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 - March 2 2025. The opening celebration events at Broughton will take place February 14 - 17, 2025.
Celebrate the dark skies in an enchanting space embraced by nature.
Discover an exciting range of nature and wellbeing stargazing events running across 4 days, as well as daily cinema screenings.
Daily Activities
Wild Wellbeing & Nature Films
Nature’s Reprieve
- 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.
Daily Children’s Activities
Cosmic Cinema:
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
Forward to the Moon
(Most suitable for Age 7+)
Screening times
10.40am | 12pm
2.10pm | 3.30pm
Opening night
Friday 14 February
By the Light of the Moon
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.
...then choose from two events:
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.
Solar System Wonders with Chris Higgins
(family-friendly)
- Friday 14 February
- 6.00pm - 8.00pm
- £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)
Join Chris to uncover the mysteries of how planets, moons, and stars came to be. Children and adults alike will get the chance to hold real meteorites—rocks from outer space that are over 4 billion years old.
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
Morning
Sunrise Reflections
- Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February
- 8.00am - 9.30am
- £26 per person
A Journey with Nature and Light
Odyssey Nature Walk
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.
Evening
By the Light of the Moon
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.
...then choose from two events:
Mindful Stargazing with Mark Westmoquette
- Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 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.
Solar System Wonders with Chris Higgins
(family-friendly)
- Friday 14 February
- 6.00pm - 8.00pm
- £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)
Join Chris to uncover the mysteries of how planets, moons, and stars came to be. Children and adults alike will get the chance to hold real meteorites—rocks from outer space that are over 4 billion years old.
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
Afternoon
Solar Reflections and Cosmic Connection
- Monday 17 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.