Dark Skies – Stargazing in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the things that make the Dales such a special place. You can get fantastic night sky views anywhere in the National Park. There are four Dark Sky Discovery Sites around the Park: Malham, Buckden, Hawes and Tan Hill Inn (the highest pub in the British Isles). We at Ashes Farm are a stargazing friendly place to stay and registered as a Dark Skies friendly business with the Yorkshire Dales​
For further information and local events please visit https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/shows/dark-skies-festival or https://gostargazing.co.uk/
Wild Ingleborough would also be delighted to welcome you to one of their events.
They have a range of activities to get involved in, such as tree planting and guided wildlife walks.
get-involved
Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales at night by Andy Ward
Ashes Farm's Stargazing Hamper
New Star Gazing Hampers
Available to use free on pre-order ​
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Two fleece lap blankets,
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Waterproof picnic blanket,
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Two hot water bottles,
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Two thermo cups,
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A red torch,
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Binoculars
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Star-gazing book and information.
Ashes Farm's Stargazing Checklist
Clothing
Be appropriately dressed, wear layers of clothing and don't forget to wear gloves and a hat, especially one that covers your ears in the Spring and Autumn months.
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Torches
Take a red torch, this will avoid the issues of losing your dark-adapted vision.
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Refreshments
Take a flask of hot Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate.
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Equipment
Please bring with you :-
Binoculars
Telescope (optional)
Stargazing Book
Planisphere (star wheel)
Fleece Blanket
We have a collection of books that can be borrowed.
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Phone apps
Bearing in mind the caveat that phones can adversely affect your night vision, they are a fantastic way of learning your way around the nighttime skies. There are now many mobile phone apps that can present a real-time view of the night sky – many use the phone’s GPS, compass and built-in inclinometer to mirror the way the device is pointing giving you access to all sorts of information about the object your phone is pointed at.
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Star Walk 2
Sky Safari
Meteor Shower
Calendar
ISS Detector
AuroraWatch UK