Go star gazing
Big, open skies are a defining feature of the countryside and on a clear night you can see some 4000 stars sparkling in our universe.
Take a look below at our suggestions for great stargazing spots, or why not download one of our seven Dark Skies walking guides and accompanying star map?
Perfect for families and anyone unfamiliar with astronomy, these guides include information about the phases of the moon, key constellations for August and nocturnal wildlife to listen out for.
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Bignor car park, Slindon Estate, West Sussex
![Bignor Hill signpost to NOVIOMAGUS [Chichester] © Katie Archer](/servlet/file/store5/item437797/version1/fileservice35/437797_35_preview.jpg "Bignor Hill signpost to NOVIOMAGUS [Chichester] © Katie Archer")
Free from light pollution, Bignor car park occupies a high point on top of the South Downs. There are also plenty of footpaths nearby and a variety of wildlife can be spotted in the area, which boasts a high population of deer, hares, badgers and bats. Glow worms are often seen around the car park, particularly on top of the nearby burial mounds.
Terrain and safety: Take care when walking on the footpaths and watch out for trip hazards in the dark.
Location: Bignor car park, near Bignor Village. Grid ref: SU974129 -
Black Down, Sussex
Situated on the highest point of the South Downs, Black Down's sweeping skies make it an ideal spot for observing the stars. During the summer months Nightjars can be heard on the open heath, while Pippestrelle bats roost in the hill's Beech Hanger. A variety of rare species are now returning to the area, following the restoration of the heathland.
Terrain and safety: Paths are fairly level once at the car park. Footpaths are generally wide, clear and level, but be aware that paths can be very uneven, with tree stumps and old stone digging pits. Please keep dogs under close control at all times, especially during bird nesting season. Be aware of cattle grazing
Location: Tennyson's Lane car park. Grid ref: SU921308 -
Buckstones Car Park, Marsden Moor, Yorkshire
Easily accessible by road, yet remote enough to avoid light pollution, the Buckstones car park is situated high on the spine of the Pennines. By taking a short walk down from the car park, you can also view the sky from the edge of Buckstones Rocks.
Terrain and safety: The path from the car park to Buckstones Rocks leads to the top of a steep drop. Watch out for trip hazards in the dark. Keep your dog on a lead during lambing and nesting season and under close control at all other times.
Facilities: There are no facilities on site so if you bring along a midnight snack, please be sure to take your litter home with you.
Location: Buckstones car park is close to Denshaw, near Scammonden Reservoir on the A640 Buckstones Road.
Grid ref: SE04772 11858
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Divis Mountain, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Located on the northern edge of Belfast, reaching a height of 1,562ft (478m), this vantage point is located over the brow of the hill and has very little light pollution. There is little to obstruct the view here and it's possible to see the city lights of Belfast and much of Northern Ireland. Look out for badgers, as there are many sets here.
Terrain and safety: Be aware that horses and cattle are free to roam here.
Location: The Divis Mountain car park is open all year and provides a good place to star gaze (grid ref: J740266). There is also a tarmac roadway from the car park to the summit of the mountain. See OSNI Discoverer Series, sheet 15, for more detail. -
Dunkery Beacon, Holnicote Estate, Exmoor
Get closer to the stars from the highest point on Exmoor, with sweeping skies and very little light pollution. Listen out for Red deer and the churring sound of the Nightjar, and keep an eye out for bats too.
Terrain and safety: The star gazing spot is 800m from the car park along a rough track. Bring a torch, sturdy boots and warm clothing.
Location: Dunkery Beacon car park is within Exmoor National Park.
Grid ref: SS905410 -
Echo Mount, Knole, Kent
The top of Echo Mount, situated near to the house in Knole's deer park, provides a good viewpoint (grid ref: TQ537544), although you might also try the cark park, just downhill from there. You may catch a glimpse of a deer, while other nocturnal wildlife includes moths and bats.
Terrain and safety: Steep inclines and uneven ground. Around 400 to 600 yards, allow at least ten minutes (if walking at quite a slow pace) to reach the top of the Mount.
Location: Easy access from London. Walking distance (approximately 1½ miles) from Sevenoaks railway station. Nearest car park is in Sevenoaks, near the library and leisure centre (parking charges apply around the clock).
Grid ref: TQ533546 -
Friar's Crag, Lake District, Cumbria
Looking down to Derwent Water, framed by fells and mountains, Friar's Crag offers a peaceful place to observe the night sky. Listen out for the distinctive 'toowhit-twhoo' of the Tawny owl and on a warm evening you'll be able to smell the Scots pines.
