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

  • Public observing at High Legh Community Observatory

    Friday 17th May 2024 from dusk

    High Legh Community Observatory, High Legh, WA16 6NS

    More info
  • The Astronomy Centre Public Open Evenings

    Saturday 18th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm

    The Astronomy Centre, Near Todmorden, OL14 7HP

    More info
  • Macclesfield Astronomical Society lecture meeting

    Tuesday 21st May 2024 from 20:00pm to 21:00pm

    Goostrey Village Hall, Macclesfield, CW4 8PE

    More info
  • Leighton Observatory Open Evening

    Wednesday 22nd May 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Leighton Observatory - Pex Hill, Widnes, WA8 5QW

    More info
  • Salford Observatory open evening

    Wednesday 22nd May 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Salford Observatory, Chasely Fields, M6 7DZ

    More info
  • Manchester Astronomical Society weekly meeting

    Thursday 23rd May 2024 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm

    Blackett Lecture Theatre, Manchester, M13 9PL

    More info
  • Eden Valley and Penrith Astronomy Group meeting and stargazing

    Thursday 23rd May 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Morland and Newby Village Hall, Penrith, CA10 3AS

    More info
  • Public observing at High Legh Community Observatory

    Friday 24th May 2024 from dusk

    High Legh Community Observatory, High Legh, WA16 6NS

    More info
  • The Astronomy Centre Public Open Evenings

    Saturday 25th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm

    The Astronomy Centre, Near Todmorden, OL14 7HP

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 26th May 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info

Stargazing locations in North West England

  • Devoke Water

    Austhwaite Brow, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1TJ

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Gatesgarth Car Park

    Gatesgarth, Cockermouth , Cumbria, CA13 9XA, North West England

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Gisburn Forest Hub

    Gisburn Forest, Near Tosside, Lancashire, BB7

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Godlee Observatory (closed for redevelopment)

    Sackville Street, Manchester, Lancashire, M1 3NL

    Observatory

    More info
  • Grizedale Forest

    Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory

    Hesketh Park, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9LN

    Observatory

    More info
  • High Brow Crossroads

    High Row, Dockray, Cumbria, CA11 0LG

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • High Legh Community Observatory

    Abbey Leys Farm, High Legh, Cheshire, WA16 6NS

    Observatory

    More info
  • Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory – Moor Park

    Blackpool Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 3AE, North West

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Jodrell Bank Observatory

    University of Manchester, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DL

    Observatory

    More info

Stargazing accommodation in North West England

  • Scalegill Foot

    Dent, Sedburgh, Cumbria, LA10 5RN

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Tarn End Cottages – Talkin Tarn

    Waters Edge, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1BF

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • The Quiet Site

    Ullswater, Bennett Head, Cumbria, CA11 0LS

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Todd & Gunn Cottages

    Wasdale, Santon Bridge, Cumbria, CA19 1UX

    Stay & Gaze

    More info