Night sky with stars

Introduction

The UK is home to some of the darkest skies in the world, making it a fantastic place to go stargazing. Home to seven of the International Dark Sky Reserves, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of the night sky.

Brecon Beacons, Wales

Bannau Brycheiniog

Brecon Beacons Dark sky reserve

Snowdonia, Wales

Eryri

view of stars from Eryri (Snowdonia)

England

Cranborne Chase

view of stars from a campsite in Dorset

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is a rugged and remote area, with some of the darkest skies in England. Popular stargazing spots include Wimbleball Lake, Dunkery Beacon (the highest point in Exmoor), and the village of Parracombe.

Visitors to the park can stargaze on the two-mile Dark Sky Discovery walking trail.

Moore’s Reserve

Moore's Reserve is a small area of the South Downs National Park that has been designated as a Dark Sky Reserve. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including bats and owls. It is also a great place to see the Milky Way galaxy.

Moore's Reserve is perfect for stargazing city dwellers because of its dark skies and its proximity to London. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy the beauty of the night sky without having to travel far from the city.

England

North Yorkshire Moors

Yorkshire Moors stars

England

Yorkshire Dales

Yorkshire Dales stars

Tips for stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve

- Choose a dark spot. The darker the sky, the more stars you will be able to see. Avoid areas with light pollution, such as towns and cities.

- Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. It can take up to 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark. Avoid using bright lights, such as torches and mobile phones, during this time.

- Use a stargazing app. A stargazing app can help you to identify the stars and planets that you are seeing.

- Be patient.