Dark Sky Discovery Sites

The Forest of Bowland is home to 4 Dark Sky Discovery Sites at Beacon Fell Country Park, Crook O'Lune Picnic Site, Slaidburn and Gisburn Forest Hub. Dark Sky Discovery Sites are recognised by the Dark Sky Discovery Partnership, managed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council UK Astronomy Technology Centre in Edinburgh, as places within the UK that are both dark and easily accessible, but where it is possible to observe the spectacle of the Milky Way or the constellations, such as Orion, with the naked eye. There are several designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites within Bowland: Beacon Fell Country Park - Grid ref: SD 5670 4280 Gisburn Forest Hub - Grid ref: SD 7453 5591 Slaidburn Village Car Park - Grid ref: SD 7136 5235 Crook o' Lune Picnic Site - Grid ref: SD 5219 6479 The winter months, with longer night and darker skies, tend to be the best time to stargaze, but there are events taking place throughout the year where you can observe a magical spectacle in the skies above. Dark Sky Friendly Places To Stay A number of tourism businesses in the National Landscape have become 'Dark Sky Friendly' - this means that they've attended a training workshop run by the National Landscape and local astronomer, are proactivley reducing light pollution at their business, are flexible with guests wishing to star gaze, and can provide information about star gazing in the area. These include; Dale House Camping Barn and B&B, Spread Eagle Sawley, Bowland Wild Boar Park, Orchard Glamping, Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat and more. Click here for the full list.