Discover Dark Skies sites in England

Adventures in astronomy: Dark Skies over the UK

One element of the history of astronomy is rather ironic. Back when humanity lacked the high levels of technology needed to better observe the planets and stars that surrounded them, the corresponding lack of light pollution, thanks to the same lack of technology, meant that even the least technical people could easily see hundreds of thousands of stars.

These days we have incredible telescopes and spectrometers that have helped us to unravel the mysteries of space and understand the universe, yet light pollution is so bad, that it’s barely possible to see any but the very brightest stars in most populated areas in the UK at night, and only astronomers with advanced equipment can really see the stars.

Thankfully, the International Dark-Sky Association, Inc. was founded in the USA in 1987, and its mission has since spread across the world. There are now 21 designated International Dark Skies Reserves and Parks in the UK, six of them in our National Parks. If you want to stay near one of these parks, see our list below of places in the neighbourhood of celestial wonder.

All are assessed, inspected and rated by the AA and/or VisitEngland.

If you want to know more about the regular events staged at Dark Skies parks, visit
National Parks Dark Skies Festivals.

The six designated parks are North Yorkshire Moors, Exmoor, Northumberland, Yorkshire Dales and South Downs.

Bessiestown Farm Country Guesthouse, Catlowdy, Cumbria

Bessiestown is a rural holiday escape offering peace and quiet in a wide open space. At night, you'll find the dark skies starlit and enchanting. You'll also find clean air, amazing sunrises and sunsets and of course, a very warm welcome.

Mire Garth, Sedbergh, Cumbria 

Up a single-track road three miles from Dent, in a beautiful natural amphitheatre, lies stone-built, 17th-century Mire Garth and its lovingly tended garden. Here, on the north-western flank of Whernside, Yorkshire’s highest mountain, night means ‘true dark’. Although remote, dozens of wonderful places are less than an hour away.

The Oval, Dunster, Somerset

The Oval on historic West Street is close to a variety of unusual shops, cafes, restaurants, gardens, listed buildings and a castle. There's plenty of info on-hand about on what to do and where to go. There is a private courtyard with an upper sun deck that offers spectacular views of Exmoor, making it the perfect place to observe the night sky.

Halse Farm Caravan Park, Winsford, Somerset

Halse Farm is a peaceful little site on Exmoor overlooking a wooded valley with glorious views. This moorland site is quite remote, so is ideal for stargazing. It's also good base for exploring the Exmoor National Park, and Minehead, Porlock and Lynton are only a short drive away.

Hutton-le-Hole Caravan Park, Hutton-le-Hole, North Yorkshire

This small, high quality park is on a working farm in the North York Moors National Park. The pretty village, with its facilities, is a 10-minute walk away and the park is designated as a Dark Skies area. Two high quality lodges are also available for hire, and for a glamping experience, three well-equipped bell tents and a shepherd's hut are located in a peaceful woodland.

The Knoll, Rosedale Abbey, North Yorkshire

The Knoll is a 2 bedroom idyllic cottage situated in the picturesque village of Rosedale Abbey, at the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. In 2023 the owners bought The Knoll as a run down, hardly lived in home. The renovations are impressive, and have made it into a lovely property. Outside is a terrace area with a hot tub that gives views direct into the valley. Stargazing from a hot tub is a pleasure much to be desired.

Bellingham Camping & Caravanning Club Site, Hexham, Northumberland

Located in the tranquil Northumberland National Park, Bellingham offers both relaxation and adventure. It has an on-site shop, play area, dog walk, indoor refuge, kitchen, drying room, family washroom and games room, plus excellent walking and cycling, fishing and golf opportunities. Northumberland National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, so expect breathtaking night skies.

Old School House, Haltwhistle, Northumberland

Close to the edge of Northumberland National Park, perfect for stargazing, The Old School House is close to Hadrian's Wall and the Pennine Way long distance footpath. It offer comfortable bedrooms, spacious public areas and drying and storage facilities for walkers and cyclists. The owners hope to provide the perfect starting point for visits to the best sections of Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman sites along it. 

Station Cottage, Falstone, Northumberland

Station Cottage is an idyllic retreat for couples in the heart of the beautiful Kielder Water and Forest Park area. The cottage was a former waiting room and ticket office during the period of the Border Counties Railway line. The cottage is a haven for tranquillity. Watch the bird life, enjoy beautiful walks or cycling trails and indulge in the night skies as the area has International Dark Skies status.

Greystead Institute House, Hexham, Northumberland

Greystead Institute is a converted Victorian church hall, set in beautiful Northumberland countryside close to Kielder Water and Forest Park, with the charming town of Bellingham nearby, positioned  in the heart of Northumberland National Park. A perfect place to stargaze and study the night sky, free of light pollution.

The Granary Holiday Cottage, Powburn, Northumberland

In a self-contained, single storey annexe to the main farm cottage, The Granary sits amid 60 acres of private farmland, woodland and grassland. There's also a small nature reserve, with wild deer and a large pond. Cheviot sheep are raised on the farm. 

Tottington Manor, Henfield, West Sussex

Situated on the edge of the South Downs National park, with panoramic views of the hills, Tottington Manor Hotel is an idyllic place for a weekend break, short walking holiday, wedding or event. Walkers and cyclists will enjoy the close access to the South Downs Way, while stargazers will appreciate the dark skies designation which means an amazing view of the night sky.