Stargazing: Enjoying Britain’s Dark Skies

As the blaze of streetlights and neon signs grows ever more intense, gazing up at the nighttime sky does not always reveal the same wonders that it did for our ancestors. That’s not to say that the awe-inspiring beauty of the Milky Way and the constellations is lost. Instead, we have to get away from the cities and towns, away to parts of the countryside that are not subject to light pollution. Fortunately, the United Kingdom has many places to escape to if we want to see the true magic of our dark skies. Today we look at some of the best spots for stargazing in Britain.

Stargazing in Scotland

The first location in Britain to receive the coveted International Dark Sky designation, Galloway Forest Park stretches for some 300 square miles. At night, the dark skies over the remote park reveal an expanse of stars, planets, and the Aurora Borealis. Not far from Galloway is Dalmellington, home of the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. Reserve your spot at one of the observatory’s guided stargazing events, held several times a week.

Wild camping offers an alternative to the guided events and Scotland is full of potential sites. So why not find a remote spot on the banks of a loch or in one of the national parks? Pitch your tent, and become one with the stars.

Dark Sky Reserves in England

Europe’s largest Dark Sky Reserve is just south of the Scottish border. The sprawling 572 square mile area extends across much of Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park. The Kielder Observatory has been voted one of the top tourist attractions in the country, and with good reason. You’ll find some of the darkest skies in the UK here, filled with thousands of glittering stars. In fact, you can view the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light years away, with the naked eye! Autumn and spring are prime viewing times, and events are held almost nightly. Be sure to book in advance; spaces fill fast!

You will find other Dark Sky Reserves in the south of England, at Exmoor National Park, Bodmin Moor, and the South Downs. The Yorkshire Dales National Park has also made a bid for official status; a decision is expected before 2021. Rangers at any of the mentioned national parks will be able to advise you on the best stargazing locations.

Starry Nights in Wales

There are two International Dark Sky Reserves in Wales, at Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Both locations offer lots of remote spots, away from streetlights, and at high elevations–perfect for stargazing. There are multiple sites at each park that are recommended for enjoying the starry nights. The Usk and Crai Reservoirs in the Brecon Beacons are excellent spots, with enough flat land to set up telescopes and get an expansive view. However, you don’t have to stick to one of the popular spots. Wild camping is widely permitted if you like the idea of camping under the stars.

Dark Sky Islands

In 2011, the Channel Island of Sark was named the world’s first Dark Sky Island. With no cars and a population of just 600 people, visitors expect a lot of peace and quiet. But they can also enjoy spectacular night skies thanks to a lack of light pollution. The Sark Astronomy Society arranges regular events, including the annual Starfest, which brings in a number of guest speakers. The island’s Dark Sky status has even inspired an album by Irish musician Enya.

At the opposite end of the British Isles lies another Dark Sky Island, Scotland’s first. The Isle of Coll is part of the Hebrides, six miles west of Mull. Popular with birdwatchers, the tiny island (with no streetlights) also attracts many stargazers both during its long summer evenings and short wintry nights. You’ll also find some magnificent beaches here, all the better for relaxing and staring up at the Milky Way. Find more information at Dark Sky Coll.

The Isles of Scilly may not have official International Dark Sky status, but they are still a good spot for doing a bit of stargazing if you find yourself in the west country. It is one of the darkest spots in the UK, and St. Martin’s is the proud home to a new observatory. See what you can spot in the night sky and then discuss it afterwards at the nearby pub.

Dark Skies Festival

The 2022 Dark Skies Festival will take place at various dates between 11 February and 6 March. Events will be held at Northumberland, South Downs, North York Moors, and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks, as well as in Cumbria. Beginner and experienced astronomers alike can participate in a variety of events, including lectures, guided walks, and children’s craft workshops. Learn more about the constellations and improve your photography skills! If you miss out this spring, don’t worry. Exmoor National Park holds their Dark Skies Festival in October.

More information on events is available at the Dark Skies Festival website.

Stargazing Tips

The following tips will help you get the most from your Dark Sky adventure:

• Dress warmly and pack a thermos of hot chocolate.
• Binoculars or a telescope will help you get the best view. If you are at an observatory, there will probably be telescopes that you can use. Alternatively bring your own. A telescope will allow you to see further, but can be expensive and bulky. Binoculars will have a more limited range but are relatively cheap and much easier to carry.
• A red torch headlamp will let you see what you’re doing without impairing your night vision. It is much more preferable than a regular white light which is harsher on your eyes.
• Wait until about an hour and a half after sunset for the sky to be properly dark. Don’t forget to check the moon calendar as well. The moon is very pretty in its own right, but too much moonlight will obscure the stars.
• Just as during the day, you would observe certain rules when visiting a park, so these same rules apply after dark. No trespassing, no littering, no excessive noise. Be respectful to the people and wildlife around you.
• Different times of year will bring different events – meteor showers, planetary movement, and so on. Check with a local observatory to learn the best times to get out with your telescope.