The Cumbria Dark Skies Festival takes place annually in autumn and features a host of exciting events to celebrate the wonders of the night sky. The 2026 festival takes place between 23rd October - 20th November.
The winter months are a great time to take advantage of the longer nights, wrap up warm and spend time in the outdoors, getting closer to nature and really appreciating the dark sky above you.
Check out our Cumbria Dark Skies page containing lots more information about making the most of Cumbria's fabulous dark skies and find out more about events taking place over the coming months.
Find out more about Dark Skies Cumbria
Cumbria Dark Skies Festival is a collaboration of partners including Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria Tourism, Forestry England, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Lake District National Park. See the full programme below and make sure to check back here for the updated line up.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

Number of results: 27
, currently showing 21 to 27.
Alston
Celebrate the dark skies of the North Pennines and join us for a free mine trip like no other at this evening event held at Nenthead Mines, near Alston, on Sunday 1 November (6 to 9pm).
During this workshop you will learn how to make your own paper…
Alston
Celebrate the dark skies of the North Pennines and join us for a free mine trip like no other at this evening event held at Nenthead Mines, near Alston, on Sunday 1 November.
During this workshop you will learn how to make your own paper lantern…
Seascale
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across the spectacular Wastwater. As daylight fades, paddle across the peaceful lake surrounded by the dramatic Wasdale mountains and some of the Lake District's most dramatic…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo from JAG Outdoors at Whinlatter for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all our senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather…
Little Crosthwaite, Keswick
Embrace winter with fresh air, star-gazing and warm waters.
Escape to the Lakes this winter and immerse yourself in our Dark Skies experience. This themed weekend is ideal for those who love nature, serenity and are interested in the night sky. Our…
Grizedale, Ambleside
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no surprise then that meteor showers can be the highlight of the astronomical year – a chance to stand under dark skies and be mesmerised as they trail…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
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