On the 8th of December 2020 the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks were designated as International Dark Sky Reserves, joining an exclusive global family of Dark Sky Places.
The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are home to some of the darkest skies in the country, with large areas of unpolluted night sky where it’s possible to see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, meteors and even the Northern Lights. As part of a coordinated approach by the two National Parks, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), has granted Reserve status to both areas, which combined cover over 3500 km2 of northern England. This is by far the biggest such announcement in the UK and represents one of the largest areas in Europe to be simultaneously designated.
Both National Parks have worked hard over several years to achieve this award, gaining support from councils, parishes, landowners, businesses and renowned astronomical experts.
The North York Moors National Park hosts annually two Dark Skies Festival to coincide with the February and October/November half term holidays. For more information about the dark skies festival and other activities have a look at the North York Moors National Park website.
The Orangery at Cliff House Holiday Cottages, looking North.
If you’re interested in visiting the North York Moors National Park for the Dark Skies Festival, why not stay with us. We offer a range of self catering accommodation and provide useful maps, route cards and guide books to cater for the outdoor enthusiast. For more information about our cottages, please look here.
Banner Photograph Credit – Dark Skies at Ravenscar Credit Tony Bartholomew_NYMNP (2)
