The stargazing festival in the UK that’s completely free… and it’s happening all over the country
Plus another budget-friendly event across the UK that will cost you 25p
THE Dark Skies Festival has kicked off all over the UK – and the stargazing event is completely free.
The National Parks are official dark sky locations but also have activities like nighttime canoeing and trail running.
Now in it’s tenth year, the Dark Skies Festival have prepared lots of fun activities in or around the parks for the best ways to see the stars across Britain.
Stargazing in each location is free, as are lots of other events like the planet trail, where children can learn more about the solar system and skies.
Running until the end of March, there will be lots of extra events too from guided runs and walks to canoeing, astrophotography, art workshops, and mindfulness experiences – all held at nighttime.
For these, you will need to book tickets in advance and pay up to £45.
The North York Moors are one of 21 locations to be recognised for their dark skies and are even an International Dark Sky Reserve.
They will hold guided stargazing sessions in Dalby Forest, Ampleforth Abbey, Sutton Bank and ghost walks to hear more about the strange and supernatural in Robin Hood’s Bay.
How Stean Gorge in the Yorkshire Dales will hold a series of events to blend astronomy with activities including nighttime canoeing or the Ferrata High Wire course priced at £39.
Another event, held at sunrise, will include yoga and meditation while learning more about the solar system.
The Yorkshire events run until 30 March 2025 and kick off again in October.
The Grand hotel in York is even offering stargazing packages for anyone visiting the city for the festival.
You’ll be welcomed by astronomer Richard Darn and spend an evening at the Star Hub in the Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
The South Downs are running their own events, from a “walk the planets” audio trail in Seven Sisters Country Park to a walk through Alice Holt Forest for stargazing, owl encounters, and VR headset activities.
Three National Parks in Wales – Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog, and Pembrokeshire Coast – will be holding Dark Skies Festival events.
There will also be lots happening in Anglesey, Pen Llŷn, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Gower, and the Wye Valley, including pop-up planetarium shows.
If you miss out on February’s events, there will be more later in the year. Exmoor holds its Dark Skies Festival through October and November.
They hold yoga sessions after dark, wildlife walks, and astronomy talks from experts.
Cumbria also holds its events later in the year, celebrating with canoeing on Coniston Water, starlit swims in Ullswater, and bushcraft cooking after dark.
Here’s an island in the UK that is said to be one of the best stargazing spots in the world.
Here's Another Budget-Friendly Activity
This offer in March means you can visit huge attractions for a fraction of the price
For fun on a budget this March you can explore huge exhibits across the UK for as little as 25p.
The National Lottery are launching their open week between 15 and 23 March where you can get into the likes of the Eden Project, National Trust properties and gardens,and The Crich Tramway Village for the price of a Lottery ticket.
If you play the Prize Ball Red Instant Win game, this will cost you 25p – and all you have to do for most of the attractions is show a ticket at the entrance!
Check the full list of participating locations on .
And we’ve rounded up six other ways to explore the night sky.
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