Hotel Victoria in Robin Hood’s Bay is embracing the nocturnal this winter, welcoming guests for the North York Moors National Park Dark Skies Festival (13 February–1 March). Recently recognised as a Dark Skies–friendly accommodation, the Victorian landmark is well placed for those keen to swap streetlights for starlight.
Sitting high above the bay on the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast, the hotel has launched a limited “Stay and Gaze” package: a two-night break with a three-course dinner, traditional afternoon tea and late-night stargazing from the terrace. Blankets and torches are provided, acknowledging that coastal astronomy is not for the faint-hearted.
Guests can keep warm with hot port cocktails, mulled wine and luxury hot chocolate, while head chef Ryan Osborne marks the festival with a one-off dessert, From a Galaxy Far Away: an Italian meringue “night sky” dome filled with wild berries, spiced crumb and chocolate-covered morello cherries.
Inside, the 30-bedroom hotel pairs open fires and elegant interiors with wide sea views, many of which extend straight into the night sky. Osborne’s Restaurant and the Sea-View Garden and Terrace offer particularly dramatic vantage points once darkness falls.
Owner Andrew Long said: “Perched above Robin Hood’s Bay, the hotel offers a special opportunity to enjoy some of the UK’s darkest skies alongside panoramic coastal views, together with excellent food and beverages. With a high standard of exceptional and thoughtful hospitality, Hotel Victoria will make the Dark Skies Festival a truly special place to stay. Our curated packages are designed to help our guests to relax and fully immerse themselves in this extraordinary natural spectacle.”
The North York Moors was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020, one of just 25 worldwide. In its darkest areas, up to 2,000 stars are visible to the naked eye.
The Dark Skies Festival features guided astronomy sessions, night walks, photography workshops and family-friendly events across the National Park, including lantern-lit walks in Robin Hood’s Bay and stargazing at the new Dark Skies Station at Danby Lodge.
Details of Hotel Victoria’s Dark Skies stays and the full festival programme are available via the North York Moors National Park.
