Dark Skies over the North York Moors
Come to the North York Moors this autumn for darker nights, star-filled skies and a few days away in Pickering.
From 23 October to 1 November 2026, the North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival returns, celebrating one of the things this part of Yorkshire does particularly well: darkness.
The North York Moors is an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised for the quality of its night skies and low levels of light pollution. Once you leave the lights behind, the difference can be remarkable. On a clear night, stars, constellations and planets appear where you might usually see little more than a glow.
During the festival, events take place across the National Park, from guided stargazing and astronomy sessions to night walks and other after-dark experiences.
Or you can simply head out, find somewhere dark and look up.
Stargazing near Pickering
The White Swan sits in the centre of Pickering, at the edge of the North York Moors, making us a comfortable base for exploring the festival and the surrounding area.
Spend the day out on the moors, come back for dinner, then head out again once darkness has properly settled.
Afterwards, return to the inn for a drink at the bar and a warm bed, before breakfast the following morning.
Simple, really.
We are also a listed accommodation provider for the North York Moors Dark Skies Festival, so if you are planning a stay around one of the festival events, you will be well placed to make a few days of it.
Before you head out
October nights on the moors can be cold, so warm layers are essential.
Guests staying with us can borrow a red-light torch and picnic blanket before heading out, and if you bring a flask, we will happily fill it with something hot for you.
A red-light torch is especially useful for stargazing, helping your eyes stay adjusted to the dark while still giving you enough light to find your way.
Then find somewhere safe, give your eyes a little time to adjust, and look up.
And if the clouds roll in?
It is North Yorkshire in late October, so clear skies are never guaranteed.
But that is also a good reason to stay rather than simply travel for one evening.
Clouds move, forecasts change, and staying for a night or two gives you more than one chance to catch a clear spell.
In between, there is plenty to enjoy in autumn: walks across the North York Moors, a wander around Pickering, quiet roads through the countryside, long lunches and dinner back at the inn.
Sometimes the best bit comes unexpectedly – stepping outside after dinner and realising the clouds have gone.
North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival 2026
The North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival runs from 23 October to 1 November 2026, with events taking place across the National Park.
If you are looking for Dark Skies Festival accommodation, somewhere to stay for stargazing in the North York Moors, or a base near Pickering, The White Swan Inn puts you close to it all.
Come for the stars.
Stay for autumn in North Yorkshire.
Photo: Pete Collins.