Terrain and safety: An easily accessible flat and level route, but please be careful of the unprotected edge at the end of Friar's Crag.
Facilities: WCs in the Lakeside car park.
Location: The viewpoint (grid ref: NY263222) is about ½ mile from the centre of Keswick and 650 metres from the Lakeside car park.
Grid ref: NY265229 -
Godolphin Hill, Godolphin, Cornwall
This conical hill offers 360 degree views with no artificial lights close by. Nocturnal wildlife includes Nightjars, which have been heard here on the hill in the past.
Terrain and safety: The path is rocky and is approximately 750 metres from the car park to the top of the hill. The area is currently grazed by Red Devon cattle. Please keep your dog under close control.
Location: Great Work car park, on the Godolphin Estate, NW of Helston.
Grid ref:SW596307 -
Headley Heath, near Boxhill, Surrey
A popular spot with local astronomy groups, who consider Headley Heath to be one of the best places in Surrey for star gazing. Keep an eye out for deer, badgers, foxes and bats.
Terrain and safety: Well-maintained, flat terrain.
Location: Play area just beside Headley Heath car park, which is just outside the M25 with good links to London. Easy access to the car park from the main Headley Common Road.
Grid ref: TQ204538
Event: Astronomical viewing session, Saturday 11 September at 8.30pm (providing sky is at least 50 per cent clear of clouds), held by Ewell Astronomical Society. Or bring a picnic from 6.30pm. Find out more at www.ewell-as.co.uk -
Lake District campsites, Cumbria
All three campsites lie in unique locations in the Lake District: Low Wray on the quiet western shore of Windermere; Langdale at the head of the Langdale valley and Wasdale at the head of the Wasdale valley in the quiet Western Lake District.
The campsites are wild and natural, dark at night and are perfect spots for viewing the Perseid meteor shower; what better way to enjoy the spectacle than to pitch up your tent on site and gaze at the stars.
Low Wray Campsite: Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0JA.
Grid ref: NY372012
Great Langdale Campsite: Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9JU.
Grid ref: NY287058
Wasdale Campsite: Wasdale Head, Seascale, Cumbria CA20 1EX.
Grid ref: NY183076
To book please telephone our bookings team on 01539 463862 or email campsite.bookings@nationaltrust.org.uk -
Leith Hill Tower, Surrey
View the night sky from the highest point in south east England and savour the panoramic views across to the South Downs and London. Listen out for tawny owls, bats and the elusive nightjar on nearby Coldharbour Common.
Terrain and safety: ½ mile from Starveal car park (TQ131433); ¼ mile from Windy Gap car park (TQ139429); 1 mile from Landslip car park (TQ147433). Steep steps up from Windy Gap and Landslip car parks.
Location: Leith Hill Tower, near Coldharbour, Dorking, Surrey.
Grid ref. for tower: TQ139432
Events: Guildford Astronomical Society hold meetings and public events here - come along to their first free event on 18 February 2011. Find out more at www.guildfordas.org -
Mam Tor, Peak District, Derbyshire
This Bronze Age hill fort offers clear, unobstructed views of the night sky, with little light pollution. Keep an eye out for barn owls, especially at dusk, and you may catch a glimpse of bats too.
Terrain and safety: Strenuous ascent with steps and rough surfaces, good footwear and torches essential. Keep to the surfaced path as there are dangerous, steep drops on the edges of the hill - stay close to the trig point when star gazing. Be aware of sheep grazing.
Location: Mam Nick car park is on the western end of the Hope Valley, near Castleton.
Grid ref: SK123832 -
Penbryn Beach, Cardigan, Wales
Almost a mile in length, the spacious, golden sands of Penbryn Beach are a perfect location for star gazing and are reached through the woods of a fern-clad valley. Dusk is a great time to see seals and barn owls in the area, and if you're lucky you may even spot some of the resident Bottlenose dolphins.
Terrain and safety: The walk along the road is ¼ mile long, along a tarmac road, with a steep climb down to the beach and back up to the car park. The walk along the footpath in the woods is ½ mile with several steep steps and moderately rough terrain. The beach is over a mile long depending on the tide.
Location: National Trust car park at Llanborth Farm, Penbryn.
Grid ref: SN295521 -
Rinsey Cliff, Cornwall
Featuring a southerly aspect with no artificial lights, this cliff offers two possible star gazing locations. Either view the stars from the car park or walk approximately 500 metres down a gently sloping track to the engine house platform.
