Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Dark Skies Festival 2025 - Beautiful Escapes
What's On

Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Dark Skies Festival 2025

29th January 2025

14th February – 2nd March 2025

Broughton Sanctuary, a majestic sanctuary set within 3,000 acres of wildlife, woodland and parkland in the Yorkshire Dales is thrilled to host the opening celebration for the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Dark Skies Festival. This enchanting estate is the perfect place to observe and wonder at the magic of the night sky. 

Stay at one of our beautiful Broughton Sanctuary properties and immerse yourself in this astronomical celebration.  

Browse properties here.

As the estate transforms into a celestial wonderland there are lots of interactive things to do; stargazing events, astronomy talks, solar meditation and nature walks to connect you with the magic of the cosmos, including……..

Sunrise Reflections with Dr. Mark Westmoquette

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
8:00am – 9:30am

Start your day immersed in the beauty of nature and the wonder of our nearest star, the Sun. Begin with Zen Yoga led by Dr. Mark Westmoquette, a serene practice incorporating meditation and reflective discussion. Together, explore the Sun’s scientific mysteries and its timeless mythic significance, connecting body, mind, and cosmos. 

Daily Children’s Activities

Cosmic Cinema Planetarium: Exploring Life Beyond Earth and Our Journey to the Moon

Saturday 15 to Monday 17 February
10.00am – 3:30p

Includes 30 minute planetarium plus 1 hour nature film

A fascinating exploration of space for young adventurers, with engaging stories about the universe and our journey beyond Earth. A choice of two 30 minute shows, followed by a curated selection of films that capture the Sanctuary’s dedication to rewilding, restoration, and wellness.

Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
1.00pm – 2.30pm with Dr. Mark Westmoquette
3.00pm – 4.00pm Nature Recovery Films
£26 per person

Contemplate the Sun’s cosmic role and uncover the stories and energies it brings to Earth through meditation and mindful reflection.

Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette

6.00pm – 8.30pm

Astrophysicist-turned-Zen teacher Mark Westmoquette invites you to slow down and gaze up. Start indoors with a Cosmic Body-Scan meditation, then venture outside for mindful stargazing, discovering the stories of the constellations. In case of inclement weather, explore the universe through a mind-expanding indoor journey.

Solar System Wonders with Chris Higgins

(family-friendly)

6.00pm – 8.30pm

Join Chris to uncover the mysteries of our Universe and how planets, moons, and stars came to be in our Solar System. Explore for yourself the wonders of the dark skies above Broughton using a state of the art telescope. If cloudy, an indoors interactive presentation will take the place of outside viewing. In addition, children and adults alike will get the chance to visit the museum of the asteroid belt by holding real meteorites—rocks from outer space that are over 4 billion years old.

 

 

SEARCH PROPERTIES

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Keywords

Amenities & Features

PREFER TO BOOK OVER THE PHONE? CALL 01642 711165