The Dedham Vale DarkSky Discovery Centre, located opposite Thorington Hall, officially opened on August 12th with a stunning celestial display, including a meteor shower and a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Spearheaded by professional astronomers and a local grassroots committee, the Centre aims to become a hub for astronomy enthusiasts, offering star-gazing opportunities, astrophotography, and talks.
Managed by the National Trust, the Centre includes meeting rooms, parking, and a dark garden shielded from light pollution by high walls, providing an ideal environment for observing the night sky.
The DarkSky Campaign, in partnership with Dedham Vale National Landscape, promotes astro-tourism, helping local businesses attract visitors eager to experience the unspoiled night skies of Thorington Street.
The Campaign also seeks to establish the hamlet as a recognized DarkSky Community, with support from DarkSky International, a global charity focused on combating light pollution. The National Trust’s Leigh Freeman emphasises the importance of preserving dark skies as an essential part of our natural heritage, inspiring generations of science, art, and philosophy.
Photo: Jully Barrett
Location events organiser
Dedham Vale National Landscape Dark Skies Campaign organises events at this location
Please contact Dedham Vale National Landscape Dark Skies Campaign directly with any enquiries relating to visiting this location
Email: [email protected]
Website: Dedham Vale National Landscape Dark Skies Campaign
Facebook: Dedham Vale National Landscape Dark Skies Campaign
Weather forecast
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23/09/25
13° 1% -
23/09/25
11° 1% -
24/09/25
11° 1% -
24/09/25
10° 1%
Weather forecast for Colchester United F.c. (4.3 miles away) updated 23/09/25 at 12:02.
Local light pollution
Dedham Vale Dark Sky Discovery Centre is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-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.
Light pollution map of Dedham Vale Dark Sky Discovery Centre
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 23rd Sep
Wed 24th Sep
Thu 25th Sep
Fri 26th Sep
Sat 27th Sep
Sun 28th Sep
Mon 29th Sep
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
Calendar