into something even more magical: a paradise for stargazers. This October, the Dark Skies Festival returns, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the awe of the night sky, unobscured by light pollution. The festival is an unmissable event for anyone looking to connect with nature in one of the most serene settings in England.
What Is the Dark Skies Festival?
The Dark Skies Festival is an annual celebration of the beauty of the night sky, designed to educate and inspire people about the wonders of astronomy. It’s held across both the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, which are recognised as International Dark Sky Reserves. This designation ensures that the night skies here remain clear and unpolluted by artificial light, making it one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.
This year’s festival is set to take place during October Half Term, with a diverse range of events and activities planned to bring the beauty of the cosmos closer to visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a first-time stargazer, there’s something for everyone.
What to Expect at the Dark Skies Festival
The Dark Skies Festival isn’t just about stargazing — it offers a blend of outdoor adventure, educational talks, and family-friendly activities. Some of the exciting events you can look forward to include:
- Stargazing Sessions:
Expert-led stargazing events will be taking place throughout the festival. With powerful telescopes, you’ll have the chance to witness planets, distant galaxies, and thousands of stars twinkling above the moors. Look out for special sessions focusing on the planets Saturn and Jupiter, and learn about the constellations visible during the autumn months. - Night Walks and Wildlife:
For those who love exploring the outdoors, the festival includes guided night hikes. These walks will take you through the peaceful landscapes of the moors, where you’ll learn about nocturnal wildlife and experience the beauty of the night in its purest form. Keep an eye out for barn owls and bats that thrive in this untouched environment. - Astrophotography Workshops:
If you’re a keen photographer, you’ll love the astrophotography workshops on offer. Learn how to capture the Milky Way, star trails, and other celestial wonders on camera. With the North York Moors as your backdrop, these workshops are the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and create stunning visual memories. - Family-Friendly Activities:
The Dark Skies Festival is perfect for families looking for educational and entertaining activities. Kids will be able to join interactive sessions that explain the science behind the stars, create their own star maps, and participate in space-themed arts and crafts. - Planetarium Shows:
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry! Many venues across the North York Moors will be hosting indoor planetarium shows. These immersive experiences will take you on a journey through the universe, offering a close-up view of galaxies, nebulae, and other astronomical phenomena.
Why Visit the Dark Skies Festival?
A visit to the Dark Skies Festival is more than just an event — it’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature in one of the most peaceful and beautiful settings in the UK. Here’s why you should consider adding this to your autumn plans:
- Escape Light Pollution:
Cities are filled with artificial light, which makes it nearly impossible to see the stars. The North York Moors is one of the few places in the UK where you can see the night sky in all its glory. - Learn Something New:
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the festival offers plenty of opportunities to learn about astronomy, wildlife, and photography. - Perfect for Families:
The family-friendly events mean there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter their age.
Cliff House Holiday Cottages: Your Perfect Dark Skies Retreat
If you’re planning to visit the Dark Skies Festival, why not make Cliff House Holiday Cottages your base? Located just a short drive from key festival locations, our cottages offer the perfect retreat after a night of stargazing. With cosy log fires, spacious gardens, and access to our indoor swimming pool, you can relax and unwind in comfort. What’s more for any week long stay during the Dark Skies Festival, we are giving our guests S’Mores kits with biscuits, marshmallows and hot chocolate to enjoy by our woodland campfire.
Our location near the North York Moors National Park makes it easy to explore all that the Dark Skies Festival has to offer, and after a night of cosmic exploration, you’ll love returning to the peaceful surroundings of our cottages. Book your stay with us today and experience the magic of the North York Moors at night.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a longer break, the Dark Skies Festival is a unique opportunity to explore the universe from one of the UK’s most beautiful locations. Don’t miss this chance to marvel at the stars — plan your visit to the North York Moors this October and make your autumn getaway truly unforgettable.
For more information about the festival and to see the full schedule of events, visit the North York Moors National Park website. We look forward to welcoming you to Cliff House Holiday Cottages for a starlit escape!
