As Autumn days roll in and we edge closer to Winter, finding things to do often becomes harder, staying in becomes the norm, however, think again! There’s a growing interest in Dark Skies and this just might be the thing to stimulate your senses this winter. Explore the UK & Ireland’s Dark Skies Festival by campervan or motorhome and make Winter memories like no other.
In England, the UK’s National Parks Dark Skies Festival starts in mid-October and runs through to the end of February, here you will find some of the darkest skies. Similarly, Ireland and Scotland have some of the best dark sky viewing locations in Europe.
This winter why not explore some Dark Skies on a motorhome road trip. Celebrate star-studded dark skies, expand your astrophotography skills, embrace the wondrous dark skies and stars above our heads bringing along family or friends.
Bunk Campers offer affordable motorhome rentals from 4 locations in the UK, & Ireland providing easy access, and making winter camping under those incredible dark skies possible.
The festival kicks off at Exmoor’s National Park offering a blend of winter camping activities including dark skies adventure by boat, dusk safaris and expert astronomy talks. Once you book your motorhome rental, you can begin to plan your daily activities and get your festival tickets booked here.
At Bunk Campers we create hassle-free campervan holidays. So, we’ve made this easy for you. View a list of the campsites available in the Exmoor area to park up and relax after the festivities.
North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Fringe Festival (21th – 30th October 2022 and 10th-26th February 2023)
Let’s face it, one festival is never enough. When you’ve got the festival bug, there’s no looking back. Celebrate the half-term holiday in style and explore the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales festival. This festival runs across two National Parks in North Yorkshire.
If you can’t make the October date, book your motorhome hire for the February event. The North Yorkshire event is an integral part of the overall National Park festival and one not to be missed. Learn more about the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales and view the camping options here.
Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (28th October – 12th November) 2022
Cumbria festival offers both online and outside talks celebrating Cumbria’s Dark Skies. So, you listen to the talks from the comfort of your motorhome, with your feet up and the heating on or, listen in person and meet other festival-goers. Activities at Cumbria festival include dark sky canoeing and high-tech star gazing. Learn more about the festival and the local motorhome and campervan parks.
South Downs (4th- 17th February 2023).
Kickstart the new year with a exploration into the dark skies of the South Downs. Only a short two-hour drive from our London based depot, South Downs National Park is home to outstanding beauty.
Once you’ve collect your campervan, the journey begins and now, you can start exploring wildlife walks and the skies of South Downs. Learn more about the festival here.
Welsh Dark Skies Week (17th-16th February) 2023
The Welsh poet R.S. Thomas wrote, “To live in Wales is to be conscious.” He’s right. There’s something so mysteriously spectacular about the Welsh skies and maybe you’ll be able to figure it out at the Welsh Dark Skies Festival.
Take your motorhome across three National Parks (Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire Coast) and five areas of outstanding natural beauty (Anglesey, Pen Llŷn, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Gower and Wye) where you will discover the Welsh dark skies. Learn more about this event here, and choose your campervan site.
Scotland has some of the largest expanses of dark skies making it the perfect location on your motorhome road trip. Collect your motorhome from our Edinburgh depot and travel Scotland’s top stargazing destinations. Explore Moffat, located in Dumfries & Galloway, known as Europe’s first ‘dark sky town.’ Then, head over to Galloway Forest Park and view the dark and mysterious night sky. Campsite information can be found here.
Our expert Dublin depot makes it easy to explore Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park in County Mayo. Located between Nephin Mountain Range and the Atlantic coastline, the Dark Sky Park is one of the most unique parks in the whole world. And if you’re lucky to get a clear night, you might see the planets in our solar system. One for the bucket list!
Top tip: Bring a pair of binoculars to fully immerse in the magical sky.
Read more about the campsites open all year round in England.
Read more about Wild Camping.
Choose the time of year that suits you best, and make memories under bright-dazzling stars. Booked your campervan hire today, reach for the stars, and don’t look back.
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