Dark Sky Friendly Stays at New Thornber
What is a Dark Sky Reserve?
At New Thornber, the magic doesn’t end when the sun goes down. In fact, it’s only just beginning. Nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we’re perfectly placed to experience some of the darkest, clearest night skies in the UK.
The Yorkshire Dales is proudly recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, awarded by DarkSky International. This prestigious status is given to places with exceptional night skies that are protected for their natural beauty, wildlife, heritage, and public enjoyment.
In fact, the Yorkshire Dales is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the UK, with vast areas almost completely free from light pollution. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the glowing band of the Milky Way, passing satellites, meteor showers, and even the elusive Northern Lights.
This is what makes staying here so special — a true escape from the glow of modern life.
Why Dark Skies Matter
Dark skies aren’t just beautiful — they’re important.
They support wildlife habitats, improve our sleep and wellbeing, reduce energy consumption, and reconnect us with something we rarely experience in everyday life: true darkness.
Guests often tell us how peaceful and grounding it feels to step outside and look up at a sky full of stars — something many haven’t seen in years.
What Does “Dark Sky Friendly” Mean?
Being a dark sky friendly place is about thoughtful lighting, not no lighting. It means:
• Using proximity sensors on outdoor lights so they’re only on when needed
• Directing light downwards, rather than letting it spill into the sky
• Positioning lighting exactly where it’s needed, without disturbing neighbours or wildlife
• Installing lighting beneath canopies or structures to prevent upward light spill
• Choosing solutions that help reduce energy use and protect local wildlife
• Providing blackout curtains indoors
At New Thornber, we embrace these principles to help preserve the incredible night skies above us — while still ensuring your comfort and safety.
How to Stargaze During Your Stay
You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the night sky here, just step outside and look up. But if you want to make the most of it, here are a few simple tips:
Give your eyes time to adjust - allow 15–20 minutes for your eyes to get used to the darkness. Avoid looking at your phone.
Pick the right night - clear, moonless nights offer the best conditions. Autumn and winter are especially spectacular.
Wrap up warm - even in summer, nights in the Dales can be chilly.
Use our binoculars - they can reveal incredible detail - from craters on the moon to distant star clusters.
Look for key sights
• The Milky Way (best seen on very dark nights)
• Shooting stars during meteor showers
• Bright planets like Jupiter and Venus
• Constellations such as Orion in winter
A Special Time to Visit
The darker months, especially from autumn through early spring, are ideal for stargazing. Each February, the Yorkshire Dales also hosts a Dark Skies Festival, celebrating everything from guided night walks to astronomy events.
But truthfully, every clear night here offers something unforgettable.
Experience the Night Sky at New Thornber
Whether you’re planning a peaceful retreat, a family getaway, or simply a chance to slow down, New Thornber offers a rare opportunity to experience one of nature’s greatest shows. Step outside, breathe in the stillness, and look up - you might never see the night sky the same way again.