Top spots for stargazing

Visitors enjoying one of Bristol Astronomical Society's stargazing evenings at Tyntesfield, North Somerset | © National Trust Images/Steve Sayers

Big open skies are a defining feature of the countryside and on a clear night you can see some 4,000 stars sparkling in our universe all year round. Take a look at the top spots for stargazing in our care.

Finding the best spots

Light pollution is a growing issue for amateur astronomers, but with many of our sites far away from towns and streetlights you can still get a wonderfully clear view of the night sky.

Some of these spots have been awarded Dark Sky Discovery status and are now part of the Dark Sky Discovery network, an online map of all the fantastic places that more and more people have easy access to for a good view of the night sky.

Planning your stargazing

Stargazing is best done before the moon is full, so it might be worth looking at the next new moon dates before you book your trip. It's a perfect outdoor activity for kids, especially from autumn when the sun begins to set earlier. It's also one of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾' activities.

Remember safety first

Check the weather forecast before you go and make sure you know how you're going to get home. Don't stray far from the path and always keep a torch handy.

Black Down, West Sussex: Situated on the highest point of the South Downs, Black Down's sweeping skies make it an ideal spot for observing the stars. On a clear night you can see a myriad of stars sparkling in the sky overhead.Go stargazing at Black Down
Carding Mill Valley & Long Mynd, Shropshire: A perfect spot for budding stargazers, the area has Milky Way status as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, meaning it has minimal light pollution and beautifully dark skies. There are a number of small car parks on the top of the Mynd.Go stargazing at Carding Mill Valley & Long Mynd
Carnewas, Cornwall: A Dark Sky Discovery Site, Carnewas offers panoramic views of the night sky. It's recommended that stargazers view the sky well away from the cliff edges – the grassy area next to the shop is the ideal spot.Go stargazing at Carnewas
Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim: The site was granted ‘Dark Sky Discovery’ status in 2014 and is currently one of only two sites in Northern Ireland, the other being Oxford Island on the shores of Lough Neagh.Go stargazing at Carrick-a-Rede

A starry night sky above Cragside, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland: Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky, making it the perfect place to admire the stars, with the famous Roman landmark in the foreground.Go stargazing at Hadrian's Wall
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry: Take in the stars shining over rugged headland at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. The sound of waves crashing below this hilltop location makes an evening of stargazing that bit more special.Go stargazing at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
Pembrokeshire, Wales: Home to several Dark Sky Discovery Sites, this is the perfect place to spend an evening under the stars. Many sites are on the coast, so you can sit and listen to the waves, and you might even see the Milky Way.Go stargazing in Pembrokeshire
Wasdale, Cumbria: Surround yourself with the peace and quiet of the deserted lakes and focus on what you can see above. A stay at Wasdale campsite turns this trip into the perfect weekend escape.Go stargazing at Wasdale

Visitors at the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

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No. 27 Go stargazing

Stargazing is a magical way to bring science alive and experience the beauty of our natural world. Going stargazing is no. 27 on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.