Stargazing in Yorkshire: explore the winter skies at Stump Cross

Simon Edward • December 5, 2023

Stargazers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join us at our Dark Skies event on 9 December. Take a tour of the cosmos with 2 expert astronomers.

The Yorkshire Dales is one of England's most stunning spots for stargazing – and here at Stump Cross Caverns, we're delighted to host an event that gives you front-row seats for the stars.

On Saturday 9 December, join astronomers Martin Whipp and Chris Higgins from the Lime Tree Observatory. They'll be taking you on a tour of the cosmos, guiding you through the spangled night sky that hangs over the Dales.

Our night skies are blissfully dark – so dark, in fact, that the Yorkshire Dales are a designated "Dark Sky Reserve". Relatively free from light pollution, they offer a breathtaking astronomical show.

This event is for anyone who wants to learn more about the stars, whether you're a veteran stargazer, fancy a gawp at the galaxy or fall anywhere in between. Martin and Chris's tour is suitable for both children and adults – and has been well-received by previous attendees.

If the weather's good, you'll get the chance to see some of the night sky's most notable bodies through powerful scientific telescopes.

Picture of a telescope against a dark, twinkly sky

It's going to be cold – and while the glass of mulled wine and mince pie (on the house) will help warm you up, we strongly advise you to bring warm clothes to ensure an enjoyable experience. We also recommend bringing binoculars if you have them.

The event starts at 7 PM sharp and lasts 90 minutes. If you wish to combine your trip with a tour of the caves under UV light, please arrive at 5:30 PM. You can also take the tour after the Dark Skies Experience.

Whatever your itinerary, there'll be hot and cold drinks and light refreshments to buy at our Time Cafe.

We look forward to meeting you here at Stump Cross!

What is a Dark Sky Reserve?

Really dark skies are in decline, especially in urban areas. A Dark Sky Reserve is a place where the starry skies are unusually visible – and protected.

There are Dark Sky Reserves all over the world, from New Zealand to Namibia. The whole of the Yorkshire Dales National Park meets the criteria for Dark Sky status set out by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).

What this means for you is an unforgettable Dark Skies Experience here at Stump Cross Caverns.

What is the Stump Cross UV tour?

Each day at 3 PM, we switch off the cave lights. Why? Because under UV light, you can see the caves in a completely different way.

Each visitor gets a UV torch which reveals fluorescent calcite veins in the rock. In this eerie purple light, the caves seem more enchanted than ever.

We recommend the UV tour for both first-time and return visitors.

Next up: Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival

In February 2024, the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities are holding their ninth Dark Skies Festival – a celebration of the beauties of our area's dark night skies.

The festival will cover everything from night runs to canoeing, from astrophotography to stargazing trips, from art workshops to mindful experiences.

Watch this space (no pun intended) for more…

At a glance