Dark Skies Festival 2025

Broughton Sanctuary is thrilled to 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 - 17 2025. Visit for the day or stay in a Holiday Home to fully immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere. With our Stay Longer offer you can enjoy the wonders of the night sky from the comfort of your surroundings.

Please note: all bookings are taken via the secure payment system on our sister site Avalon Wellbeing

WILD WELLBEING

CHILDREN'S FILMS

SOLAR SYSTEM WONDERS

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Wild Wellbeing & Nature Films

Daily from Friday 14 to Monday 17 February
1.00pm - 3.00pm

Wild Swim, Woodland Sauna, and stories of restoration.

Recharge with an invigorating wild swim, a serene woodland sauna, and an intimate view into nature’s recovery.

After an invigorating Wild Wellbeing experience, enjoy a curated selection of films that capture the Sanctuary’s dedication to rewilding, restoration, and wellbeing.

Complimentary for guests staying at Broughton Sanctuary, £25 for external attendees.

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DAILY CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Cosmic Cinema Planetarium:
Exploring Life Beyond Earth and Our Journey to the Moon

Saturday 15 to Monday 17 February
10.00am - 3.30pm
Includes 30 minute planetarium plus 1 hour nature film £8 per ticket

A fascinating exploration of space for young adventurers, with engaging stories about the universe and our journey beyond Earth.

A choice of two 30 minute shows, followed by a curated selection of films that capture the Sanctuary’s dedication to rewilding, restoration, and wellness.

We Are Aliens!

(All ages)

Screening times
10.00am | 11.20am
1.30pm | 2.50pm

We Are Aliens! Allows families, adults and children the opportunity to explore the important questions in the Universe. Are there other civilisations out there? Will we one day connect with them? Or is it just us? In other words, are we alone? Narrated by Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley, Harry Potter).

VIEW TIMES + BOOK

Forward to the Moon

(Most suitable for Age 7+)

Screening times
10.40am | 12pm
2.10pm | 3.30pm

Forward! to the Moon takes you on a journey with the Artemis missions, the next step in our exploration of the cosmos, as NASA plans to land the first woman, and first person of colour on the Moon in the next decade. Narrated by Kari Byron (Mythbusters).

VIEW TIMES + BOOK

Friday 14, Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 February

Solar System Wonders with Chris Higgins
(family-friendly)

4.00pm - 5.00pm
Nature Recovery Films

Broughton Sanctuary’s Rewilding Journey. Explore Broughton’s conservation efforts that earned it a place on National Geographic's Cool List 2024. Discover how rewilding is transforming local ecosystems and creating a haven for wildlife.

5.00pm - 6.00pm
Fire Temple Dining Experience

Savor a two-course meal inspired by local ingredients and warming flavours,
served in the serene setting of the Fire Temple.

6.00pm - 8.00pm
Main Event: Solar System Wonders with Chris Higgins

Join Chris to uncover the mysteries of our Universe and how planets, moons, and stars came to be in our Solar System. Explore for yourself the wonders of the dark skies above Broughton using a state of the art telescope. If cloudy, an indoors interactive presentation will take the place of outside viewing. In addition, children and adults alike will get the chance to visit the museum of the asteroid belt by holding real meteorites—rocks from outer space that are over 4 billion years old.

Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette

Friday 14 February
6.00pm - 8.30pm
£45 per person including Fire Temple dining and films

Astrophysicist-turned-Zen teacher Mark Westmoquette invites you to slow down and gaze up. Start indoors with a Cosmic Body-Scan meditation, then venture outside for mindful stargazing, discovering the stories of the constellations. In case of inclement weather, explore the universe through a mind-expanding indoor journey.

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PRICING & BOOKING

£45 per person / £20 for under 16s including Fire Temple dining and films
£100 per family of four (at least one adult, children 7+yrs)

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Morning

Sunrise Reflections

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
8.00am - 9.30am
£26 per person

A Journey with Nature and Light

Begin the morning with Zen Yoga by Dr. Mark Westmoquette, reflecting on our nearest star, the Sun. Through meditation and discussion, connect with the cosmos and explore the Sun's scientific and mythic significance.

Odyssey Nature Walk

After the morning reflection, join Broughton’s ecologist River Six for guided walks along the Odyssey nature trail, including bat listening, nature sounds, and dawn chorus sessions.

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Afternoon

Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
1.00pm - 2.30pm with Dr. Mark Westmoquette
3.00pm - 4.00pm Nature Recovery Films
£26 per person

Contemplate the Sun’s cosmic role and uncover the stories and energies it brings to Earth through meditation and mindful reflection.

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Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
6.00pm - 8.30pm
£45 per person including Fire Temple dining and films

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Closing day

Monday 17 February

Morning

Sunrise Reflections

Monday 17 February
8.00am - 9.30am
£26 per person

A Journey with Nature and Light

Odyssey Nature Walk

After the morning reflection, join Broughton’s ecologist River Six for guided walks along the Odyssey nature trail, including bat listening, nature sounds, and dawn chorus sessions.

BOOK NOW