Dark Skies Station


Stargazing at Danby Lodge National Park Centre

The Dark Skies Station is the newest stargazing observatory in the North York Moors National Park.

Located within an International Dark Sky Reserve, this observatory sits in one of the darkest places in the UK where light pollution is extremely low, with no nearby city glow. It is a must visit destination for anyone interested in stargazing, astronomy and space science in the North York Moors.

Find out how to book the Dark Skies Station for your own event.

We're currently looking into days and times it will be open for general viewing. Alternatively, you can check Danby Lodge's Facebook page or our website for updates on these open sessions.

A modern observatory designed for dark skies

The Dark Skies Station is a purpose-built, accessible observatory with two wheelchair-friendly spaces:

  • A presentation and event room for up to 30 people
  • A dedicated stargazing room with a powerful telescope beneath a retractable roof

A flexible space for events and activities

A woman presenting in the Dark Skies Station. The room is white with an audience sat in front of a television with the UK map and a laptop.
Photo credit: Matt Cooper

Currently, the Dark Skies Station is closed during the day. If an event is running, it typically begins in the presentation space. Hosts can use this room in a variety of ways, from seated talks and film screenings to hands-on astronomy activities.

The space includes: a large display TV, a compact smart telescope for capturing images of celestial objects, which visitors can download as a keepsake and space for an inflatable planetarium.

The building is one of the most energy-efficient observatories in the UK. Solar panels on the roof provide all the energy needed to operate the observatory, with surplus energy supporting the wider Danby Lodge site.

Stargazing at the Dark Skies Station

A blue painted wall with the words 'one small step... one giant leap...'. The corridor leads to a room with an open door showing a large telescope.
Photo credit: Lucas St John

A short corridor featuring sound recordings created by Youth Voice leads into the stargazing room.

This space is home to an impressive, accessible telescope with a live link to the TV in the presentation room. The retractable roof opens to reveal the southern sky, where visitors can observe constellations, planets and deep sky objects.

Events at the observatory in the North York Moors


The Dark Skies Station Observatory hosts a varied programme of events for beginners, families and astronomy enthusiasts. Latest events include:

Drop in and meet Whitby Astronomical Society

Every Friday, any time between 11.30 am  - 3.30 pm.

Find out more about the observatory, ask questions about our permanent telescope and learn more about our dark skies and what being an International Dark Sky Reserve means.

The Dark Skies Station may be open at other times, ask staff in Danby Lodge for more information. Other events could include:

  • Guided stargazing sessions with Astro Dog
  • Dark skies talks and astronomy workshops
  • Book launches and author talks
  • Yoga and wellbeing experiences under the stars
  • Tours of the universe and seasonal sky events
  • Astrophotography sessions

The Dark Skies Station is open for bookings. See more information to hire the Dark Skies Station for private use.

This project was made possible thanks to a combination of funding sources, with special thanks to the generous support of The Wolfson Foundation and a legacy donation. The Wolfson Foundation is an independent charity committed to advancing education and research.

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