Experience the dark skies above the Howardian Hills AONB at this free English Heritage car park, with amazing views above the Priory and across the River Derwent. Note that no overnight camping is allowed at this location.
Weather forecast
-
23/09/25
11° 0% -
23/09/25
9° 1% -
24/09/25
9° 5% -
24/09/25
9° 5%
Weather forecast for Castle Howard (2.6 miles away) updated 23/09/25 at 12:02.
Local light pollution
Kirkham Priory Car Park is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
-
Urban
-
Suburban
-
Semi-rural
-
Rural
-
Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Best time to visit
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Tue 23rd Sep
Wed 24th Sep
Thu 25th Sep
Fri 26th Sep
Sat 27th Sep
Sun 28th Sep
Mon 29th Sep
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarEvents nearby
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.