A lifetime of adventures after dark
My passion for exploring the night sky has shaped my life, work and noctourism adventures over the last decade. From witnessing my first aurora in Iceland in 2014 to inspiring others to embrace nocturnal exploration, this journey has been transformative for both myself and those I’ve guided along the way.
Truth be told, my obsession started when I was young. My Dad would wake us in the night to gaze at the Perseids meteor shower in the summer, we’d bundle up in sleeping bags and lay out in the garden for hours. He showed me what it was like to feel the moment anticipation gives away to awe.
My work as an aurora chaser and night sky photographer has taken me across breathtaking locations like Iceland, Norway, and Scotland, connecting me with people who share the same awe for the cosmos.
I’ve shared my insights and stories of the sky, speaking on stages, round campfires and at national exhibitions like The Photography Show, encouraging others to embark on their own nocturnal adventures.
In 2024, I spoke about ‘When the world goes dark’ at the National Space Centre and launched my online course, Chasing the Aurora Borealis, a guide to understanding, predicting and capturing the northern lights. In an interview CNBC highlighted, I’ve been ‘an early adopter of noctourism’ – a way of travel that reconnects us to nature and the vast cosmos. With 2025’s solar maximum marking the peak of aurora activity, there’s never been a better time to explore the night.
What is noctourism?
Noctourism is simply exploring and experiencing the wonders of the night and it is reshaping the way we think about travel.
Noctourism is a call from nature — a way to rewild our connection to the universe, experience moments of awe and quiet the noise of everyday life under star-studded skies.
My mission is to help others discover this magick for themselves and create memories as extraordinary as the skies above.
For me, noctourism is all about venturing into the dark to connect with the natural world in a profoundly different way. It a dopamine filled adventure that can see you overcome with wonder and awe from sunset to sunrise and uncovering the beauty and serenity that only the night can offer.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the aurora or exploring the mysteries of the night, I invite you to join me on this journey.
Together, with curiosity as our North Star, let’s slip into that liminal space under the night sky and embrace the wonders of noctourism to create moments that will be etched on your heart forever.
the ultimate night sky adventure
Chasing the aurora borealis
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE: HOW TO SEE AND PHOTOGRAPH aurora borealis
Take the fast lane and learn from my decade of chasing the northern lights. There are 7 sections & 34 lessons which dive into, guiding you step-by-step through my framework for chasing the aurora. There’s a handy checklist you either print off or save to an album in your phone gallery – ideal for a recap when you’re out and about on your aurora adventure.
stargazing
Stargazing is a timeless journey into the vastness of the cosmos, where the quiet beauty of the night sky inspires wonder, reflection, and a deep connection to the universe.
moon magick
The moon casts its silvery glow across the landscape, evoking a sense of serenity and wonder as it anchors us to the cyclical rhythms bringing the ebb and flow of the tide.
noctilucent clouds
Noctilucent clouds, or ‘night shining’ clouds, are illuminated by the sun’s rays at high altitudes, painting the twilight sky with vivid, ethereal light.
22 deg haloS
A majestic ring encircling the moon is an enchanting display of light and ice, a rare and breathtaking gift from the atmosphere on some of the coldest nights.
meteor showers
Shooting stars streak the night sky with fiery trails, inviting us to pause, look up, and make wishes on nature’s fleeting sparks of wonder.
comets
Glowing tails composed of dust and gas illuminated by the sun, offering a fleeting glimpse into the primordial material of our solar system’s formation.
Noctourism experiences leave us feeling awe-inspired.
Nocturnal UK wildlife
wonder filled moments that imprint on your heart
Experiences to see nocturnal wildlife offer a chance to observe elusive creatures like badgers foraging under moonlight, foxes and their cubs on the move and bats darting gracefully across the night sky. These moments immerse you in the secrets of the nocturnal world, creating a profound connection to the wild as it comes alive after dark.
Badgers
Badgers emerge under the cover of darkness, their quiet foraging a glimpse into the hidden rhythms of nocturnal life.
bats
Bats dart across the twilight sky in swift, silent arcs, their presence a reminder of nature’s quiet guardians of the night.
foxes
Foxes come alive at night, through moonlit landscapes with graceful curiosity, embodying the spirit of the wild night.
Noctourism is more than just seeing, it invites you to feel, to ground in the present moment & make memories.
