Discover dark skies, forest adventures and sleeping under the stars this spring

4 February 2026

Discover dark skies, forest adventures and sleeping under the stars this spring

The National Parks Dark Skies Festivals are set to reveal star-studded skies this February and March, and Forestry England is inviting visitors to step into some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the country. From expert-led stargazing sessions to moonlit forest walks and unique overnight stays, England’s forests offer an atmospheric escape far from city lights, and the perfect chance to reconnect with the natural world after dark.

Running alongside the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival (13 February–1 March) and the North East Dark Skies Festival (13–21 February), the nation’s forests cared for by Forestry England across northern England are hosting a rich programme of events designed for both curious beginners and seasoned stargazers. Visitors can explore the night sky, discover winter wildlife by torchlight, or even take part in moonlit trail runs, with the option to stay overnight in forest accommodation to suite all tastes for adventure.

Stargazing events in the nation’s forests:

Forestry England Dalby, North York Moors

Visitors can join a public stargazing event with the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society on 27 February, making the most of Dalby’s low light pollution during the Dark Skies Festival.

Grizedale Forest, Lake District

Home to the Lake District’s only purpose-built observatory and planetarium, Grizedale Forest is the place to be to experience the cosmos. Grizedale Observatory will host stargazing sessions, immersive planetarium shows and family-friendly astronomy activities.

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Internationally recognised for its exceptionally dark skies, Kielder Forest offers year-round events at the renowned Kielder Observatory. Festival highlights include the Dark Sky Run on the 7 and8 March, which blends endurance sport with night sky magic.

Whinlatter Forest, Lake District

Whinlatter invites visitors to slow down and tune into nature with:

• Dark Skies Walks: 7 February and 14 March
• Nature’s Nightlife guided walks: 16 and 19 February
• Full Moon Women's Circle, aligned with the April Pink Moon on 1 April.

Stay the night for the full dark skies experience

To make the most of the experience, Forestry England is encouraging visitors to turn their evening into a night away. A range of forest accommodation options offer peace, seclusion and the rare chance to step straight from your doorstep into the dark.

Accommodation highlights include:

• Forest Holidays cabins at Cropton Forest: cosy woodland stays near Dalby.
• The Cabin at Grizedale Forest: a secluded self-catering retreat for couples and small groups.
• Grizedale Campsite: a favourite for campers attending observatory events.
• Kielder Castle motorhome stays and Kielder Village camping and caravan site: set within one of England’s darkest sky regions.
• Stephen Park Group Accommodation, Gisburn Forest: ideal for group getaways with stargazing built in.

Make a night of it

Camping remains one of the most immersive ways to experience the forest at night, and Forestry England campsites are popular with stargazers and night sky photographers thanks to minimal light pollution and peaceful settings.

With forests far from streetlights and the glow of towns, a clear night offers the chance to glimpse planets, meteor showers and even the Milky Way. 

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous winter camping trip, a cosy cabin escape or an adventurous moonlit run, Forestry England’s forests offer a rare chance to rediscover the night sky, just as nature intended.

Find out more:

Stargazing locations and events: forestryengland.uk/stargazing

Camping and overnight stays: forestryengland.uk/camping