Yorkshire Dales Dark Sky Festival 2026

.
Why not escape city lights this winter and wander into the wonders of the universe? The 2026 Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival runs from 13 February to 1 March 2026.  This annual festival gives you a chance to experience the night sky like never before. Whether you’re a devoted stargazer, a budding astronomy enthusiast, or simply someone wanting to reconnect with nature in a special way — this is an event you won’t want to miss.

When you stay with us at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages, you’ll be just a 30–45 minute drive from many of the designated Dark Sky sites used during the festival. That means you can enjoy incredible stargazing by night, and return to cosy, comfortable accommodation afterwards — the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Dark Sky Festivals celebrate areas with very low light pollution, offering unbeatable views of celestial wonders. Imagine peering up at an inky-black sky filled with innumerable stars, planets, and constellations — a spectacle that’s increasingly rare in our modern, artificially-lit world.

This year’s festival includes a broad lineup of events taking place across the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

There is a free Planet and Constellation Trail in the woodland at Aysgarth Falls honouring the solar system and night sky (13 February – 1 March). Or why not book onto one of the stargazing talks – ideal for learning to navigate the night sky with telescopes and charts.

For the more adventurous amongst us, why not try their exciting night-time guided fell runs, or perhaps a spot of canoeing under the stars. 

And for the keen photographer, there are both astro-photography workshops and night walks — perfect if you want to capture the Milky Way or constellations with your camera.
​
Find out more about what’s on offer, and book your places, here. 

Why the Yorkshire Dales?
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the UK’s premier choices for stargazing, thanks to its designation as a Dark Sky Reserve by DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association).  With minimal light pollution, some of the darkest skies in Britain, and wide open horizons, it’s the perfect place to witness the Milky Way, meteor showers, and shimmering constellations in all their glory.

Plan Your 2026 Stay Now
The 2026 Festival runs 13 February–1 March, and demand for accommodation is expected to be high. While our cottages and lodgings might not sit directly inside the Dark Sky Reserve, they offer a cosy, comfortable base — just a short drive from the National Park events. After spending a magical evening gazing at the stars, you can return to warmth and comfort: modern amenities, restful bedrooms, and a friendly local vibe.

During the day, enjoy the beauty and convenience of Harrogate, with its inviting selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops — all just a short stroll from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages. We are always delighted to help with directions and recommendations for daytime adventures and places to eat.  Just ask.  Or, why not check out our various blogs which give an overview of just some of the activities and adventures that await you in Harrogate. 

Whether you’re an astronomy lover, a night-sky photographer, or simply someone looking for a peaceful out-of-the-ordinary getaway, the combination of Harrogate’s charm and the Dales’ celestial spectacle makes for an unbeatable escape. Let the stars guide you to an unforgettable adventure in 2026.  You can book your room direct with us here.