Where to go stargazing
It's amazing what you can see in the dark
And truly dark skies - like those you'll find in many of our national parks - allow us to see far-off stars and galaxies in the same way our ancestors did, without the orange glow of street lights and neon signs.
Next time you're visiting one of the 15 National Parks to enjoy our great outdoors, why not stay a while to admire the night sky in all its stellar glory. We're working to set up International Dark Sky Reserves, Dark Sky Parks and Dark Sky Discovery Sites and to help run special events to show everyone the wonder of our night skies.
We're especially proud that of 21 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, the UK has seven in National Parks and National Landscapes (previously Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) - Bannau Brycheiniog, Cranborne Chase National Landscape, Eryri, Exmoor, Moore’s Reserve in the South Downs, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales. We're also home to two International Dark Sky Parks - Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park, and Tomintoul and Glenlivet in the Cairngorms National Park.
Where to go stargazing in the National Parks
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly Brecon Beacons)
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve awarded February 2013
One of only a handful of International Dark Sky Reserves in the world following a long-running campaign to demonstrate the national park's outstanding dark sky qualities. Residents and visitors are encouraged to prevent light pollution and take an interest in the night sky.
- Ten places for stargazing in Bannau Brycheiniog Dark Sky Reserve
- Stargazing and astronomy events in Bannau Brycheiniog
Cairngorms National Park
Status: International Dark Sky Park awarded 2018
The Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms International Dark Sky Park includes the 230 square kilometre Glenlivet Estate in the Scottish Highlands and an additional 14 square kilometres of privately owned and other lands. It is also the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world. As well as stargazing, our most northerly National Park offers the best chance for a view of the Aurora Borealis (northern lights) too.
Eryri National Park (formerly Snowdonia)
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve awarded in 2015
Eryri National Park was the fourth UK National Park to be acknowledged by International Dark Sky Institute for efforts to prevent and reduce light pollution, thereby protecting the view of the night sky.
Top five places for stargazing in Eryri National Park Dark Sky Reserve
Exmoor National Park
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve awarded 2011
The Exmoor National Park Authority works with local councils, businesses and communities to reduce light pollution, resulting in stunningly starry skies.
Lake District National Park
Status: Dark Sky Discovery Site at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre
Located in Ennerdale, England's most remote valley, and with the nearest public road 2 miles away, Low Gillerthwaite field centre runs special stargazing events throughout the year.
Northumberland National Park
Status: International Dark Sky Park (Gold tier) awarded in 2013
The whole of the national park together with neighbouring Kielder Water & Forest Park makes up Northumberland Dark Sky Park, nearly 1,500 square kilometres of dark, starry skies.
- Top places for stargazing in Northumberland Dark Sky Park
- Kielder Observatory stargazing events
- Battlesteads Hotel Observatory stargazing events
- #NlandStars on X (formerly Twitter)
North York Moors National Park
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve awarded December 2020
The North York Moors National Park runs an annual Dark Skies Festival over 17 days during February and March. Scarborough & Ryedale Astronomical Society hold regular stargazing events in Dalby Forest and Starfest, an annual 3-night star camp attracting amateur astronomers from around the UK. The Star Hub at Sutton Bank National Park Centre also hosts stargazing events throughout the stargazing season.
- Stargazing festivals, events and activities across the North York Moors
- Great places to go stargazing and what to see in the North York Moors National Park
- Stargazing events at Sutton Bank's Star Hub
- Dark Skies friendly businesses
Peak District National Park
Status: Dark Sky Discovery Sites at Surprise View, Parsley Hay and Minninglow
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Status: Eight Dark Sky Discovery Sites
The Pembrokeshire Coast is one of the best places in the UK to view the night sky and has eight Dark Sky Discovery Sites for you to visit at:
- Bosherston South car park
- Garn Fawr National Trust car park (SA64 OJJ)
- Kete National Trust car park (SA62 3RR)
- Martin's Haven National Trust car park (SA62 3BJ)
- Newgale Beach car park (SA62 6BD)
- Poppit Sands (SA43 3LN)
- Skrinkle Haven Pembrokeshire Coast National Park car park (SA70 7SD)
- Sychpant Pembrokeshire Coast National Park picnic site (SA65 9UA)
South Downs National Park
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve awarded 2016
- Dark night skies in the South Downs
- Discovery Site at Buster Hill in Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield
- Stargazing events with HantsAstro
- Discovery Site and events at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
- Discovery Site at Ditchling Beacon just north of Brighton
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve awarded December 2020
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority runs a Dark Skies Festival every year over 17 days during February and March. Great spots for stargazing include four Dark Sky Discovery Sites - at Hawes and Malham National Park Centres, Buckden National Park Car Park and Tan Hill Inn.
- Dark Skies in the Yorkshire Dales
- Stargazing in the Yorkshire Dales
- Discovery Site and events at the Dales Countryside Museum
Head to a National Park!
This map shows light pollution levels across Britain. We've added the locations of the national parks, and you can see that we match up with some of the darkest spots in the country. So, if you're visiting any of our National Parks, stay up late on a clear night and enjoy some extra stars.