Discover the Dark
Wales Dark Skies
The Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia National Parks are outstanding dark skies destinations for night-time activities and stargazing.
Dark Skies Events
National Parks remain some of the darkest places in Great Britain and we celebrate our star-studded skies at Festivals throughout autumn and winter. Find out more about upcoming events in Northumberland, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and South Downs National Parks.
Northumberland
As England’s first and one of Europe’s largest International Dark Sky Parks (Gold-Tier), Northumberland is now home to its very own Dark Skies Festival.
What are International Dark Sky Parks and International Dark Sky Reserves?
These are two types of designation, awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association that officially recognise certain areas to be naturally dark at night and free of light pollution, and therefore some of the best places in the world to view the beauty of the night sky including our own galaxy, the Milky Way!
We’re proud that six UK National Parks – Exmoor, Brecon Beacons, Moore’s Reserve in the South Downs, Snowdonia, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales have been awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status. Northumberland, with England’s most pristine dark skies, is an International Dark Sky Park (Gold Tier).
Every year, these National Parks celebrate the amazing night’s sky with Dark Skies Festivals and stargazing opportunities galore. They’re fun events for all the family and one of the highlights of the calendar year.
