Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned stargazer, you’ll know that a night sky full of stars is a magical experience. As we predicted, Astro-Tourism is the next big thing in travel trends. Unfortunately, big cities make stargazing more difficult due to the extensive light pollution. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best places to stargaze in the United Kingdom.
Recommended UK dark sky sites come with recognition by DarkSky International, a global body that evaluates night sky visibility and assists in the regions’ continued preservation. Though the organisation was originally established in 1988, it wasn’t until 2011 that Europe received its first designated dark sky site: Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve. For over a decade, the UK has accumulated an additional six reserves that provide unparalleled visibility of the night sky.
Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve
As Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve, Exmoor is a truly outstanding place to view celestial objects, from stars to the Milky Way. Boasting the darkest skies in the country, protect from light pollution, it’s an ideal spot. Telescopes can be hired from the park centre.
Stargazing is at its best in the Autumn and Winter months due to longer nights, fewer clouds, and axis placement. That’s why this reserve hosts a Dark Sky Festival in the Autumn. They sponsor events like dark sky yoga, planetarium experiences, family stargazing, wildlife walks, astronomy talks, and more. Among the best places on the reserve to admire the sky includes Porlock Common, Brendon Two Gates, and Dunkery Beacon.
Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons National Park was designated by DarkSky in 2013, making it Wales’ first dark sky reserve. On a clear evening, visitors can expect to see the milky way, major constellations, stars, and meteor showers. The best places to stargaze include the Usk Reservoir, Crai Reservoir, Hay Bluff, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Visitor Centre, and Llanthony Priory.
The area is proud of its dark sky reserve status, not just because it encourages stargazers to visit, but because it aids in their preservation of Brecon Beacons. Legally protecting the area from light pollution allows for better night sky watching and protects native wildlife. Nocturnal creatures like owls and bats require dark nights for hunting and migration.
Moore’s Reserve
The South Downs National Park stargazing location of Moore’s Reserve is named after famous astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore. His significant contributions to the field and legacy live on at this dark sky reserve. Despite this site’s proximity to one of the most light-polluted cities, London, visitors can still enjoy the stars. Locations like Devils Dyke, Butser Hill, and Bignor Hill are great places to stargaze in the reserve. The latter is considered the best as it is at the heart of the reserve, therefore providing the clearest views.
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Eryri National Park, as we’ve discussed in other articles, is an outstanding place for many reasons. Not least of which being its phenomenal dark skies. DarkSky International recognised the park as a superlative dark sky site in 2015. As it spans 823 square miles, there are opportunities to stargaze near forests, lakes, the ocean, and mountains. Some of the best places to break out the telescope include Cwm Cynfal Viewpoint, Llyn Geirionydd, and Llynau Cregennen.
North York Moors
One of the most recent additions to the dark sky sites is the North York Moors. Recognised by DarkSky International in 2020, visitors can look forward to seeing up to 2,000 stars at one time. Other celestial spectacles include the milky way, aurora borealis and meteor showers. February 2025 marks the 10th anniversary that the Moors and Yorkshire Dales have held the North Yorkshire Dark Skies Festival. North Yorkshire provides ample stargazing opportunities as the Dales is another dark sky reserve, but more on that later.
The best spots to stargaze in the moors include the National Park Centres at Sutton Bank and Danby, the Dalby Observatory, Rosedale Chimney Bank, and Bruce Observatory. The Bruce Observatory, located in Whitby, also presents opportunities for astronomical events and lectures. Hosted in conjunction with the Whitby & District Astronomical Society, these events help you take your stargazing to the next level.
Yorkshire Dales
The entirety of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is an opportunity for top-tier stargazing. The dark sky reserve was designated by DarkSky International in 2020, checking yet another item off the Dales’ list of achievements. Though you can enjoy the stars from anywhere in the park, the best places include Hawes, Tan Hill Inn, Malham Cove, and Buckden Car Park.
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
Last but certainly not least on the list of best locations to stargaze in the UK is the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. It is Europe’s largest dark sky park at 580 square miles and has gold tier dark sky status. It takes its place alongside Death Valley and Big Bend dark sky parks in the USA in terms of quality and scale.
The park encompasses Kielder Water and Forest Park, where you’ll find the Kielder Observatory. This observatory is a wonderful facility hosting astronomical events for all ages. Spanning young explorers, introduction to astronomy, and aurora nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the quality of instruction, equipment and events that have garnered it a “world class reputation for astronomical outreach under one of the best dark sky sites in all of Europe,” according to the observatory website.
To Infinity and Beyond!
The UK countryside offers ample opportunities for top-tier stargazing. The dark sky reserves from Exmoor to Northumberland give you flexibility in distance, whether you’d rather stay closer to home or include it in a larger road trip. Each dark sky site offers its own unique charm, from landscape to culture and history. Time your trip to participate in a Dark Sky Festival or astronomy lesson, or go at your own pace with a self-guided observation. Grab your telescope—or simply your curiosity—and take in the best dark night skies that the country has to offer.
Though you don’t need a rocket ship to explore the night sky, you will need a car to get you there. If you don’t have one, Meashams has a range of cars from economic to sporty that will accommodate you and your crew of intrepid explorers.