Dark Skies Weekends in January

Discover the Magic of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies
Why not escape the city lights this winter and explore the wonders of the universe? The 10th Yorkshire Dales Dark Sky Festival takes place between 14 February and 2 March 2025.  This annual event allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of the night sky like never before. Whether you’re an avid stargazer, an astronomy enthusiast, or simply looking to reconnect with nature in a unique way, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages are all conveniently located just a short 30-45 minute drive from the designated Dark Sky sites that are used in the festival.  We provide the perfect base from which to enjoy the festival in comfort and style. Stay with us and get the best of both worlds:  easy access to stargazing hotspots and a relaxing retreat to return to after an evening under the stars.
Dark Sky Festivals celebrate areas of low light pollution, offering unparalleled views of celestial wonders. Imagine gazing up at an inky black sky dotted with countless stars, planets, and constellations—a sight increasingly rare in our modern world.
The Festival offers a range of events including guided Stargazing Sessions.  The sessions are led by experienced astronomers, who will help you to navigate the night sky and learn about the wonders above. Also on offer are night-time hikes allowing you to gaze at The Milky Way and a whole host of stars and planets as you are guided on your walk. 
For those who are looking for something a bit more active, the festival also offers Quid Games:  The Dark Edition. This trail race is equal parts thrill, strategy, and mystery.  Taking place on 18 January 2025 at Broughton Hall, this is sure to be a popular event, and has some amazing prizes up for grabs as well as the opportunity to try a range of running equipment (including head torches) from leading manufacturers.  To find out more and book your place, go here:  https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/quid-games-the-dark-edition-18-01-25/
Also on offer are a range of night walks, including night photography sessions with well known photographers.  These are held in truly iconic locations including Malham Cove and Ribblehead Viaduct.  An absolute must for any photographer keen to hone their night photography skills. 
For those who prefer something a little less strenuous (or just warmer), there is a Star Party on 15 February which will be held 50% indoors (or 100% indoors if the weather fails to cooperate). There is also a Pizza party and an astronomy supper. 
This is just a few examples of events during this action-packed festival.  Check out all the events here:  https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/events/tag/dark-skies/list/
 
Why the Yorkshire Dales?
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the best places in the UK for stargazing, thanks to its Dark Sky Reserve status. The region boasts several prime viewing locations where artificial light is minimal, allowing the Milky Way, meteor showers, and even distant galaxies to come into sharp focus. 
 
Northern Lights
In 2025, the Northern Lights are likely to be at the peak of their activity cycle making it more likely that they will be visible as far south as Yorkshire.  Whilst the Dark Sky Festival does not offer specific events relating to this phenomena, they have been visible in the Harrogate area in 2024, in locations where light pollution is low and it is predicted that through the winter of 2024/2025 they will become even more visible across the UK as they reach the peak of their activity cycle.  If you have not had the privilege of seeing them for yourself, you may well get lucky during the dark sky festival. 
If they are visible, then the dales will be an excellent place to view them, and to capture them on camera.  So if you have always wanted to see them, but don’t want to venture to Iceland to do so, why not visit Harrogate, stay in our cosy hotel, or luxurious self-catering cottages, and book some Dark Sky events. 
 
Plan Your Stay Today
The Yorkshire Dales Dark Sky Festival takes place between 14 February and 2 March 2025, and accommodations fill up fast during this popular event. Book your stay with us now and secure your place at the heart of this cosmic celebration.
While our hotel isn’t within a Dark Sky Reserve, it’s perfectly situated for you to enjoy a serene and luxurious stay while still being close to all the action.   After a chilly night under the stars, unwind in our plush rooms with modern amenities and delightful touches.  Harrogate is home to a plethora of delightful places to eat, whatever cuisine you prefer, and most are within walking distance of The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.  Our team is happy to assist with directions, festival schedules, and tips for making the most of your visit.  You can also check out some of our other blogs for ideas on what to do during the day, and where to eat, allowing you to plan a truly memorable break.  
For astronomy lovers, night sky photographers, or anyone seeking a magical escape, the combination of Harrogate’s charm and the celestial spectacle of the Dales is unbeatable. Let the stars guide you to an unforgettable adventure!
Ready to book? Call 07792 505910 or email us on [email protected]