Dark Skies of the North York Moors: Stargazing, Events, and Night-Time Adventures
The North York Moors National Park is one of the UK’s best places for stargazing. By day, the Moors are known for sweeping heather landscapes, ancient woodlands, and hidden valleys. By night, their pristine skies reveal thousands of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way. In the darkest corners of the park, you can see up to 2,000 stars with the naked eye — a spectacle impossible in towns and cities.
1. International Dark Sky Reserve
In December 2020, the North York Moors was awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status by DarkSky (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association). One of only 24 such reserves worldwide, it recognises the area’s outstanding night skies, low light pollution, and clear horizons.
This designation also protects nocturnal wildlife, encourages responsible lighting, and ensures future generations can enjoy the wonder of starlit skies.
2. Best Stargazing Locations
The Moors offer countless spots for stargazing, from easy-to-reach visitor hubs to remote upland valleys:
- Sutton Bank – Panoramic horizons and accessible trails; ideal for families and events.
- Danby Lodge & Moorland Trails – Visitor centre with easy paths and dark-sky viewing areas.
- Bridestones & Blakey Topping – Open moorland, perfect for astrophotography.
- Rievaulx Terrace – Combine cultural heritage with views of the Milky Way above the abbey ruins.
- Rosedale Chimney Bank – Remote and peaceful, with minimal light pollution.
- Yorkshire Arboretum – Just outside the Moors, offering guided stargazing and bat walks.
3. Festivals & Annual Events
Every year, the North York Moors comes alive after dark with seasonal festivals:
- Dark Skies Festival (February) – A 17-day celebration with stargazing safaris, night runs, ghost walks, art workshops, and children’s trails.
- Dark Skies Fringe Festival (October half term) – Extra events including guided walks, family stargazing, and creative workshops.
- 2026 Dark Skies Festival – Running from 13 February to 1 March across the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales.
4. Stargazing Activities & Experiences
Visitors can enjoy everything from astronomy clubs to mindful night walks:
- Astronomy & Star Parties – Scarborough & Ryedale Astronomical Society (Dalby Forest) and Whitby Astronomical Society (West Cliff, Bruce Observatory).
- Guided Stargazing – Astro Dog telescope tours, Large Outdoors experiences at Sutton Bank, and Cosmic Wonders expert-led events.
- Astrophotography – Weekend workshops with Steve Bell Photography.
- Mindfulness & Night Walks – Yoga walks with Adventures for the Soul, bushcraft with Rewilding Adventure, and night navigation with AFS Mountaineering.
- Starfest – An annual three-night star camp at Dalby Forest with camping, talks, and rocket-building fun.
5. Dark Skies Friendly Businesses & Stays
The Dark Skies Friendly network, verified by northyorkmoors.org.uk, offers stays and activities tailored for stargazers. Many provide telescopes, star maps, blankets, or “Stay & Gaze” packages.
Recommended stays:
- High Dalby House – Observatory and telescope facilities.
- Rawcliffe House Farm – Rural cottages with dark skies on the doorstep.
- Fox & Hounds, Ainthorpe – Traditional inn with stargazing-friendly extras.
- Mallyan Spout Hotel, Goathland – Historic inn near moorland viewing points.
- White Swan Inn, Pickering – Boutique stay with easy access to Dalby Forest.
For the full list of Dark Skies Friendly properties and activity providers, see the North York Moors website.
6. Seasonal Stargazing Highlights
- Winter – Crisp skies and long nights, perfect for seeing constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.
- Spring & Summer – Warmer evenings for spotting planets and meteor showers.
- Autumn – Atmospheric landscapes and a great season for astrophotography, coinciding with the Fringe Festival.
7. Practical Tips for Visitors
- Dress warmly and bring chairs or blankets.
- Use red-light torches to preserve night vision.
- Check weather and moon phases before heading out.
- Apps like SkySafari or Star Walk help identify stars and constellations.
- Respect wildlife: keep to public paths and avoid disturbing habitats.
Discover the Magic of the Moors After Dark
With its International Dark Sky Reserve status, lively festivals, expert-led experiences, and welcoming Dark Skies Friendly stays, the North York Moors is one of the UK’s premier destinations for stargazing. Whether you’re capturing the Milky Way on camera, learning astronomy from local experts, or simply lying back to watch shooting stars, the Moors promise a night sky experience you’ll never forget.
