Stargazing is a fantastic hobby and with the UK home to seven of the world’s 18 recognised Dark Sky Parks, Britons who want to look up and see the stars are spoiled for choice. The night time activity is extremely popular with Britons.
On social media, one user said: “How did I not know there’s a whole stargazing community in the UK? Amazing.”
Another had a lot of enthusiasm and invited someone on the other side of the world to stargaze in Somerset.
They said: “I love stargazing so much…
“If you ever happen to swing by the UK and somehow end up in rural Somerset while I’m home visiting my family, there’s a field out near my house where it’s pitch dark on winter nights and you can see every star there is.”
While taking up this social media user on his offer and heading to rural Somerset to stargaze may be tempting, there are many other locations all over the UK that are perfect for stargazing.
READ MORE: ‘How dare you’ – Couple kicked off flight and banned
The best UK stargazing hotspots were named by holidaycottages.co.uk.
Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager said: “It’s amazing to see how many places there are in the UK to stargaze, from Scotland all the way to Cornwall.
“It’s the perfect experience for those enjoying a staycation as stargazing definitely offers UK holiday-goers a unique and unforgettable activity.”
Galloway Forest Park was the UK’s fist designated Dark Sky Park.
With over 75,000 hectares of land, Britons will have no trouble finding a quiet spot to look up at the stars in peace.
Extremely lucky stargazers may even spot the Northern Lights.
DON’T MISS
Exmoor National Park became a Dark Sky Park in 2011.
Recommendations for the best stargazing spots in the park are to head to Holdstone Hill, County Gate, Brendon Two Gates, Webbers Post, Anstey Gate, Haddon Hill or Wimbleball Lake.
North York Moors National Park is another Dark Sky Park.
Britons who go on a stargazing trip to North York Moors will be rewarded with incredible views and may spot the Northern Lights.
Snowdonia National Park is a very popular destination, but Britons may not be aware it achieved Dark Sky Reserve status in 2015.
For a truly unforgettable stargazing night, holidaymakers should head to Llyn Geirionydd.
The stars are reflected in the waters of the lake, making this spot extra special.
Northumberland National Park is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky.
With very low levels of light pollution, this is the best location to look at the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way.
South Downs National Park was made Dark Sky Park in 2016.
The best spots to head to for a stargazing trip are Old Winchester Hill and Bignor Hill.
Birling Gap also offers beautiful sea views.
Bodmin Moor was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be awarded Dark Sky Park status.
To gaze at the stars in a spectacular setting, Britons cannot do better than heading to Bodmin Moor.
Holiday Cottages has named the best places for stargazing in the UK:
Galloway Forest Park
Exmoor National Park
North York Moors National Park
Snowdonia National Park
Northumberland National Park
South Downs National Park
Bodmin Moor
