Club reveals best dark sky sites for stargazing in the UK

Friday 12th December 2025 

The Camping and Caravanning Club has released a guide to the best dark sky destinations for stargazing in the UK.  

The places have been scored and ranked based on December average rainfall, average Bortle score and online search interest (annual volume of searches for stargazing in each location)*.  

Bortle score measures the brightness of the night sky on a scale of 1-9, with 1 reserved for the very darkest locations and 9 typical of urban areas.  

The Club’s best dark sky sites for stargazing include: 

• Northumberland National Park 
  Unveiled as an International Dark Sky Park in December 2013, the Northumberland National Park spans over 1,000 square kilometres.
  Average score: 7.02
  Overall rank: 1 

• Brecon Beacons
  The Brecon Beacons’ best spots for stargazing include the Usk Reservoir, Llanthony Prior and Crai Reservoir. 
  Average score: 6.71
  Overall rank: 2 

• Exmoor National Park
  Awarded Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011, the Exmoor National Park is a diverse area of untamed moorland. The area’s sparse population makes for some of the darkest skies in the UK. 
  Average score: 5.92 
  Overall rank: 3 

• South Downs National Park
  For the clearest stargazing views, head to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Bignor Hill, Devil’s Dyke or Buriton. 
  Average score: 4.58 
  Overall rank: 4 

• Elan Valley
  Achieving Dark Sky Park status in 2015, Elan Valley in Wales is a breathtaking vale of man-made reservoirs.
  Average score: 4.21 
  Overall rank: 5 

• North York Moors National Park
  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. 
  Average score: 4.12
  Overall rank: 6 

• Snowdonia (Eryri)
  Everywhere in Snowdonia offers clear, starry skies, but for the best views, head to Llyn y Dywarchen, Tŷ Cipar or Bwlch y Groes. 
  Average score: 3.85 
  Overall rank: =7 

• Yorkshire Dales National Park 
  If the conditions are good and the activity is right, you may catch one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders - the Northern Lights. Also, keep an eye out for the International Space Station, travelling overhead at over 17,000mph. 
  Average score: 3.85 
  Overall rank: =7 

• Galloway Forest Park
  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. 
  Average score: 3.77 
  Overall rank: 8 

• Cranborne Chase National Landscape 
  Over 50% of the area boasts some of the lowest levels of light pollution in England, making it an exceptional spot for stargazing. 
  Average score: 3.66 
  Overall rank: 9 

• North Pennines National Landscape 
  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. 
  Average score: 2.18 
  Overall rank: 10 

At all these locations the best time to go stargazing is in the days before and after a new moon.

Madeleine Birch, the Club’s PR and Events Manager, said: “Night skies can be magical, and we’ve ranked the best stargazing and aurora viewing spots across the UK.  

“Northerly winds and clear skies at this time of year bring some of the best stargazing opportunities, so why not explore our recommended spots this winter.”  

Celestial events taking place over the next couple of months include the Geminids Meteor Shower, which peaks on 14th December and the Quadrantid Meteor Shower, visible from mid-December and peaking early in the New Year. Jupiter and Saturn are also expected to be bright and visible in the evening and night sky throughout December.  

According to the Met Office, With the sun also currently in its solar maximum phase, the most active part of its 11-year cycle, more regular aurora sightings remain possible in the coming months.** 

To explore the Club’s best stargazing spots, visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/advice/discover/stargazing/. 

-Ends- 

*Average score based on analysis of each site’s December average rainfall, average Bortle score and online search interest (volumes of searches each year), to generate an overall score out of 10. 

Data sources: 

• Met Office Location-specific long-term averages data
• Bortle scores calculated using Light Pollution Map App 
• searchvolume.io - searchterm: [Location] stargazing 

**https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/syndication/syndicated-articles/msn-news/2025/november/how-to-see-the-aurora-in-the-uk-tonight 

For more information or images contact us.  

Notes for Editors  

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is 124 years old and is the UK’s oldest Club for all forms of camping.
2. The Club operates a nationwide network of quality assured Club Sites, with 95% of these 5-star rated by Club members.
3. To view the list of Camping and Caravanning Club Sites with year-round opening visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/year-round-sites.  
4. The Club has delivered a high NPS score this year of 81% across its Club Site network and 90% for its Service Centre. 
5. Club members receive up to 30% off every Club Site stay and get exclusive access to privately run, smaller sites. 
6. Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/campandcaravanning, www.instagram.com/campandcaravan and www.youtube.com/@campandcaravanning.