Stargazing in North West England

With forests, fells, moors, mountains and beaches, there are plenty of excellent dark skies in North West England, where you may see the Milky Way, shooting stars and maybe the Northern Lights!

The Forest of Bowland AONB is particularly worthy of special mention, being home to several Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

Even near the city areas of Liverpool and Manchester, you’ll find dark sky pockets such as Delamere Forest. The Lake District has incredibly dark skies too, where light pollution in some areas is virtually non-existent. Take a (red light) torch!



Stargazing events in North West England

  • Explore the Azores, Madeira and Portugal with Fred. Olsen Cruises and Go Stargazing

    Friday 19th April 2024 from 12:00pm to Friday 3rd May 2024 12:00pm

    Liverpool Cruise Terminal, Liverpool, L3 1DL

    More info
  • Manchester Astronomical Society weekly meeting

    Thursday 2nd May 2024 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm

    Blackett Lecture Theatre, Manchester, M13 9PL

    More info
  • Eddington Astronomical Society meeting

    Thursday 2nd May 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Kendal Museum, Kendal, LA9 6BT

    More info
  • Wincham Pickmere & District Astronomy Group meeting

    Thursday 2nd May 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Wincham Community Centre, Wincham, CW9 6EP

    More info
  • Furness and South Lakeland Astronomical Society Meeting

    Friday 3rd May 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Abbey Road Baptist Church - Barrow-in-Furness, Barrow-in-Furness, LA13 9BD

    More info
  • Altrincham and District Astronomical Society meeting

    Friday 3rd May 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Timperley Village Club, Altrincham, WA15 7UT

    More info
  • Public observing at High Legh Community Observatory

    Friday 3rd May 2024 from dusk

    High Legh Community Observatory, High Legh, WA16 6NS

    More info
  • The Astronomy Centre Public Open Evenings

    Saturday 4th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm

    The Astronomy Centre, Near Todmorden, OL14 7HP

    More info
  • Whisky Stargazing Evening

    Saturday 4th May 2024 from 21:00pm to 23:00pm

    The Lakes Distillery, Cockermouth, CA13 9SJ

    More info
  • South Cheshire Astronomical Society club meeting & observing

    Monday 6th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    St Peter's Community Hall, Crewe, CW1 4RD

    More info

Stargazing locations in North West England

  • Kirkstone Pass Car Park

    Pass Inn, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9LQ, North West England

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Leighton Observatory – Pex Hill

    Pex Hill Visitors Centre, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 5QW

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Livia Community Woodland – Forestry England

    Pendlebury, Clifton, Lancashire, M27 8SF

    Recommended Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre

    Ennerdale, Cleator, Cumbria, CA23 3AX

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Pilling Embankment

    Fluke Hall Lane, Pilling, Lancashire, PR3 6HP

    Aurora Viewpoint, Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Salford Observatory

    Chaseley Road, Chasely Fields, Lancashire, M6 7DZ

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Shap Fell Bothy

    Shap, Penrith, Cumbria, LA8

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Slaidburn Visitor Car Park

    Slaidburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 3ES

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Sutton Manor Community Woodland – Forestry England

    Sutton, Saint Helens, Merseyside, WA9 4BE

    Recommended Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Swirls Car Park

    Thirlmere, Keswick

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info

Stargazing accommodation in North West England

  • Cranmore House – Nenthead

    Holmsfoot, Nenthead, Cumbria, CA9 3LS

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Deeside House

    Cowgill, Dentdale, Cumbria, LA10 5RN

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Dovestone Holiday Park

    Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, Lancashire, OL3 7NF

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Graystock Lodge – Cockerham

    Cockerham, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 0ER

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Greenah Bed & Breakfast

    Matterdale, Thackthwaite, Cumbria, CA11 0SA

    Stay & Gaze

    More info