Best places for stargazing

Visitors enjoying one of Bristol Astronomical Society's stargazing evenings at Tyntesfield, North Somerset — Visitors stargazing on a clear evening | © National Trust Images/Steve Sayers

The UK has some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe and on a clear night you can see some 4,000 stars in our universe. Take a look at the best locations for stargazing at the places in our care.

Finding the best locations

Light pollution is a growing issue for amateur astronomers. Since many of the sites in our care are far away from towns and streetlights, you can usually get a clear view of the night sky.

Some of these locations have been named Dark Sky Discovery sites, which make up a nationwide network of places that provide great views and are accessible to everyone.

Dark Sky Discovery network

Planning your stargazing

Stargazing is best done before the moon is full, so it's worth looking at the next new moon dates before you organise your trip. Remember, too, that the sky won't be properly dark until an hour and a half after sunset – the longer nights of winter mean more time for your stargazing.

Safety note

Check the weather forecast before you travel and make sure you know how you're going to get home. Don't stray far from the path and always keep a torch handy.

Best places for stargazing

Black Down, West Sussex: Situated on the highest point of the South Downs, Black Down's sweeping skies make it an ideal spot for observing the stars – it's been voted one of the top 10 Dark Skies Discovery destinations in the country. On a clear night, you can see a mass of stars in the sky overhead.Go stargazing at Black Down
Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd, Shropshire: Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd has minimal light pollution and is so dark it's possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Plus, with several small car parks on the top of the Mynd, it's an accessible location.Go stargazing at Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd
Carnewas at Bedruthan, Cornwall: This cliff top location offers panoramic views that are as impressive by night as by day. You can see the night sky from the grassy area next to the shop and car park – it's best to stay well away from the cliff edges, particularly in the dark.Go stargazing at Carnewas at Bedruthan
Divis and the Black Mountain, County Antrim: This site might be close to Belfast, but its height means there's very little light pollution from the city below. These hills are home to a wide range of wildlife and livestock, so please stick to roads and paths and take care not to stray too far in the dark.Go stargazing at Divis and the Black Mountain

A starry night sky above Cragside, Northumberland — A starry night in Northumberland | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland: Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is the largest in the UK, so you can admire the stars with the famous Roman landmark in the foreground. The pristine night skies mean you might see the Andromeda Galaxy (2.5 million light years away) with the naked eye.Go stargazing at Hadrian's Wall
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry: Take in the stars shining over the rugged headland at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. The sound of waves crashing below this hilltop location makes for a relaxing evening of stargazing, or head to the beach for a picture of Mussenden Temple silhouetted against the night sky.Go stargazing at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
St Catherine’s Down and Knowles Farm, Isle of Wight: The Isle of Wight offers several top spots for stargazing. Keen astrophotographers might like to test their skills at St Catherine’s Down, where the remains of a 14th-century oratory, known as the Pepperpot, makes an unusual foreground backed by stars.Go stargazing at St Catherine's Down and Knowles Farm
Wales: Home to several Dark Sky Discovery Sites, Wales is a great place to spend an evening under the stars. From the mile-long beach at Penbryn in Ceredigion to sites such as Martin's Haven and Broadhaven in Pembrokeshire, many sites are on the coast, so you can sit and listen to the waves while you take in the galaxies and constellations above.Go stargazing in Wales
Wasdale, Cumbria: Surround yourself with the peace and quiet of the lakes and focus on the sky above. A stay at the remote Wasdale campsite (there are tipis with wood-burning stoves for the colder months), away from bright city lights, is a great opportunity for a night of stargazing.Go stargazing at Wasdale
Yorkshire Dales: The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, where it's possible to see the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights. Head to Malham Tarn to discover the big, open skies and minimal light pollution that makes this one of the best places to go stargazing.Go stargazing in the Yorkshire Dales