The Best Dark Sky Sites for Stargazing in the UK
Escape the UK’s city lights and relax under a starry night sky as you enjoy stargazing in the quiet countryside. With plenty of beautiful dark sky spots around England, Scotland and Wales, you’ll have the chance to see constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way on a clear night.
Our guide has everything you need to know for a successful night stargazing, from the best dark sky sites in the UK to information on the ideal time of year to go and plenty of useful tips on making the most of your trip.
What is a Dark Sky Discovery Site?
A Dark Sky Discovery Site is a location with low light pollution, which has incredible views of the night sky. These dark sky sites are ideal for stargazing and are open for public access. They often include national parks, wide open spaces, or areas of countryside where the natural darkness of the night is preserved for breathtaking views.
What do you need to stargaze?
The two main things you’ll need for stargazing are a clear night sky and your eyes. To get the most out of your trip, here are some extra items which could enhance the experience.
1. Telescope or binoculars
For crisper, clearer views of the stars and moon, a telescope or a good pair of binoculars can make a big difference. With the right conditions, you might even spot the moons of Jupiter.
2. Stargazing app
Whether you're familiar with constellations or need some guidance, stargazing apps on your smartphone can help you easily identify stars, planets, and celestial patterns. We would recommend Sky Safari, Night Sky, Star Walk 2, which are all available on iOS and Android
3. Camping chair
Lightweight and easy to set up, a camping chair lets you sit back and relax while watching the stars drift across the night sky. You can even invest in a heated camping chair for those chillier evenings. Heated through a charged power bank, you’ll stay toasty as you literally watch the world go by.
4. Camping mat
If you prefer lying down to take in the whole sky, a foldable camping mat provides comfort and insulation from the ground. If you’re planning on camping, snuggle down with your sleeping bag for extra comfort.
5. Blanket or extra clothing
At night, temperatures can drop leaving you cold and uncomfortable. Make sure you pack a blanket or some additional layers to keep warm.
6. Compass
A compass is handy when locating constellations or orienting yourself to the night sky. You can bring a traditional compass or use one on your phone.
7. Camera
Capturing the moment of your stargazing experience will bring a smile to your face for years to come. Although phone cameras are now much better at capturing the night sky, you can also get a DSLR for crisper images.
8. Warm food or drinks
Keep warm and stay hydrated by bringing along a hot drink or warm soup. If you’re camping under the starry sky, take snacks for when you feel peckish.
How to stargaze with the naked eye?
To help your eyes adjust to the darkness, avoid using your phone or looking at screens or lights. It takes 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark sky, so you can fully appreciate the constellations.What is the best time of year for stargazing in the UK?
The best time to go stargazing in the UK is during the days before and after a new moon. A new moon occurs once a month, when the moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun. The sky is darker in the days around a new moon because less moonlight is visible. This makes it easier to see faint stars, distant planets, and even the Milky Way on a clear night.
Autumn and winter are also the best seasons for stargazing as you’ll have longer and clearer nights which tend to be darker. The start of spring is also ideal for stargazing as the nights are longer than summer months, but the temperature is slightly warmer.
Where are the best places to go stargazing in the UK?
Discover some of the best spots for stargazing in the UK and our local campsites, where you can enjoy a night of camping under the dark sky.
Stargazing in England | Stargazing in Scotland | Stargazing in Wales
Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park - South Wales
Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve, the Brecon Beacons National Park, is a dramatic mountain range stretching across South Wales. The local community works tirelessly to ensure the region’s light pollution is minimal, allowing for clear views of the starry night sky.
The Brecon Beacons’ best spots for stargazing include the Usk Reservoir, Llanthony Prior and Crai Reservoir. Look up at the sky and keep an eye out for the Milky Way, bright nebulas, meteor showers and major constellations.
Nearest campsite: Rhandirmwyn Club Site.
Elan Valley - Powys, Wales
Achieving Dark Sky Park status in 2015, Elan Valley in Wales is a breathtaking vale of man-made reservoirs. Nestled among the rugged Cambrian Mountains, the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park is a fantastic location to pitch your tent and gaze at the stars.
Over 45,000 acres of the Elan Valley are protected by law against light pollution, providing a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and nature. For the best stargazing views, head to Claerwen Dam, Craig Goch, Pont ar Elan, or Teifi Pools.
Nearest campsite: Wyeside Club Site.
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park - North West Wales
Awarded Wales’ second Dark Sky Reserve status in December 2015, the Snowdonia National Park covers 800, thinly populated, square miles of North Wales. Pitch your tent in this national park and look out for iconic constellations such as Orion the Hunter, Gemini, the Seven Sisters and the Square of Pegasus.
Everywhere in Snowdonia offers clear, starry skies, but for the best views, head to Llyn y Dywarchen, Tŷ Cipar or Bwlch y Groes. The Dark-Sky Association, based in Arizona, have been incredibly impressed with Wales’ commitment to protecting its skies, stating: “Wales now leads the world in the percentage of its territory enjoying protected status for its night skies”.
