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Dark Sky Discovery Sites
Type:Viewpoint
Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, BB7 3AY
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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.
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Free Admission | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
| Dark Sky Discovery Sites (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025) |
|---|
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Gisburn Forest, GisburnAll year round, Gisburn Forest offers different experiences for different people. Explore on foot, on horseback or by bike. Find popular trails and quiet glades or explore this accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site after dark.
Crook O' Lune and Picnic Sites, Crook O LuneCrook O' Lune Picnic Site is a popular and attractive spot, (Accessible Toilets) where the River Lune travels a big curve through tree-lined banks. Woodies offers tea, coffee, bacon butties, The Crook O' Lune was captured by the artiist JMW Turner
Slaidburn, Ribble ValleySlaidburn is a picturesque grey stone village set on the banks of the Hodder in the moorland region of the Forest of Bowland AONB.
Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
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