The Visitor Centre and car park at Delamere was once a stargazing location recommended by the Forestry Commission.
During the pandemic, when the taxpayer-subsidised organisation was rebranded “Foresty England”, an array of light-polluting “in-security lights” were installed at the visitor centre, adversely affecting the local environment and forcing the local astronomy group to move to a new location.
Despite Delamere Forest Park being featured as a stargazing location in their “2020 stargazing activity pack“, contacts at the venue have stated there are no places to stargaze and public members are not welcome at night.
Go Stargazing removed Delamere Forest as a recommended stargazing location in April 2023.
Local light pollution
Delamere Forest Park - Forestry England is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
-
Urban
-
Suburban
-
Semi-rural
-
Rural
-
Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Light pollution map of Delamere Forest Park - Forestry England
Best time to visit
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Tue 8th Jul
Wed 9th Jul
Thu 10th Jul
Fri 11th Jul
Sat 12th Jul
Sun 13th Jul
Mon 14th Jul
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarEvents nearby
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.