Terrain and safety: Keep to the path and stay away from cliff edges
Location: Between Porthleven and Penzance.
Grid ref: SW593272 -
South Milton Sands, South Devon
A fantastic, peaceful spot away from the intrusion of lights, where you can watch the sunset looking out to sea and enjoy the wildlife in the wetlands behind. Look out for a variety of bats, including Lesser Horseshoe, Daubenton's, Noctule and Common Pipistrelle. Home to Little owls and Barn owls too.
Terrain and safety: Accessible spot with board walks crossing the dunes
Facilities: WCs on site, cafe open until 8.30pm in the summer months and in good weather
Location: About 50 to 100 metres from South Milton Sands car park to the star gazing spot.
Grid ref: SX677415 -
Staple Plain, Quantocks, Somerset
The car park at Staple Plain offers a great place to view the stars, with little light pollution. Get here early and you might be lucky enough to see a fantastic sunset over the Bristol Channel. Listen out for Red deer, Tawny owls and the churring song of the Nightjar.
Terrain and safety: The star gazing spot is in the car park, but if you head further afield you'll find the tracks are well-maintained with some steep inclines.
Location: Staple Plain car park is between Bridgewater and Taunton.
Grid ref: ST116410 -
Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire
Situated on the edge of Salisbury Plain, the prehistoric ceremonial landscape of Stonehenge occupies a large, sparsely populated area of ancient downland ideal for star gazing. The monuments here are directly connected to the skies above, with stones aligned to moonrises and moonsets, in addition to the Midsummer and Midwinter solstices. Keep an ear out for the Stone Curlew's haunting 'coo-ree' bird call, particularly in autumn.
Terrain and safety: The route to the star-gazing spot follows regular tracks through the fields. Grassy areas are fairly smooth; off the worn route grass can be tall and tussocky. Be aware that the Cursus Barrows field is grazed by cattle. Byway 12 has some large potholes, becoming deep puddles after rain.
Location: 2 miles west of Amesbury, near the junction of the A303 and A344. Stonehenge car park closes in the evening, but it is possible to park nearby.
Grid ref: SU120420
Event: Join us and the Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Society for a Meteor Shower Night Walk on 12 August. Booking advisable. For more information, please email stonehenge@nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01980 664780 -
Teign Valley, Devon
The wide open skies above Piddledown Common in the Teign Valley provide a great location for star gazing. Located on the edge of Dartmoor, the area comes alive with wildlife at night, with badgers, Tawny owls and bats coming out to feed and hunt. At dusk or dawn, you may also catch a glimpse of deer.
Terrain and safety: The terrain is essentially flat with grass and stony paths, with one slope. Please be aware of trip hazards in the dark.
Location: National Trust car park at Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton.
Grid ref: SX724902. There are two star gazing spots - ¼ mile and ½ mile from the car park. -
Trelissick Park, Trelissick Garden, Cornwall
Beautifully positioned at the head of the Fal estuary, the estate commands panoramic views over the area. It is far enough away from the glow of nearby Truro to make this a great star gazing spot.
Location: Trelissick Gardens car park, 4 miles south of Truro, on B3289 above King Harry Ferry.
Grid ref: SW837396
Event: Join us and a local astronomer in the park for a star party on Thursday 12 August between 10.30pm and midnight. This is a free event, children very welcome. Contact Neil Stevenson on 01872 870863 for more information. -
Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire is famous for its big skies and they don't come much bigger than at the ancient Wicken Fen. This habitat of ponds, reeds, and marshy fields is intersected by a network of waterways, rich in wildlife. Be sure to listen out for the calls of Barn owls and Muntjac deer. In June and July, Glow worms may also light your way, with Lapwing and Redshank calling from March to August.
Terrain and safety: The terrain is flat and generally follows a hard-surfaced path. Be aware the path is parallel to waterways and that there is a foot-bridge to cross.
Location: National Trust car park, Wicken Fen.
Grid ref: TL565706. The star gazing spot is 800m from the car park, along a very accessible route. -
Winchelsea, East Sussex
Snug in its hilltop setting above the flatlands of the Sussex/Kent border, Winchelsea has very little light pollution, making it a great spot for stargazing.
Terrain and safety: Please be aware that this is grazed farmland.
Facilities: The New Inn pub can be found in nearby Winchelsea Town.
Location: Winchelsea, East Sussex. Street parking available.
Grid ref: TQ904174. It is about 300m to the stargazing site.