The first official event takes place at the UK’s original National Park, characterised by the brooding, heather-clad uplands of the ‘Dark Peak’ and the rolling, dry stone-walled fields, valleys and rivers of the ‘White Peak’.
Explore the inspiration for Green Space Dark Skies and the innovative technology behind it in our online Lumenator Guide, download here.
Event accessibility
Carry a light and join us at this easily accessible gathering. This is not a hiking location.
We will help to make it possible for people with access needs to take part wherever possible. Please let us know your access needs when you sign up to take part. Some sites are more accessible than others – this event has wide and well-surfaced pathways.
In 1934, Sir Robert McDougall donated Ilam Hall to the National Trust for the purpose of encouraging more young people to access the countryside. It is leased to the Youth Hostel Association and has become a popular hostel for families and school groups. If you want to find out more about the fascinating history of Ilam Park and its surroundings, read more here. And for more information about the Peak District National Park, have a look here.
The UK’s original National Park, formed in 1951, the Peak District stretches to over 555 square miles across five counties in the heart of England. Uniquely characterised by the brooding, heather-clad uplands of the ‘Dark Peak’ and the rolling, dry stone-walled fields, valleys and rivers of the ‘White Peak’, the Peak District has more than 20 million people within an hour’s journey of its varied landscapes.
Sheffield, Manchester and Derby are just a few of the many towns and cities that are a stone’s throw from the National Park; where visitors come to enjoy everything from adrenaline-fuelled rock climbing, to local produce and quiet solace with rare wildlife like mountain hares.
Within the Park’s boundaries are some of the country’s most notable stately homes and estates, along with iconic and much-photographed landscapes worthy of any postcard. Rich history is present in quiet corners for those ready to seek it out – from literary inspiration for the Brontës, to wartime heroism with the Dambusters and moments of cultural change that date back thousands of years. Miles of some of the most accessible routes and tracks for all abilities in the country make the Peak District a place ready to welcome everyone.
Held at Ilam Park, looked after by National Trust
Event Film
Location: Ilam Park, Ashbourne
As we continue our journey into the landscape, we will be sharing films from every Green Space Dark Skies event, as well as stories, photos, music and more.
This event has now happened. Check out the event film to see what we got up to.