Night time adventures in nature
When night time transforms into a world of possibility
Embark on night-time adventures that reveal the magic of nature after dark is nothing short of magickal. From the serenity of night hiking under a canopy of stars to the thrill of moonlit wild swimming in shimmering waters, these experiences connect you to the world in its quietest and most captivating form. Discover hidden marine life through night-time rockpooling or experience the surreal glow of bioluminescence, where the ocean sparkles with naturally created light. For the truly adventurous, night snorkelling opens a window into the underwater world, teeming with nocturnal creatures. These adventures promise a unique perspective on nature, blending curiosity, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
moonlit wild swimming
Some moments feel like diving into a dream, as the cool waters reflect the moon’s silver glow and waves soothe the soul.
Night time rockpooling
Reveals a world of marine life that glows under UV light, offering a magical glimpse into the ocean’s secrets.
BIOluminescence
*
Sea sparkle lights up the night as tiny organisms create glowing trails in the water, turning the sea into a canvas of living light.
Night
hiking
Transform familiar trails into mysterious paths illuminated by moonlight and the stars, inviting a deeper connection to nature.
Night Snorkelling
The night unveils an underwater world alive with nocturnal creatures, where each movement feels like stepping into a hidden, glowing wonderland.
Visual storytelling is a portal.
It invites us to feel the moment before we get to savour it for ourselves.
Client story
Elmley Nature Reserve
Elmley Nature Reserve is an incredible noctourism destination, with its wild, open landscapes, big skies and nature-immersed accommodation. From shooting the aurora borealis over the reserve to capturing stars from the beds of the cabins, my work here illustrates how nocturnal storytelling can bring the experience of staying in the accommodation to life.
Let’s chat about how I can help share the story of the experience of nocturnal adventures
journey to the wildest of edges
Aurora Borealis at
Elmley Nature Reserve
A curated collection of aurora photography prints
Speaking & writing features about noctourism
Sharing visual stories
interview
National Geographic
Why ‘star walking’ is the outdoor activity we need right now.
speaker
National Space Centre
Space Lates: Chasing the aurora borealis – hints & tips
interview
CNBC
‘Noctourism’ is expected to be a big travel trend in 2025.
speaker
The Photography Show
When the world goes dark: aurora, night sky & rockpooling
Nautre feature writer
Broadstairs Beacon
Dazzling nature
writer
Ernest Journal
Chasing aurora – an 8 page guide to night sky adventures
Interview
Tech Radar
How to step up your stargazing game in 2025 on the cheap, according to space experts
Interview
Geographical
The joys of noctourism
feature
NASA: Earth Observatory
Citizen scientists capture brilliant photos of the aurora
Interview
Tech Radar
How to step up your stargazing game in 2025 on the cheap, according to space experts
Ways we can work together
Let’s co-create to share the story of your nocturnal adventures.
From creating captivating visuals and social media content to crafting bespoke storytelling experiences, I partner with hosts of noctourism experiences, destination marketing agencies, brands, tourism boards, tour guides and and organisations to showcase the transformative power of noctourism. Together, we can bring the beauty of the night to life, inspiring awe, connection, and adventure.
“Rebecca was a fantastic speaker – she skilfully weaved beautifully captured images and practical advice for aurora hunting into her talk, leaving the audience inspired to catch the northern lights for themselves!”
Dhara Patel – Space Expert – National Space Centre
“The aurora photography speaker was brilliant!”
“It was interesting to learn you could catch the northern lights so far south, we would like to try and see them.”
“Particularly enjoyed the Aurora talk.”
“Ignited a desire to see northern lights and go star gazing in the uk.”
“The talk by Rebecca Douglas on photographing the Aurora – not only with inspiring and beautiful images but a practical guide, and a hope that I can see this for myself without the costs of travelling north.”
“I enjoyed the talk on How to See & Photograph the Aurora Borealis by Rebecca Douglas. It was interesting to learn that we have had some sightings in England and to see the same view taken using different camera settings and how that view can look different to the naked eye and a camera. Rebecca talked about the aurora borealis with such passion and it was great to listen to someone talk passionately whilst teaching.”
“I really enjoyed your presentation, Rebecca, very informative and interesting so much so that I sat through it twice. I found your enthusiasm absolutely infectious. Thank you for the informal chat afterward, I had a great night and look forward to seeing your photographs from your next trip.”
Content creation
Need support creating engaging social media content tailored to share the magick of noctourism & night time adventures?
I specialise in distilling complex ideas into accessible, shareable content. By blending storytelling with practical advice and captivating visuals, we’ll create content that not only educates your audience but sparks their curiosity and invite them to step into experience the awe of the nocturnal world.
