Go starcamping!

Go starcamping!

Enjoy a stargazing break with family, friends and welcoming astronomers!

A “Starcamp” is an organised stargazing event that takes place at a time around a new moon when the skies are nice and dark for stargazing. Such events are often based at a remote campsite or caravan park and away from light pollution.

“Starcamping” offers a means of getting away from the city lights, away from light pollution, away from the hum-drum of day-to-day life and into a world where you can be at one with our Universe, literally!

Although Starcamps take place throughout the year the best events are held from Autumn through to Spring when fewer daylight hours allow for more stargazing time and the cold, crisp nights mean the skies above are settled making it perfect for observing, especially through telescopes.

Most of us will have to travel some distance to find a dark sky location, therefore, not only do Star-camps make an ideal short break, the journey is made all the more worthwhile when you see the Milky Way arching over you and thousands of stars visible to the naked eye. Staying over a couple of nights increases the chances you’ll get a break in the weather.

starcamp-kielder-2016-2
The Milky Way above Kielder Forest Starcamp – photo by Robert Ince

What to expect

You’ll find friendly, experienced amateur astronomers on hand and keen to share their knowledge and passion for their favorite subject. Some of these events cater to families (such as The People’s Star Parties at Kielder) however most are aimed at more serious amateur astronomers wanting to make the most of their time under dark skies.

Members of the public are always welcome however those who do attend these types of events will likely be asked to abide by strict red light rules (no white light during dark) and no noise during the mornings (due to sleepy astronomers!)

It’s not necessary to rough it either! You’ll find campsites with pitches that have electric hook-ups for fan heaters and a warm room where you can make a cuppa. There’s often a pub nearby too! Star-camps are social events and you’ll undoubtedly make new friends, when you call it a night just snuggle up under the extra duvet you packed in addition to your sleeping bags! 😉

Going camping at any time when it’s likely to be chilly is not for the faint-hearted, however, for the more adventurous amongst you, this is perhaps the best way of experiencing stargazing, and such efforts are often incredibly rewarding!


Forthcoming Starcamps


April 2024

  • Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – April 2024

    Friday 5th April 2024 from 16:00pm to Sunday 7th April 2024 12:00pm

    Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY

    More info
  • Haw Wood Farm Astronomers Week – Spring 2024

    Friday 5th April 2024 from 17:00pm to Wednesday 10th April 2024 12:00pm

    Haw Wood Farm Caravan Park, Saxmundham, IP17 3QT

    More info
  • AstroCamp – Spring 2024

    Saturday 6th April 2024 from 12:00pm to Tuesday 9th April 2024 12:00pm

    Cwmdu Campsite, Crickhowell, NP8 1RU

    More info

May 2024

  • Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – May 2024

    Friday 3rd May 2024 from 16:00pm to Sunday 5th May 2024 12:00pm

    Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY

    More info

August 2024

  • Dalby Forest StarFest 2024

    Friday 9th August 2024 from 12:00pm to Monday 12th August 2024 12:00pm

    Dalby Forest Adderstone Field, Thornton-le-Dale, YO18 7LT

    More info
  • The Observatory Science Centre – Science Festival 2024

    Friday 30th August 2024 from 10:00am to Sunday 1st September 2024 17:00pm

    The Observatory Science Centre, Hailsham, BN27 1RN

    More info

September 2024

  • Kelling Heath Star Party – Autumn 2024

    Monday 30th September 2024 from 00:00am to Monday 7th October 2024 00:00am

    Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Holt, NR25 7HW

    More info

October 2024

  • Kielder Forest Star Camp – Autumn 2024

    Wednesday 30th October 2024 from 12:00pm to Monday 4th November 2024 12:00pm

    Kielder Campsite, Kielder, NE48 1ER

    More info
  • Galloway Gathering – Autumn 2024

    Wednesday 30th October 2024 from 16:00pm to Monday 4th November 2024 12:00pm

    Drumroamin Farm Camping & Caravan Site, Newton Stewart, DG8 9DB

    More info

November 2024

  • Coll & The Cosmos Stargazing Weekend – March 202

    Saturday 2nd November 2024 from 12:00pm to Sunday 3rd November 2024 13:00pm

    Isle of Coll - Coll Bunkhouse, Isle of Coll, PA78 6SY

    More info
  • Haw Wood Farm Astronomers Week – Autumn 2024

    Sunday 3rd November 2024 from 17:00pm to Sunday 10th November 2024 12:00pm

    Haw Wood Farm Caravan Park, Saxmundham, IP17 3QT

    More info

October 2025

  • Kelling Heath Star Party – Autumn 2025

    Monday 13th October 2025 from 16:00pm to Monday 20th October 2025 12:00pm

    Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Holt, NR25 7HW

    More info

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