The Forest of Bowland is a stargazer’s paradise and Dale House Barn is your perfect base. Hidden in the heart of Gisburn Forest it’s your chance to escape from the rat race and indulge your senses in the magnificent dark skies & the sound of silence.
The Milky Way arches majestically across the sky on clear autumn evenings and star clusters sparkle like diamonds on black velvet. It is a breathtaking scene that adds so much to the unspoilt character of the area and provides the stuff of holiday memories.
The Forest of Bowland has 4 Dark Sky Discovery Sites. On the doorstep of Dale House Barn is Gisbrun Forest Hub and close by are Beacon Fell Country Park, Crook O’Lune Picnic Site, and Slaidburn village.
Whatever the season the wonderful dark skies will enchant you:
SPRING
A great time to view brighter galaxies. Planets like Jupiter and Saturn are also well placed. Nights are still long and the weather is warming up so it’s a great time to observe. The constellation of Leo dominates the southern sky.
SUMMER
You will see fewer stars around mid-summer, but watch out for ghostly noctilucent clouds high in the sky. You will also see tantalising glimpses of the Milky Way to whet appetites for the months ahead. Watch out for August’s Perseid meteor shower – one of the year’s best. Truly dark skies return at the end of July.
AUTUMN
Together with the spring this is a prime viewing time. Nights are properly dark and the Milky Way is overhead in the evening, resembling a shimmering river of stars. Star clusters Stocks Reservoir also look fantastic. Meteors showers like the Leonids can put on a good show in November.
WINTER
The season of sparkling skies! The sky is often at its most transparent as temperatures dip. Glittering star clusters and magnificent constellations like Orion grace the sky, along with bright nebula. Wrap up warm and the rewards can be amazing.