Stargazing in Wales

People with telescopes stargazing at Cragside, Northumberland, North East — Wales's dark skies make it the perfect place for stargazing | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Wales boasts some of the best places in the world to go stargazing, with a number of Dark Sky Discovery sites and International Dark Sky Reserves. Make the most of clear, frosty skies in winter, or warm evenings of summer to enjoy the light show.

Top spots for stargazing

Brecon Beacons: Brecon Beacons became the country's first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012. There are many places in this majestic, mountain landscape where you’ll get superb views of the night sky. You can even enjoy sleeping under the stars at the National Trust caravan site at Dolaucothi.
Eryri (Snowdonia): Eryri (Snowdonia) was the second place in the country to receive International Dark Sky Reserve Status in 2015. Spanning more than 800 square miles of mountains and valleys you feel you can see the whole world beneath you from its mountain peaks – and at night, the heavens above you too. The cliffs and beaches of the Llŷn Peninsula also provide wonderful, clear night skies, with Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) recently becoming the first site in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification.
Ceredigion: Ceredigion is also blessed with great spots for stargazing. Our historic working farm at Llanerchaeron is not only a Site of Special Scientific Interest for wildlife but its countryside setting makes for perfect Dark Skies. The mile-long beach at Penbryn is also a must (and as an added bonus, if you visit at dusk you may see seals and even some of the resident Bottlenose dolphins).

The night sky from Durgan beach at Glendurgan Gardens, Cornwall — Stargazing on the coast | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Best stargazing sites in Pembrokeshire

The Pembrokeshire coast and countryside, with its low levels of light pollution, is home to brilliant, accessible Dark Sky sites offering far-reaching views.

We have been working with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to have special places in our care recognised by the DSD as great and accessible spots to enjoy clear views of the night sky.

Visitors enjoying one of Bristol Astronomical Society's stargazing evenings at Tyntesfield, North Somerset — Wrap up warm for your stargazing adventure | © National Trust Images/Steve Sayers

Help from the experts

We hold stargazing events at Dyffryn Gardens near Cardiff, where Cardiff Astronomical Society have an observatory. It is a great opportunity to explore the sky with the help of more experienced observers and use some of the society’s specialist telescopes.

Find out more

You don't need to be an astronomer to admire the night sky, just wrap up warm and look up. You're best visiting as part of a group – it's safer and more fun.

For access information and top stargazing and safety tips, visit the Dark Sky Discovery website.