Enhance Your Dark Skies Experience at Ashes Farm in the Yorkshire Dales

There is something truly magical about standing beneath the vast skies of the Yorkshire Dales as darkness falls. With minimal light pollution and breathtaking surroundings near Ribblehead, Ashes Farm is perfectly positioned for an unforgettable Dark Skies experience.

As a registered Dark Skies Friendly Business within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we already provide complimentary Dark Skies hampers for guests staying in our self-catering accommodation. Now, we’re delighted to introduce an even more immersive way to explore the night sky — telescope hire during your stay.

Why the Yorkshire Dales is Perfect for Stargazing and Dark Skies

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is internationally recognised for its low levels of light pollution. Our location near the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct offers expansive horizons and wonderfully dark skies — ideal for spotting constellations, meteor showers and distant galaxies.

On a clear night, you may see:

• The Milky Way stretching overhead

• The craters of the Moon in remarkable detail

• Jupiter and its moons

• Saturn’s rings

• The Orion Nebula glowing softly in winter skies

Sonora Astronomical Telescope

🔭 Traditional Stargazing – Sonora Astronomical Telescope

Our Sonoria Astronomical Telescope is perfect for guests who enjoy a classic, hands-on stargazing experience.

This manual telescope allows you to:

• Track the Moon’s surface

• Locate bright planets

• Explore star clusters

• Learn the night sky at your own pace

It’s simple to use, and full instructions are provided. It’s ideal for couples, families and anyone curious about the wonders above the Dales.

Image of the Moon taken at Ashes Farm with the SeeStar S50

✨ Smart Stargazing – Seestar Electronic Telescope

For something truly special, our Seestar smart telescope takes stargazing to the next level.

This electronic telescope:

• Automatically locates celestial objects

• Tracks them precisely

• Builds detailed deep-sky images

• Connects directly to your smartphone

With just a few taps, you can observe and capture stunning objects such as:

• The Orion Nebula

• The Andromeda Galaxy

• The Pleiades Star Cluster

It’s perfect for beginners and budding astrophotographers who want to experience the universe with ease.

Seestar S50 Smart Telescope

How Telescope Hire Works at Ashes Farm

To protect our equipment and ensure availability:

• Telescopes must be reserved in advance

• A small hire charge applies

• A refundable deposit is required

• Equipment must remain within the grounds of Ashes Farm

Full instructions are provided, and we’re always happy to offer guidance.

A Unique Night Sky Experience Near Ribblehead

Few places in England offer the combination of rural tranquillity, dramatic scenery and truly dark skies that you’ll find near Ribblehead.

After a day exploring the Dales, imagine stepping outside your lodge or cottage, wrapping up warm, and seeing the universe unfold above you.

Whether you choose the traditional telescope or the smart Seestar experience, stargazing at Ashes Farm adds something unforgettable to your stay.

✨ The Yorkshire Dales by day are beautiful — but by night, they are extraordinary.