There’s nothing quite like standing under a sky full of stars, especially when the city lights are far behind you.
The UK might not be known for perfect weather—and that’s putting it lightly—but when the skies do clear, these stargazing spots offer some of the best views of the cosmos around. Now that the warmer weather is coming around, there’s no better time to get out there and enjoy some of this natural beauty as often as possible.
1. Northumberland National Park, England
This park is a stargazer’s dream. As England’s first International Dark Sky Park, Northumberland offers seriously dark skies with hardly any light pollution. On a clear night, you can spot the Milky Way, shooting stars, and even distant galaxies with the naked eye.
Kielder Observatory, located within the park, hosts regular events for beginners and enthusiasts alike. It’s peaceful, remote, and gives you that sense of awe that only a truly starry sky can bring. Bring a flask, wrap up warm, and stay a while.
2. Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales
The Brecon Beacons were designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve for good reason. The skies here are incredibly clear when the clouds stay away, making it one of the best places in Wales for a proper night of stargazing.
Spots like the Usk Reservoir or Carreg Cennen Castle offer beautiful backdrops while you’re looking up. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and there’s something magical about watching constellations stretch across the night above those rolling hills.
3. Exmoor National Park, England
Exmoor was the first place in Europe to become an International Dark Sky Reserve, and the views definitely live up to the title. The skies here are some of the darkest in the country, and you don’t need a telescope to be impressed.
Places like Brendon Two Gates and Webbers Post are local favourites, offering wide-open views and minimal light pollution. It’s a brilliant option if you want something dramatic but still accessible, especially in the south of England.
4. Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest is remote, rugged, and the perfect escape from modern-day brightness. More than 7,000 stars and planets can be seen on a clear night, which makes this park a favourite for both serious astronomers and casual sky-watchers.
The stillness of the forest, paired with a glittering sky, makes the whole experience feel a little otherworldly. It’s also one of the few places in the UK where you might spot the Northern Lights if you’re lucky and time it right.
5. South Downs National Park, England
Despite being not far from London, South Downs manages to keep its skies dark enough for stargazing. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s home to several accessible spots like Old Winchester Hill and Butser Hill that offer peaceful views above the treetops.
There’s even an annual Dark Skies Festival in the park, so if you want to pair your stargazing with talks, walks, and telescope sessions, it’s worth planning around that. You don’t have to go off-grid to find the stars here—they’re closer than you think.
6. Isle of Sark, Channel Islands
Sark holds the unique title of being the world’s first Dark Sky Island. With no public street lights and almost no cars, it’s about as light-free as you can get, which makes for stunningly dark skies you just don’t find in most places anymore.
The stars feel especially close here, and the whole island slows down in the best way. It’s remote, calm, and you don’t even need fancy gear—just a clear sky and somewhere comfortable to sit while the night does its thing.
7. Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), Wales
The mountains and lakes of Snowdonia make a stunning backdrop for stargazing. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s another Welsh gem that offers both dramatic scenery and impressively dark skies for a proper night under the stars.
Favourite spots include Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn y Dywarchen—both peaceful, reflective spots that make the starlight feel even brighter. Combine a daytime hike with a night of stargazing, and you’ve got the perfect blend of adventure and calm.
8. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Within the Cairngorms, the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area is a designated dark sky zone—and for good reason. This part of the Highlands has vast skies, low light pollution, and some of the clearest views in the UK when the weather behaves.
It’s a brilliant spot for catching meteor showers or even the Northern Lights on a good night. If you want stargazing with a sense of wild remoteness, this area really delivers. It feels untouched, quiet, and wide open to the universe.
9. Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
The Yorkshire Dales have embraced their dark skies with open arms. Several locations in the park, like Hawes and Malham, are Dark Sky Discovery Sites—places specially chosen for their stargazing potential and public accessibility.
The park even runs its own Dark Skies Festival each year, with events for families, beginners, and seasoned telescope users. If you want a mix of natural beauty and community spirit while staring up at the stars, this is the place for it.
10. Peak District National Park, England
It might be one of the UK’s most visited parks, but the Peak District still offers places where the stars shine brightly. Surprise View and Parsley Hay are two standout spots where you can escape the crowds and look up in peace.
The park’s central location makes it an easy getaway for a night of stargazing—especially if you’re coming from surrounding cities. On a clear evening, the Milky Way stretches above you, and the stillness makes it feel like the world has slowed down a little.
