Stargazing Regions

Despite widespread light pollution there are a number of fantastic places to stargaze across the UK. Travelling only a few miles away from light-polluted towns and cities can reveal wonderful views of the skies. Several dark sky parks and reserves have been established where light pollution levels are kept under control. There are many official dark sky discovery sites dotted around the country.

Areas Of Natural Beauty

There are a number of designated "areas of natural beauty" across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Many of them offer great stargazing locations due to their rural settings.

Forest Of Bowland AONB

Nidderdale AONB

North Peninnes AONB

Shropshire Hills AONB

Dark Sky Park / Reserve / Island

There are a growing number of regions across the United Kingdom designated as dark sky parks, reserves and islands. In such locations measures are taken to keep light pollution to a minimum leaving the skies dark and many Dark Sky Sites that are perfect for stargazing.

Bodmin Moor Dark Sky Landscape

Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve

Cairngorms Dark Sky Park

Cranbourne Chase Dark Sky Reserve

Elan Valley Dark Sky Park

Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve

Galloway Dark Sky Park

Isle of Coll Dark Sky Island

Northumberland Dark Sky Park

Snowdonia Dark Sky Reserve

South Downs Dark Sky Reserve

England

East Midlands

East of England

London

North East England

North West England

South East England

South West England

West Midlands

Yorkshire and The Humber

Isle of Man

Isle of Man

National Parks

Several National Parks across the UK benefit from fabulous starry skies and are seeking to protect these natural assets via initiatives including the reduction of light pollution through sensible lighting management and applying for official Dark Sky status.

North York Moors

Yorkshire Dales

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Central Scotland

Hebrides

Highlands of Scotland

North East Scotland

South East Scotland

South West Scotland

Wales

Central Wales

North Wales

South Wales