Dark Skies FestivalWhere to stay for the South Downs Dark Skies Festival 2027

What it is and when

The Dark Skies Festival is the South Downs National Park’s yearly stargazing fortnight, held in February when the nights are long. It takes place across the park. Star parties have usually been at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Horndean.

The 2027 dates, 11 to 21 February, come from a Sussex Express report quoting the National Park. The park’s festival page still showed the 2026 dates (12 to 22 February) and no 2027 programme when we checked on 14 November 2026. So treat the dates as reported, to be confirmed, and check the park’s page before you plan around one event.

You are already in the reserve

West Marden sits inside the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve. You do not have to drive anywhere to see stars. On a clear night, put a coat on, step out of your own front door into the garden and look up.

That is the case for a house over a hotel in town. You can go out at eleven, come in to warm up, and go out again at one. No one minds what time you come and go. Keepers and The Old Stables have wood burners to come in to.

The farm has been in the family since 1947 and covers 1,000 acres. The houses are AA five-star rated, each with its own front door, kitchen and garden, and each sleeps 4. Check-in is from 4pm, which in February is not long before dark, so you can be outside looking up on your first evening. Our dark skies guide has more on where to look and what to bring.

Getting to the festival events

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is about 15 minutes’ drive from the farm. That is our estimate in normal traffic. The 2027 programme is not out, so we cannot yet say which events are where. Events in other parts of the park will be further.

Coming back late on dark lanes is part of the point. Parking at the houses is free.

By day

The festival spans February half term, 15 to 19 February 2027, so it suits families, and Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday 14 February, so it suits couples too.

In daylight, Kingley Vale and its ancient yews are at their best in winter light, and the Octagon walks start in the village. Snowdrops are usually out until the end of February. The Victoria Inn is a very short walk away for lunch. Bring boots, the valley paths are muddy until March.

When to book

The half-term week in the middle of the festival is the busiest part. The first weekend, 11 to 14 February, and the last, 19 to 21 February, are easier. Stars cannot be booked, so more than one night gives you a better chance of a clear sky. In the half-term week there is a three-night minimum stay. Book direct with no booking fees, or message us on WhatsApp.