With so much light population blotting modern skies and illuminating them after the hours of darkness, it can be difficult to find truly dark spots in which you can stargaze with a pair of binoculars to your heart’s content. However, nothing beats the sensation of standing beneath a star-studded sky, gazing up in awe, and wondering what else might be orbiting up there, so sometimes it’s worth taking a trip to a stargazing spot and indulging yourself.
With this in mind, here are 8 of the UKs best spots for unbridled stargazing:
1. Exmoor National Park
Back in 2011, Exmoor was crowned the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, and there are ample opportunities to gaze up at starry skies above the awe-inspiringly rugged landscape of the moors.
2. Northumberland National Park
The International Dark Sky Committee awarded this park the status of gold tier, and it’s possible to see the Milky Way, Northern Lights, and meteors from some locations within this stunning park.
3. South Downs National Park
This is the newest national park in England, and in 2016, it was given the prestigious status of International Dark Sky Reserve. With some areas in the park having skies that are truly, deeply dark, it’s possible on clear nights, to see both the Andromeda Galaxy and Milky Way.
4. North York Moors National Park
Granted status as a Dark Sky Reserve back in 2020, the drier climate in this region provides a wealth of stargazing opportunities for amateurs and professionals alike.
5. Yorkshire Dales National Park
Also being awarded the status of Dark Sky Reserve in 2020, anyone with an astronomy binocular can enjoy the four Dark Sky Discovery Sites the park has to offer, and immerse themselves in the world of astronomy.
6. Cranborne Chase Area of Natural Beauty
Arguably one of the best spots in the whole of the UK for stargazing, this area of outstanding natural beauty has been awarded an International Dark Sky Reserve status, and incredibly, more than half of the area was found to have light pollution levels that are among the lowest in the country.
7. Bodmin Moor
As another area of outstanding natural beauty, Bodmin Moor in Cornwall now has the status of Dark Sky Landscape awarded in 2017, and with its efforts to reduce the amount of light pollution in the area, and its exceptionally dark skies, it makes a fantastic spot for stargazing.
8. West Penwith
Situated in Cornwall, this area is the most recent to have been given the status of International Dark Sky Park in 2021, and with minimal light pollution, it’s an inspiringly beautiful place to see the night sky in all its starry glory; some say it’s among the best in the world. To find out for yourself, you’ll simply have to grab your binoculars or telescope, and head there!
Stargazing, whether you consider yourself to be a seasoned astronomer who doesn’t go anywhere without a telescope, or someone who simply enjoys looking up at the night skies and seeing what they can spot with a pair of binoculars, makes for a wonderfully fulfilling and inspiring pastime (or career). And, with so many great affordable options when it comes to stargazing equipment, there’s nothing stopping you from getting out there and exploring some of the country’s most revered spots for astronomy.
