Dark Sky Activities
Lake District
Explore the secret world of the Lake District by night and observe our galaxy at its very best.
The Lake District is one of the most excellent venues in England for Stargazing. 80% of UK residents live under light-polluted skies and can only see about 30 stars in the night sky. Cumbria is listed in the top 5% of the darkest areas in the whole of Britain. On a clear night, we are lucky enough to be able to see thousands of stars, constellations and the Milky Way just with the naked eye.
When Dark Sky Sessions are available:
Sessions from Oct to March. Watch this space for dates!
How to Book:
You can book our activities online here. (Dark sky activities Oct - March. Selected dates only- see below)
If you are looking for alternative dates/times, cannot find your chosen activity or have children below the stated age please do contact us to arrange your activity - we will do our best to accommodate you. For some of our more bespoke activities please contact us.
Please note: All under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Dark Sky
Canoeing
A magical experience on the water
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the night sky in the heart of the Lake District. Expect to meet like minded people on this magical experience.
The guided canoe tour will start in the day-light, giving you time to get to grips with paddling the canoe.
We will find a secluded bay enjoy a hot brew and watch as the sun sets over the magnificent mountain scenery.
Once the sun has set, we will continue our canoe journey stopping along the way to look up and marvel at the stars, identify some constellations and see the beauty of the Milky Way.
Family Dark Sky Canoeing:
Family session in rafted canoes. This is a stable raft which makes it fun, easy and safe for families to get around and have fun on the water.
Dark Sky Canoeing suitable for: Age 12+
Family Dark Sky Canoeing suitable for: Age 8+
Fitness Level: Moderate
We provide: Buoyancy Aids, Head torches. Hot brews. All safety kit. A local expert instructor. Insurance
Bring with you: Lots of warm layers, Waterproof Jacket and Trousers, Warm Hat and Gloves. Wellies or trainers.
Full kit list and directions here.
Price: Adult £54pp Child £49pp (17yrs and under)
Duration: 3 hrs
Selected dates only Oct - Feb
Feb 2025 dates just released! Book online
Dates for Nov 2024:
Dark Sky Canoeing:
Fri 22nd Nov - 3.15pm
Sat 23rd Nov - 3.15pm
JUST RELEASED! - Dates for Feb 2025:
Family Dark Sky Canoeing - Age 8+
(Rafted Canoes):
Wed 12th Feb 2025 - 4.30pm
Sat 15th Feb 2025 - 4.30pm
Wed 19th Feb 2025 - 4.25pm
Dark Sky Canoeing:
Sat 8th Feb 2025 - 4.15pm
Fri 21st Feb 2025 - 4.45pm
Stargazing, Dinner
& Spoon Whittling
Stargazing with a difference.
Join us on a beautiful private country estate for an evening of Food, Spoon Whittling and Star Gazing. A truly memorable experience.
After a short walk into a stunning Oak Woodland, we will congregate around an open fire. Here, you'll be shown how to use a bushcraft knife, hook knife and an axe safely as well as some handy techniques and grips needed for wood whittling. After this, under the watchful eye and guidance of the instructor, you can have a go at carving your very own spoon - which you can take away with you as a memento of the evening.
Over the camp fire, a Chilli Con Carne will be cooking away, along with rice and garlic bread to enjoy for our evening meal (Vegan Chilli option available).
After the meal, we will exit the wood and sit out on the fell land and look up at the night sky. Here we can marvel at the stars, identify some constellations and see the beauty of the Milky Way.
The event takes place on our private country estate, nestled between the Coniston Fells and the Duddon estuary. There is a central area covered with a large parachute so you can stay dry whatever the weather and also a composting toilet provided for your comfort throughout the evening.
Suitable for: Age 14+
Fitness Level: This is a very relaxed activity.
We provide: All specialist equipment. Food and Hot Drinks. Insurance
Bring with you: Lots of warm layers, Waterproof Jacket and Trousers, Warm Hat and Gloves. Warm footwear
Location: Grizebeck nr Broughton in Furness
Price: From £65 pp
Duration: 3 hrs
Private bookings only - x6 minimum or price equivalent.
Available Oct - March
Dark Sky
Walk
The Lake District in all its glory
A truly unforgettable night-time adventure in the Lake District National Park and one that not many people get to experience.
This Dark Sky walk has it all; remote open fell land, stepping stones over a bubbling beck, paths alongside the beautiful Beacon Tarn and a 255m peak with stunning 360° views that overlook Coniston Water, the Old Man of Coniston, the Western Lakes fells and of the Duddon Estuary.
You will meet your friendly local guide at dusk, where they will lead you up the fell when everyone else is heading home.
Suitable for: Age 16+
Fitness Level: Good - Expect strenuous and uneven terrain.
We provide: Head torches. All safety kit. A local expert instructor. Insurance
Bring with you: Lots of warm layers, Waterproof Jacket and Trousers, Warm Hat and Gloves. Walking Boots - Snacks and water.
Location: 10 minutes drive from Coniston
Duration: 2 -3hrs
Price: Hire a guide for your group - from £250
Private bookings only. Available Oct - March
Stargazing & Bushcraft Cookery
Fire, Food & Stars... A perfect evening!
The session involves you learning how to fillet a whole Rainbow Trout and cook it indigenous style over an open fire. You will of course have a go at lighting the fire, only using traditional methods, such as flint and steel with natural tinder or even try out the fire bow! You will also bake fresh bread and roast potatoes over the fire.
If we are lucky, we may get a glimpse of a few of our nocturnal residences, such as badgers and foxes who live in our woodland. Afterwards you'll have a chance to Stargaze out on the open fell beside the Wood.
The event takes place on a private country estate overlooking the Duddon estuary. There is a central area covered with a large parachute so you can stay dry whatever the weather and also a composting toilet provided for your comfort throughout the evening.
Our Bushcraft Cookery and Stargazing evening is a fun way to get into the outdoors by night, learn some new skills and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the woodland and all it has to offer.
Suitable for: Age 14+
Fitness Level: This is a very relaxed activity.
We provide: All specialist equipment. Food and Hot Drinks. Insurance
Bring with you: Lots of warm layers, Waterproof Jacket and Trousers, Warm Hat and Gloves. Warm footwear
Location: Grizebeck nr Broughton in Furness
Price: From £65 pp - minimum numbers apply.
Duration: 3 hrs
Private bookings only - x6 minimum or price equvalent.
Available Oct - March