5 Reasons Families Are Swapping Screens for Stargazing at This Yorkshire Glamping Site
There’s a special quietness that falls over the Yorkshire Dales after sunset that makes anyone staying at our glamping site in North Yorkshire slow down and be present. Our glamping pods with stargazing domes help families to put down their phones and really take in the breathtaking beauty of their surroundings.
If you’ve ever watched your child scrolling on a tablet while you wonder when ‘family time’ quietly became ‘screen time’, you’re not alone. Life moves quickly, and sometimes even holidays feel like hard work, what with planning, packing, driving, booking tables, navigating crowds. For many families, getting away doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down!
That’s exactly why more people are searching for Yorkshire glamping breaks, to experience life at a slower pace, and to watch the stars.
At Catgill Farm in North Yorkshire, families are discovering that the best holidays aren’t about rushing from place to place. Family holidays are about spending time together, and what’s better than having a little space to do that.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure or a peaceful retreat, this is glamping with purpose: designed for quality time, reconnection and breathing space. This isn’t about ticking off attractions, it’s about looking up and dreaming.
1. The Magic of Dark Skies When Yorkshire Glamping
One of the biggest draws of Yorkshire glamping, especially for families staying in the Dales, is the incredible clarity of the night sky. It’s the dark skies of the Yorkshire Dales that make this the perfect place to stargaze.
At Catgill Farm, thanks to being far away from urban centres, we are lucky to have low levels of light pollution, making constellations, satellites, and even the Milky Way appear bright and unmistakable, even to the naked eye! When darkness falls, it really falls here.
The stars don’t struggle to shine through the glow of artificial light – thanks to minimal light pollution, they dominate the sky. On clear nights, guests in our glamping pods (and on our campsite) regularly spot not only the Milky Way, but shooting stars too!
The surrounding countryside plays a huge role here. The wide open land around Bolton Abbey, rolling fields and hills create perfect conditions for stargazing. There are no tall buildings, no motorways, no commercial lighting to dilute the view.
This is exactly why the Yorkshire Dales National Park is part of the UK’s Dark Sky movement, alongside other dark sky reserves. The area actively promotes responsible lighting and sky protection, meaning visitors get genuinely dark nights without travelling anywhere remote or inaccessible.
For families, that simply means:
- More stars
- Blacker skies
- Greater visibility
- A real sense of space
- A better stargazing experience
When’s the Best Time to go Stargazing in the Yorkshire Dales?
The best time for stargazing is from October to March, when nights are longest and skies are darkest. Planning around a dark sky calendar and timing your stay with a new moon helps maximise visibility.
Summer stargazing is still beautiful, though. Dusk lasts longer, temperatures are warmer and the skies shift through richer colours before night falls properly. If you have little kids that want to see the stars, though, it’s better to choose a stargazing stay out of the summer months as it sometimes isn’t quite dark enough to see the stars until late!
There’s never a bad time to book our glamping pods, though, believe us!
2. Yorkshire Dales Glamping Sites Are Providing Better Sleep
When it comes to our glampers enjoying a great night’s sleep, it’s not just down to the comfortable beds in our pods. Less screen time, plenty of fresh air, and the natural rise-and-fall of daylight help reset the body’s internal sleep clock. The result? Deep, restorative sleep for the whole family! This means happier kids, calmer mornings, and a relaxing break for all at our Yorkshire Dales glamping site.
One of the most common things families say after leaving Catgill is how well everyone slept.
“Had a lovely family evening, playing cards in the ‘ski bubble’and then had the most luxurious night’s sleep in the most comfortable bed!..and the boys’ bunks had no complaints.”
– Noelle M, TripAdvisor
Thanks to the dark skies, no traffic, no background noise – unless you count the sheep! – a good night’s sleep is guaranteed with us. And when the children sleep well, holidays are so much more relaxing.
The glamping pods themselves are designed for real comfort – not novelty camping! Whether you’re staying in a timber pod, one of the super premium pods or a brand-new pod with underfloor heating, every detail is about rest.
