Enjoy Bowland’s stellar nightlife

The landscapes of the Forest are captivating by day but after the sun sets there’s a whole new world to discover in the dark skies over Bowland.

The night skies over Bowland have recently been recognized as some of the darkest in England and granted official status as Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

Many of the earth’s companion planets in the solar system: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus are visible at various times of year, as are more distant objects like the Orion Nebula and the Great Galaxy in Andromeda.

There are four designated Dark Sky Discovery sites within the National Landscape – all of which have parking and plenty of room to observe the sky:

  • Beacon Fell Country Park
  • Gisburn Forest Hub
  • Slaidburn Village Car Park
  • Crook o’ Lune Picnic Site 

Find an organized star-gazing event: https://www.forestofbowland.com/Festival-Bowland-Events

Find Dark Skies friendly accommodation: https://www.forestofbowland.com/star-gazing

a girl and a goat

Bowland Wild Boar Park

Nestling beside the River Hodder in a remote valley beneath the rugged ridgeline of the Bleasdale Fells, Bowland Wild Boar Park maintains a tradition dating back to the middle ages – along with a host of fun activities for the ...
steps lead up to the house with lush green garden

Cobden View self catering cottage

Cobden View cottage is set in its own grounds with glorious panoramic views of Sabden valley and Pendle Hill in the Forest of Bowland. Through its windows, you can also see sheep and cattle (plus some hens and geese) that ...

Dale House Barn Luxury B&B & Cookery Courses

Michelin-trained chef Dominique Ashford has tuned into the slower rhythms of nature after swapping the top end restaurants of London for wild food and foraging in the Forest of Bowland For a really wild adventure in one of the most ...
Dale House camping Barn near Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland

Dale House Camping Barn

Our charming barn is available for groups of up to 14 people. It has two mezzanine sleeping areas, a large double height dining and seating area with a log burning stove. There is a small kitchen, 2 toilets and 2 ...
wooden hut with large windows and logs

Hartley’s Huts

Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, this glamping pod is ideal for hikers and bikers who want a base more substantial than a tent and less fuss than a hotel. Want privacy with absolutely nobody ...
views over the fields

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages are set in beautiful open countryside close to Pendle Hill and in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. Perfect for those wanting to escape a hectic lifestyle. The cottages were once the original farmhouse and ...
inside the yurt

Little Oakhurst Luxury Glamping

Do you desire a night of peace and quiet? Want to relax under the stars in your very own Luxury yurt with a wood fired hot tub? If you do, then Little Oakhurst is the place for you. From the ...
A luxury glamping pod at Peaks and Pods in Rathmell, Forest of Bowland

Peaks and Pods

Perfectly positioned on a small dairy farm in North Yorkshire, these five camping pods are in a league of their own. These cedar-clad beauties boast panoramic views, well-appointed terraces, and comfortable double beds. All the pods also have their own ...
aerial view of caravan park with trees

Riverside Caravan Park

Situated where Lake, Coast and Dale unite, Riverside Caravan Park and cottages offers you the chance to escape from the worries of life and immerse yourself in our rural retreat. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a regular ...
Smelt Mill surrounded by hills and stream

Smelt Mill Outdoor Centre

Smelt Mill provides accommodation for groups in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. It is ideally located for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and bird watching. Rooms – 5 x 2 beds, 3 x 4 ...

The Rewilding

For big skies, wide open spaces and the perfect environment for rewilding yourself, head over to the windswept salt marshes of the Lancashire coast, where the Forest of Bowland meets the sea! After travelling the world with a high-powered job ...

Wood End Farm and Alpaca Experience

Our family have farmed here for over 100 years. It is a traditional hill farm, with beef and sheep, set in the beauty and tranquility of this unspoilt area in rural Lancashire. We believe in preserving the best of traditional ...