Do you want to discover the wonders of our night skies?
There are so many ‘dark sky sites’ in North Yorkshire, and with the possibility that York could become the UK’s first ‘Dark Sky City’, it’s the perfect place for any budding astronomer.
And to celebrate International Dark Sky Week (21-28 April), we’ve put together a guide to some of the spots that you can gaze up at the stars in York and North Yorkshire. Take a look below!
The popular Dark Skies Festival, which takes place twice a year, always has a varied programme of exciting stargazing events in the North York Moors.
The North York Moors is one of only 21 locations in the world to be recognised for pristine, dark skies – and it was made an International Dark Sky Reserve by DarkSky (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association) in 2020.
Dalby Forest
Dark skies site Dalby Forest is a fantastic location for seeing the stars. Their astronomy partners, Astro Dog, offer stargazing sessions which include a guided tour of the night sky and an immersive 360° planetarium dome.
- Dalby Forest, Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, Pickering, YO18 7LT
- More info
Danby Lodge
Danby Lodge National Park Centre is a recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site, and is a fabulous location for members of the public to enjoy the nighttime skies over the North York Moors Dark Sky Reserve.
- Danby Lodge National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, Danby, YO21 2NB
- Website
Sutton Bank Star Hub
The Sutton Bank Star Hub is perfect for exploring the dark skies above the North York Moors Dark Sky Reserve. Explore the changing skies throughout the year on their rotating dark skies drum or book on to a stargazing event and spend an evening with an expert.
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Thirsk, YO7 2EX
- Website
Bruce Observatory – Whitby School
The Whitby & District Astronomical Society host observing nights here, as well as their regular monthly meetings. If you’re interested in stargazing in North Yorkshire – get involved!
- Prospect Hill, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1LA
- Website
York Astronomical Society Observatory at Beetle Bank Farm
The York Astronomical Society, founded in 1972, has its observatory at Beetle Bank Farm. The Society aims to demonstrate, educate and promote the subjects of astronomy and spaceflight in the York area, and holds regular public meetings and star parties.
- Beetle Bank Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York YO19 5XD
- Website
To find out more about the best stargazing locations in York and North Yorkshire, visit the Go Stargazing website for a map of observatories and dark sky sites.