Plus, you can doze off to sleep far more quickly after a dip in the relaxing hot tub under the stars.
Inside our glamping pods you’ll find:
- Beds with real mattresses rather than camp beds.
- Bunk beds for children that actually feel cosy not cramped!
- A modern ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating and a proper shower.
- Stylish wet-room bathrooms that make mornings quick and easy.
- Luxury bedding and decor.
3. There’s Space to Relax, Rest, and Reset
Each luxury pod with hot tub has plenty of space for families to rest and relax. Whether it’s sitting around the fire, soaking in the wood-fired hot tub, or enjoying dinner alfresco – family time has never felt more peaceful. The calm surroundings give families a break from their busy lives, encouraging a slower pace of living for a while.
One of the first things families notice when they arrive at Catgill is the sense of space. Not just physical space, but mental space too. For the kids, this means wide open spaces to explore; for parents, it means unrushed family time.
Each luxury pod with hot tub is carefully positioned to create privacy, quiet,and a feeling of being wonderfully removed from the outside world. Instead of rows of accommodation packed tightly together, pods are thoughtfully spaced so you never feel overlooked, rushed or crowded. You can sit outside without feeling watched and enjoy the surroundings as if they’re yours alone.
Days here unfold more slowly than they do at home. Mornings begin with coffee on your private patio, wrapped in a blanket while mist lifts off the fields. Afternoons drift by between hot tub dips, countryside walks, and quiet moments with a book. Evenings bring fire pits, soft lighting and meals eaten outdoors while the sky slowly darkens for evenings to watch the stars.
And with stargazing, there’s no rush, no schedule, and no pressure – just a peaceful retreat where you can take your time.
4. A Chance for Kids to See the World Differently
Glamping in North Yorkshire allows children to see the world through fresh eyes, where everyday routines are swapped for wide-open spaces, and simple adventures. At Catgill Farm, there is plenty for the kids to enjoy, both on site and in the surrounding areas. They can meet our friendly alpacas, head to the children’s outdoor play area, cross the stepping stones at Bolton Abbey, and explore the great outdoors.
Instead of structured entertainment, children find joy in simple pleasures like collecting leaves, spotting animals, climbing gates, or sitting quietly watching the stars appear.
Where you stay becomes part of that experience too. Sleeping in a bell tent or one of the glamping pods with stargazing domes transforms bedtime into something special rather than routine. Bell tents bring a sense of camping magic, with canvas walls, soft lighting and the feeling of being tucked away inside somewhere cosy. Meanwhile, the stargazing domes blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors altogether, allowing children to grow sleepy beneath a sky filled with stars.
While the stargazing domes feel like a novelty, they’re thoughtfully designed to invite your family to feel closer to nature while staying warm and dry. You might even spot an owl gliding overhead, making memories that will last a lifetime. Many parents notice that their children behave differently here. They’re calmer and more curious, ready to explore and certainly never bored! Something about open landscapes and quiet nights encourages children to slow down too and gives them the chance to use their imaginations. Here are just a few ideas of what you can do with kids at Catgill Farm.
A Catgill Farm gift voucher keeps things simple for the person giving it, and exciting for the person receiving it. Here’s everything you need to know about our gift vouchers and why they make a great present:
- Gift vouchers can even be used on site in the shop and for extras during your stay.
- It’s easy to use at the checkout, there’s no hidden terms and conditions.
- Ideal for last-minute gifting and can be delivered digitally or by post.
- You get flexible gift voucher use over the year, meaning the recipient can choose a stay that’s perfectly suited to them within the 12-month period.
- It can be used towards any glamping experience from pods, bell tents, campervanning, and camping.
5. Memories that Last a Lifetime
Yorkshire glamping breaks offer families the chance to create core memories that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. The simple joy of lying under a blanket watching the stars with their loved ones, toasting marshmallows over an open fire, and for the little ones – a rare chance to stay up past bedtime.
