Discover One of the Darkest and Most Beautiful Skies in the World

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has been officially designated an International Dark Sky Reserve — a title shared by only a handful of locations across the globe.

This recognition celebrates the Dales’ exceptionally clear skies, minimal light pollution and the ongoing commitment to protecting natural darkness for future generations.

Located close to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, Ashes Farm sits in one of the best places in the country to experience this extraordinary night sky.

On a clear evening you can see thousands of stars, bright planets and even the soft glow of distant galaxies with the naked eye. The Milky Way can stretch across the sky like a faint river of light — a breathtaking sight that reminds you just how special the Yorkshire Dales truly are.

Milky Way over the Ribblehead Viaduct by Pete Collins

Milky Way over Ribblehead by PeteCollins

The Magic of the Yorkshire Dales: A Year-Round Wonder

Ashes Farm offers a unique opportunity to experience stargazing in the Yorkshire Dales, one of the best Dark Sky locations in the UK. Located close to the famous Ribblehead Viaduct within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, our self-catering accommodation provides the perfect base for discovering some of the darkest skies in England.

On clear nights, visitors can see the Milky Way, bright planets, meteor showers and thousands of stars, making Ashes Farm an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of the Yorkshire Dales after dark.

While stargazing is a year-round delight, the winter months offer a unique brilliance. With the longest nights and crisp, clear atmospheric conditions, you can witness:

The Milky Way: A breathtaking, glowing band of stars stretching across the horizon.
Winter Icons: Orion’s Belt sparkling above Ribblehead and the glittering Pleiades (Seven Sisters) at their most dramatic.
The Moon & Planets: Explore rugged lunar craters or spot the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn with the naked eye.
Deep Space: Discover the Orion Nebula and passing meteor showers that transform the night into a silent, sparkling display.

Whether it’s a frosty January evening or a mild August night, stepping outside at Ashes Farm allows you to appreciate the vastness of the universe far from the glare of city lights.

Elevate Your Experience: Telescope Hire

To help you peer deeper into the cosmos, guests staying in our self-catering accommodation can reserve professional-grade equipment to use within the farm grounds.

1. The Traditional Experience: Sonoria Astronomical Telescope

Ideal for those who enjoy a "hands-on" approach to astronomy. This classic telescope is perfect for:

Mapping the Moon’s surface and mountain ranges.

Tracking bright planets and identifying major constellations.

Full instructions are provided, making this a great choice for beginners.

2. The Modern Marvel: Seestar Smart Telescope

For those interested in astrophotography, our Seestar smart telescope connects directly to your smartphone. It automatically locates celestial objects, allowing you to view and capture high-quality images of deep-sky targets millions of light-years away, such as:

The Andromeda Galaxy
The Orion Nebula
The Pleiades Cluster

Please Note: Telescopes must be reserved in advance. A small hire charge and refundable deposit apply.

Traditional Stargaing Telescope for Hire at Ashes Farm

Seestar smart telescope astrophotography at Ashes Farm

Pro-Tips for Your Night Under the Stars

Let There Be Dark: It takes 15–20 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the darkness. Avoid bright phone screens or white torches to keep your night vision sharp.
Wrap Up Warm: Even in summer, the Yorkshire Dales air turns chilly once the sun sets. Layers, hats, and gloves are essential for a comfortable session.
Start Simple: Begin by locating the Moon or a bright planet; they offer an instant "wow" factor through a lens.
The Ultimate Setup: Pair your telescope hire with one of our Dark Skies Hampers (details below) for a truly cosy experience.

Ribblehead Viaduct on a Starry Night - Andy Ward

Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales at night by Andy Ward

Stay Beneath the Stars

Experience the magic of the International Dark Sky Reserve from the comfort of our hand-built lodges or our traditional holiday cottage. Combine awe-inspiring nights with scenic daytime walks and cosy evenings by a local pub fire.

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