StarGazing at Riverside

High Bentham is a gateway town to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. We’re incredibly fortunate to be close to two key areas, both with recognition for the quality of their landscape by day and their sensational skies by night.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park holds International Dark Sky Reserve Status. Benefiting from large areas free from light pollution and easily accessible by good roads, it’s a great place to enjoy the local dark skies.

So where can you see the stars if you’re staying with us?

On clear nights, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of our dark skies from your accommodation, whether in your own holiday home or tourer at Riverside Caravan Park.

Within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, we are fortunate enough to have five designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the National Landscape, 3 of which are  very close to us:

Gisburn Forest Hub and Slaidburn Village Car Park have easy access to the park, albeit over rural roads, which will be narrow and windy in some places. 

Going towards Lancaster, Crook o’ Lune Picnic Site is also a Dark Sky Discover Site.

Suppose you’d like to head into North Yorkshire to attempt astrophotography or enjoy the stars. In that case, Ribblehead Viaduct Car Park at far gearstons, LA6 3AS, is a great place to take in the beauty of this famous viaduct and the stunning stars. 

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the mysteries above, enjoying our evening skies will ignite a sense of wonder and enchantment within.