The Best Dark Skies Events Across Northumberland and Yorkshire
The Dark Skies Festivals are back for 2024, and here's our top pick of the best events across Northumberland, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales for you to go stargazing
As England’s first and largest International Dark Sky Park, Northumberland is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the launch of Dark Skies Matter (a new series of exhibitions and events until March 2024). Elsewhere, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival takes place between 9th and 25th February 2024.
In The North East
Dark Skies and Creatures of the Night
9TH FEBRUARY
Walltown Country Park, near Greenhead
Explore nocturnal winter wildlife on this walking safari with Wild Intrigue, and discover how nature copes during the colder months. Plus, see what you can see in the night sky in the stargazing workshop and learn how poor lighting can also affect wildlife.
Top tip: Come prepared with a torch, waterproof clothing and sensible footwear.
Gold Leaf Fox Workshop
11TH FEBRUARY
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, Hexham
Taking inspiration from the Noctalgia exhibition at The Sill, local artist Amy Brooks will help you to create your own fox painting using watercolour paints and gold leaf. This workshop is perfect for both beginners and those wanting to broaden their artistic skills.
Top tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind splashing paint on!
Night-time Navigation
24TH FEBRUARY & 9TH MARCH
Walltown Country Park, near Greenhead
This session offers an opportunity to learn more about using skills and techniques that come into their own in poor visibility, and it’s also the perfect opportunity to practice them.
Top tip: Dress for changeable weather, carry a torch and bring food and drink along with you.
Noctalgia: Dark Skies Matter
UNTIL 3RD MARCH
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, Hexham
This exhibition, created by visual artist Bethan Maddocks, is in collaboration with community groups and visitors through creative activities and workshops. Noctalgia, meaning sky grief, is a new term invented by astronomers. A soundscape and sculptures have been created to coincide with the exhibition which will emphasise the critical role of dark skies for people, nature and the environment.
Top tip: Don’t miss the various workshops inspired by this exhibition.
In Yorkshire
The Dark Skies Experience
THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY
Stump Cross Caverns, Pateley Bridge
Stump Cross Caverns is where underground meets the cosmos. Explore the natural show caves and discover why astronauts train in this space-like environment that challenges the senses, teamwork and communication. Visitors will travel back to 1963 when a rocket scientist spent 105 days underground, and the caverns also act as a gateway to the stars.
Top tip: Make sure to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales’ Dark Sky Reserve whilst you’re there.
Broughton by Night
6TH FEBRUARY & 1ST & 6TH MARCH
Broughton Sanctuary, Skipton
Broughton Sanctuary recently announced its new Broughton by Night stargazing experience, with three dates surrounding the Dark Skies Festival at Yorkshire Dales National Park. Guests will stargaze with expert astronomer Chris Higgins from Lime Tree Observatory at Broughton Sanctuary, with a dinner round the campfire.
Top tip: There might even be a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Stargazing in Dalby Forest
SELECTED DATES BETWEEN 9TH–25TH FEBRUARY
Dalby Forest
Don’t miss this magical evening of stargazing in Dalby Forest with interactive stargazing sessions in the North York Moors National Park. Guests can enjoy a guided tour of the night sky as they learn about stars, asterisms, constellations, star-hopping and how to navigate the night sky.
Top tip: Take the opportunity to use the telescopes and binoculars to take a closer look
Photo Walk: Painting with Light
10TH FEBRUARY
Langcliffe Hoffman Lime Kiln
At Langcliffe Hoffman Kiln visitors can learn how to take photographs of different mesmerising lighting effects and how to use a camera manually to create long exposures in low light, then leave with seriously Instagrammable photos of the dark skies.
Top tip: Don’t forget your camera!
