The North York Moors National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy Dark Skies, whether it’s at one of the many great stargazing locations, an organised event at a great venue or simply relaxing at your holiday cottage, campsite or B&B with a deckchair, a warm blanket and some binoculars.
Business who've joined the dark skies friendly network have gone the extra mile to offer specific activities, facilities, information and services to enhance your stargazing experience in the North York Moors.
Check out the map below to plan your perfect stargazing holiday.
So what does it all mean? Here's what to expect from a dark skies friendly business:
Accommodation
Enjoy special dark sky perks such as telescopes or binoculars and reclining chairs with blankets so you can relax and keep warm whilst looking at the stars. They will also have books, star maps and information on events and other great locations for you to enjoy. Some may also run stay and gaze packages with an expert onsite for activities as part of your stay.
Activity provider
Book an organised event, including stargazing or astro-photography with experts such as Astro Dog and Steve Bell Photography, attend an event run by one of the local astro-societies, one of the many festivals, events and activities in the area. You'll learn all you need to know about the skies above and receive tips on where to go in the North York Moors so you’re set for some DIY stargazing.
Venues and sites
Be sure not to miss one of the many events taking place throughout the year, making the most of our dark skies. Sites are great places to go to view the night sky but have no facilities so you have to be prepared and self-sufficient in your stargazing. Where to go, what to see gives you basics of what to look out for.
Dark Skies Friendly Village scheme
Alongside our Dark Skies Friendly accommodation, activity and venue providers, we have recently introduced another category, Dark Skies Friendly Villages. This means communities across the North York Moors can now gain recognition for the work they do to protect and enhance the quality of the night sky above their neighbourhood.
The Dark Skies Friendly Village initiative highlights the work of village communities in helping reduce light pollution in the North York Moors National Park International Dark Sky Reserve that meet our scheme standards.
Explore more about our Dark Skies Friendly Village scheme here
Become a Dark Skies Friendly business
Do you think you've got what is needed to be a Dark Skies Friendly business? We want to celebrate and promote businesses who meet or exceed friendly initiatives based on facilities, services and information.
Take a look at the application forms below and make sure you provide the criteria listed. You will need to send photos with your application. Once accepted, you'll get the Dark Skies Friendly logo to use on your website/social media and be included on the interactive map above. If you have any questions contact our team on: p.smith@northyorkmoors.org.uk
Dark Skies Friendly activity provider
Dark Skies Friendly accommodation provider
