Stargazing in the South West

From coastal cliff-tops to ancient stone circles, the South West of England is full of wild spaces that are well away from light pollution. These dark skies provide the perfect environment to see the stars in all their detail, so why not organise a night-time trip to see what you can discover?

Bedruthan, Cornwall

Carnewas, Cornwall 

Officially accredited with Dark Sky Discovery status, Carnewas is one of the most popular destinations on the Cornish coast. The stunning view is hidden as you first come into the car park, but a short walk will show you why it's such a popular spot, and a beautiful place to look at the night sky.

Discover Carnewas
Wheal Coates mine St Agnes

St Agnes and Chapel Porth, Cornwall 

Head to St Agnes and Chapel Porth, Cornwall before nightfall and you might be lucky enough to see some of the wildlife that lives at this breathtaking coastal site. When night comes, enjoy gazing at the stars

Learn more about St Agnes and Chapel Porth
Hay bales on a field at Relebus, looking towards Godolphin Hill

Godolphin Hill, Cornwall 

Godolphin Hill offers 360 degree views with no artificial lights close by, and plenty of native wildlife.

Learn more about Godolphin
The parkland at Trelissick with dark winter clouds

Trelissick, Cornwall 

Beautifully positioned at the head of the Fal estuary, Trelissick Park 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.

Visit Trelissick
Sunset over Thurlestone Rock and South Milton Sands

South Milton Sands, Devon 

A fantastic, peaceful spot away from the intrusion of lights, South Milton Sands is a perfect place to watch the sunset whilst looking out to sea and enjoying the wildlife in the wetlands behind.

Visit South Milton Sands
Dunkery Beacon on the Holnicote Estate, Somerset

Dunkery Beacon, Somerset 

Get closer to the stars at Dunkery Beacon on the Holnicote estate, the highest point on Exmoor, with sweeping skies and very little light pollution.

Go stargazing on Dunkery Beacon
People walking in Leigh Woods.

Leigh Woods, Bristol 

A beautiful haven on Bristol’s doorstep, Leigh Woods offers diverse woodland and wonderful views of Avon Gorge. In the evening the unlit skies, which are not affected by light pollution, are perfect for a spot of family stargazing.

See the stars at Leigh Woods
A view of the stone circle at Stonehenge

Stonehenge, Wiltshire 

Situated on the edge of Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge Landscape occupies a large, sparsely populated area ideal for stargazing. There are regular stargazing and storytelling events held with Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group (CNAAG).

Visit Stonehenge