Nearest campsite:
Exmoor National Park - South West England
Awarded Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011, the Exmoor National Park is a diverse area of untamed moorland in North Devon. The area’s sparse population makes for some of the darkest skies in the UK. On a clear night, the naked eye can see over 3,000 stars!
The Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve covers over 32 square miles, including some fantastic stargazing locations, such as Holdstone Hill, County Gate, Brendon Two Gates and Haddon Hill.
Nearest campsite: Lynton Club Site.
North Pennines AONB - North of England
Nestled in County Durham and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988, the North Pennines has more Dark Sky Discovery Sites than anywhere else in the UK.
While visiting, you can see the observatory at Allenheads Contemporary Arts, learn about the local astronomical community and marvel at the Milky Way and the constellation of Orion.
Nearest campsite:
Northumberland National Park - North of England
Unveiled as an International Dark Sky Park in December 2013, the Northumberland National Park is over 1,000 square kilometres of sloping valleys, glistening lakes and fascinating history. The national park is also home to Europe’s largest area of protected night sky, with over 572 square miles of clear, starry skies.
Having been awarded Gold Tier standard by the International Dark-Sky Association, the Northumberland National Park is officially the best place to stargaze in England. Marvel at over 2,000 stars at any one time, the furthest of which is Andromeda Galaxy, over 2,500,000 light-years away.
Nearest campsite:
North York Moors National Park - North of England
Located in Yorkshire and home to three Dark Skies Discovery Sites, the North York Moors National Park has remote dales, moors and forests. On a clear night, pitch your tent in the national park, camp beneath the starry sky and watch as the iridescent Northern Lights dance above you.
According to respected astronomer Richard Darn, the North East’s dry climate and uninterrupted horizons make the stretch of coastline between Saltburn and Scarborough the perfect location for stargazing.
Nearest campsite:
South Downs National Park - South England
Becoming a Dark Sky Reserve in May 2016, the South Downs National Park is home to beautiful rolling landscapes and clear, dark, gloomy skies. This is a great starry night sky to visit if you're camping in London and want an escape from the brightly lit capital.
For the clearest stargazing views, head to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Bignor Hill, Devil’s Dyke or Buriton. There are approximately 2,700 street lights in the South Downs; local authorities are now gradually replacing these to comply with Dark Sky standards.
Nearest campsite:
Yorkshire Dales National Park - North East England
With four designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a fantastic place to pitch your tent if you want to sleep beneath the stars. Watch daylight turn to night as over 2,000 stars and planets hang down from the night sky.
If the conditions are good and the activity is right, you may catch one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders in the Northern Lights. Also, keep an eye out for the International Space Station, travelling overhead at over 17,000mph.
In the Yorkshire Dales, you’re always guaranteed a starry sky, however for the best views, pay a trip to Hawes, the Malham National Park Centres or the Tan Hill Inn.
Nearest campsite:
Cranborne Chase AONB - South England
Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1981, Cranborne Chase achieved International Dark Sky Reserve status in October 2019, becoming the 14th such reserve worldwide and the first entire AONB in the UK to receive this recognition. Over 50% of the area boasts some of the lowest levels of light pollution in England, making it an exceptional spot for stargazing.
Onlookers will get stunning panoramic views of the night sky, including the prominent summits of Breeze Hill, Win Green and Melbury Hill.
Nearest campsite:
Galloway Forest Park – Scotland
In 2009, Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park not only became the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, but it was also the world’s very first Dark Sky Park. Today, over 300 square miles of tranquil valleys, jagged rock faces and heather-clad hills fall within the Gold Tier Dark Skies Park.
Pitch your tent on the edge of this ancient, secluded woodland, and gaze at the arching Milky Way and over 7,000 stars and planets. Visit one of the three visitor centres at Glentrool, Kiroughtree or Clatteringshaws for the best views in the forest.
Nearest campsite: Culzean Castle Club Site.
Stargazing tips for success
To ensure you make the most out of your stargazing experience, here are some helpful tips:
Check the moon phase
Days around the new moon, the sky is at its darkest, making the stars appear brighter. Check the moon phase before planning your stargazing adventure, so you can see even the dimmest stars.
Avoid cloudy evenings
Clear skies are a must to see the stars and beyond , so check the cloud coverage before you venture out is crucial.
Avoid light polluted areas
Keep clear of city lights when you’re trying to spot stars. Designated dark sky sites like the ones listed above are perfect for escaping the artificial light.
Wrap up warm
No matter what time of year you’re stargazing, make sure you stay cosy by wrapping up in layers or packing a blanket. Temperatures can drop as low as 2-7° on average in the UK.
Use red light torches
Bright white lights can ruin your night vision. Instead, use a torch with a red filter or red LED setting to preserve your eyes’ ability to adjust to the dark. If you do use white light, it might take a little longer for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
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