Where to go stargazing in the UK
Date published: 14 Feb 2025
The UK might not always be known for clear skies, but when the clouds part, there are some seriously stunning places to stargaze.
Whether you’re searching for the Milky Way, meteor showers or you just fancy a peaceful night under the cosmos and away from all the rush of city life, these destinations offer some of the best dark skies in the country.
So, whether you’re taking part in the Dark Skies Festival this February and March, or just ticking something off your bucket list, make sure to grab your blanket, pour yourself a flask of something warm and prepare to be wowed by the wonders of the universe.
Exmoor was one of the first places in the world to be named a Dark Sky Reserve, and it’s easy to see why. On a clear night, the sky is so dark you might start wondering if you've been whisked away to another planet.
Head to Brendon Two Gates or Holdstone Hill for front-row seats to a spectacular cosmic show, with stars that (almost) feel close enough to touch. Regular stargazing events let you geek out with fellow night sky fans, while owls, bats and other nocturnal creatures make their silent appearances, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience.
This place is no slouch when it comes to starry skies. As an official International Dark Sky Reserve since 2013, the Brecon Beacons delivers a night-time experience that’s as enchanting as it is vast.
Find yourself a spot by the Usk Reservoir or on the slopes of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and you’ll be treated to constellations, planets, and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights putting on a cheeky little show. The park’s stargazing areas are equipped with info boards and perfect spots for telescopes - ideal for anyone looking to dive headfirst into the mysteries of the cosmos.
If the idea of stargazing in the largest protected Dark Sky Park in Europe sounds like your idea of a good time, Northumberland has you covered. Kielder Observatory is nestled deep in the wild, offering everything from talks and telescope sessions to meteor shower nights.
Out here, the Milky Way arcs across the sky like a cosmic river, and shooting stars are as frequent as cups of tea on a chilly evening. With the forested surroundings adding an air of mystery, it’s an essential spot for both keen astronomers and dreamers alike.
Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park is where the night sky truly comes alive. With over 7,000 stars visible to the naked eye, Galloway offers some of the clearest views of the cosmos you’ll find in the UK.
Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre and Loch Trool are top spots to set up your telescope or simply lie back and gaze at the Milky Way. You might even catch sight of distant nebulae or galaxies if the night’s feeling particularly generous. If the rustle of deer or pine martens in the distance doesn’t have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a stargazer’s fairytale, we don’t know what will.
You might not expect world-class stargazing just a stone’s throw from London, but the South Downs is home to some seriously impressive dark skies. An official International Dark Sky Reserve, this spot has a range of prime viewing locations, including Butser Hill and Old Winchester Hill.
Watch as planets like Jupiter, Saturn and Mars come into view, or attend the annual Dark Skies Festival, where guided walks, talks and telescope demos turn stargazing into a social event. Between the rolling hills and ancient landmarks, there’s a certain charm to this place that makes it a standout for a night under the stars.
Check out dog-friendly cottages near South Downs National Park
Snowdonia’s towering peaks might get all the attention, but its skies are just as remarkable. Thanks to minimal light pollution, it’s a stargazer’s paradise. Whether you’re perched by Llyn y Dywarchen or Llyn Geirionydd, the celestial sights on offer will have you slack-jawed in awe.
From the Milky Way arching overhead to the occasional shooting star, Snowdonia’s night sky offers some of the most spectacular cosmic views in the UK. Pretty magical, right?
The Cairngorms don’t just shine in the day - they’ve got a seriously starry side after dark. Tomintoul and Glenlivet are both Dark Sky Discovery Sites, offering some of the clearest, most pristine skies you’ll find in the UK.
Winter nights are especially breathtaking, with planets, star clusters and the occasional Aurora Borealis putting on a show – enough to suck that crisp air right out of your lungs. For those new to stargazing, or even seasoned pros, astronomy groups often host public events.
If you're after a proper "away from it all" experience, the Isle of Coll is where you need to be. One of the UK’s Dark Sky Islands, this place has zero streetlights and gives you an uninterrupted view of the stars.
No light pollution, just a front-row seat to the universe’s finest. With expert-led tours from Coll & The Cosmos, you can make the most of your time here and soak up the full stargazing experience.
Dartmoor is the place where rugged landscapes meet starry nights. The vast, open moors provide the perfect backdrop for some impressive stargazing.
Whether you’re at Haytor or Meldon Reservoir, the views above are jaw-dropping, and the Perseid meteor shower in summer transforms the sky into a celestial fireworks display. With its ancient tors and ghostly legends, Dartmoor adds a spooky-but-beautiful atmosphere to your time spent under the stars.
Still need a bit of inspiration? We’ve got dog-friendly accommodation across the whole of the UK – why not check out our last-minute dog-friendly cottages if you fancy a sudden stargazing break?
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
