16th century, Grade A listed Lickleyhead Castle (sleeps 16) is in a rural location in Aberdeenshire.
Not only do we have very dark skies (as shown in light pollution maps), but according to Met Office data, this area has far less winter cloud cover than other parts of the country.
Of course, the Aurora is also visible here in Northern Scotland. We provide guests with a Meade Infinity 76 telescope and binoculars free of charge. There is also a hot tub for guests to stay warm while looking at the sky.
Being a large accommodation provider allows guests to bring all their friends and family along to enjoy the stars and in considerable luxury!
Photo credit: Simon White of White Sky Photographics
Stay & gaze - this location benefits from dark skies, relatively low levels of light pollution, is astronomy friendly and suitable for stargazing breaks.
Local light pollution
Lickleyhead Castle is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to arural rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
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Urban
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Suburban
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Semi-rural
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Rural
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Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
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.
Fri 4th Jul
Sat 5th Jul
Sun 6th Jul
Mon 7th Jul
Tue 8th Jul
Wed 9th Jul
Thu 10th Jul
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Calendar