Journal

Join us for lights out and appreciate our magnificent night skies

After a sell-out series of guided star gazing evenings last year, astronomer Chris Higgins returns to Broughton Sanctuary from October 2024 to March 2025. Join us for an enchanting journey through the cosmos with Broughton By Night.

The Yorkshire Dales – a Dark Sky Reserve

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, offering stunning views of the Milky Way, planets, meteors, and even the Northern Lights. Designated a Dark Sky Reserve by Dark Sky International, the park is not only a haven for stargazers but also an area of significant scientific, educational, cultural, heritage, and public value.

The Broughton Sanctuary Commitment to Dark Skies

Nestled on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Broughton Sanctuary is devoted to preserving the natural night time environment throughout its 3,000-acre nature recovery project, and through its mission to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of our inner and outer nature. It is a must-visit, year-round destination for astronomy enthusiasts, novice stargazers, and all those captivated by the beauty of the night sky.

Broughton by Night

Whether you are an avid stargazer or a novice enthralled by our universe, bring your binoculars or use our powerful stargazing equipment for educative tours with an expert astronomer. Witness awe-inspiring deep sky wonders, and marvel at the cosmos up close.

For millennia we have looked skyward to navigate our earthly and spiritual worlds. The exclusive “Broughton By Night” events are a chance to immerse yourself in the magic of the night sky and foster a personal connection with the cosmos in the captivating landscape at Broughton Sanctuary. Don’t miss out on this unique and immersive stargazing experience.

Broughton By Night costs £42* per person. 50% of all bookings are reinvested in Broughton Sanctuary’s nature recovery programme.

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Evening includes

5:30pm: Dining around the Fire Temple

Broughton By Night begins at our bespoke Fire Temple with a 2-course vegetarian meal around a campfire and a hot drink, setting the stage for a memorable night under the stars.

6:30pm: Guided Star Gazing

Expert astronomer Chris Higgins from Lime Tree Observatory will lead a series of interpretive star gazing evenings from November 2023 to March 2024. Explore the mysteries of the moon, planets, nebulae, star clusters, the Milky Way, and constellations while enjoying the natural serenade of nocturnal creatures.

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Your Date With The Stars

Venue

Meet at the Fire Temple to enjoy a vegetarian curry, rice, naan bread, dessert, and a hot drink.

Proceed to the Walled Garden where astronomer Chris Higgins will be waiting with his telescope to take you on a 90-minute journey through the cosmos. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the hooting of owls and the swooping of bats.

How to Book

Our bespoke events are limited to 20 people per night. You can enjoy this experience when staying in one of our Holiday Homes. To reserve your chosen date please book online.

Terms & Conditions

Broughton By Night experiences can be added to all stays over the allocated dates at Broughton Sanctuary.

Activities included in this experience are non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and non-redeemable for cash.

In the event of bad weather, the stargazing event will be held indoors at Avalon with an interactive presentation by Chris Higgins and the meal will be moved to Utopia restaurant.

Refunds will be issued for cancellations with at least 48 hours advance notice.

Prices are inclusive of VAT at the point of booking.

COMING SOON

Dark Skies Festival 2025

Broughton Sanctuary is thrilled to announce that it will host the opening celebration for the 10th Anniversary celebration event of the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Dark Skies Festival, set to take place from February 14 – March 2nd 2025. The opening celebration events at Broughton will run February 14-19, 2025.

Event Schedule

The Dark Skies Festival will feature a series of Dark Sky Safari experiences around the Sanctuary, both day and night. These events will be a great opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of low light pollution for wildlife and for our own wellbeing.

The full programme of events will be released in November 2024, but the festival already promises a stellar lineup, including a guided planetarium experience, moon bathing, forest bathing, and storytelling around a fire temple.