Internationally Recognised Dark Skies
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is internationally recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve, one of only a handful of protected landscapes in the world where light pollution is kept to a minimum. That means clearer, brighter, more dramatic night skies – the kind you rarely see in towns and cities.
On a clear evening, you can spot thousands of stars, distant constellations, shimmering planets and, if you’re lucky, even the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. It’s mesmerising. Peaceful. Completely unforgettable.
The Dark Skies Festival – A Celebration of the Night
The Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival brings together a wonderful programme of events designed to help visitors explore and understand the night sky. From guided stargazing sessions and astrophotography workshops to talks from expert astronomers and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.
Dark Skies Festival Event
Events take place throughout the festival period across the Dales, offering unique opportunities to learn more about the cosmos in one of the UK’s best stargazing locations.
But here’s the secret: you don’t have to visit during the festival itself to experience the magic.
Why Visit Out of Season?
Autumn and winter in the Dales are truly spectacular. The crowds thin out, the landscape feels wonderfully tranquil, and the long, dark evenings provide the perfect conditions for stargazing.
Visiting out of season means:
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Crisp, clear nights ideal for spotting constellations
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Peace and quiet you simply can’t find in peak summer
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Cosy evenings after a day exploring the hills and villages
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Better availability for those spontaneous escapes
Wrap up warm, step outside your lodge, and look up. No ticket required. No special equipment needed. Just a vast, glittering blanket of stars stretching endlessly overhead.
A Dark Sky Friendly Business
At Ingleby Lodge Holidays, we are proud to be recognised as a Dark Sky Friendly Business. We actively minimise light pollution around our lodges so that guests can enjoy the night sky at its very best.
That means thoughtful outdoor lighting, low-glare fixtures and carefully positioned illumination that protects the surrounding darkness. The result? An authentic dark sky experience right from your doorstep.
Imagine sitting outside your lodge with a warm drink, listening to the stillness of the countryside, watching shooting stars streak overhead. It’s a simple pleasure – but one that stays with you long after your stay.
Experience the Wonder for Yourself
Whether you plan your visit around the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival or choose a peaceful break later in the season, the magic of the night sky is always waiting here.
Out of season, the Dales slow down. The air feels fresher. The stars shine brighter. And the experience feels entirely your own.
Come and discover why the Yorkshire Dales is one of the world’s finest stargazing destinations – and why Ingleby Lodge Holidays is the perfect place to enjoy it.