This type of glamping holiday isn’t your normal break. They won’t remember all the TV shows they watched in years to come, but they will remember watching the stars in the night sky from a hot tub with a wood-burning stove in the great outdoors.
What makes these memories so powerful is how natural and wholesome they are. There’s no entertainment schedule telling you where to be, no reservations dragging you away from unstructured play. Evenings unfold naturally, whether that means wrapping up warm on the decking, lingering in the warmth of the hot tub, or sitting quietly together while the stars take over the sky.
The luxury pods make it easy to stay present. With private decking, outdoor seating, cosy interiors and real comfort, there’s nothing pulling you away from where you are. Once you’re settled, you don’t feel the need to go anywhere else. The night becomes the event.
A Typical Day at Glamping at Catgill Farm with Kids
Morning
Light spills in through giant bay windows. Children wake naturally, with no alarms and no dragging out of bed.
Late morning
Breakfast on the private patio. Steam rises from mugs into cool air.
Afternoon
Hot tub sessions, a day out at the local farm or exploring Bolton Abbey, and adventures through the surrounding countryside. Here are a few suggestions on what to do around Catgill Farm with kids.
Evening
Time for a special BBQ meal or stop at the pizza shack at Cat’s Kitchen for a night off from cooking. And don’t forget the marshmallows toasted over the fire pit!
Night
Lights off, sky on.
Stargazing Beyond Your Pod
While the pods offer incredible views, families wanting to explore further may enjoy:
- Bolton Abbey – wide riverside skies and dark banks.
- Malham Cove – dramatic views over star-filled cliffs.
- Grassington Moor – a photographer favourite stargazing location.
- Upper Wharfedale – silent valleys and open darkness.
- North York Moors – remote stretches of sky and isolation.
Every location offers its own unique view of the night sky, from sweeping skies to quiet woodland edges. Just make sure to take plenty of warm clothes, a torch and a phone – be careful when exploring past sunset!
Here are some more tips on stargazing at Catgill Farm.
Dark Skies Festivals in the Yorkshire Dales
There are a couple of times in the year when stargazing is even better! We are lucky to be located in one of the Dark Skies National Parks, and as such, there are two festivals celebrating the night skies in the region:
Dark Skies Festival
Held across the Dales during late winter, the Dark Skies Festival includes astronomy tours, guided stargazing, talks, storytelling walks and children’s workshops. Next year, the Dark Skies Festival will take place between 13th February and 1st March.
Dark Skies Fringe Festival
The fringe festival adds more opportunities for photo workshops, artistic events, community evenings and educational sessions for schools and families.
Staying during festival season means you get more than just a view of the stars. The whole family can get more information and education about the stars in the night sky.
Is Catgill the Best Glamping Site in Yorkshire for You?
If you’re searching for any of these, Catgill Farm might be the best place for you to stay!
- Yorkshire glamping breaks
- A peaceful retreat
- The perfect spot for stargazing
- A luxury glamping escape
- Dog-friendly pods
- The ultimate glamping experience
- Somewhere within easy reach of the destinations to explore like Bolton Abbey, the historic city of York and the Yorkshire Dales
- A great place for special occasions
Planning Your Stay
School holidays, summer and winter weekends and festival weeks book up early. Your best chance of finding a last minute glamping pod is a midweek stay (and these are often cheaper too!).
If you’re planning a birthday, special anniversary or romantic weekend, booking early is essential.
FAQs About Stargazing Family Stays
Are the Pods Warm in Winter?
Yes, with underfloor heating and insulation, they’re cosy year-round.
Do the Pods Have Somewhere for Kids to Sleep?
Our glamping pods are perfect for families as they have bunk beds designed perfectly for little ones.
Do They Have Kitchen Utensils?
Yes, each pod is fully equipped.
Is There Potable Water?
Every glamping pod has running water and proper plumbing.
Is it Suitable for Toddlers?
Absolutely! Families with children of all ages can stay at Catgill Farm. It’s the perfect place for toddlers to explore.
Is There Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available.
