Stargazing in Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve

Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve is rightly proud of being the first dark sky reserve in Europe. Much of the region is free from light pollution and rightly claims to have some of the darkest skies in the country.

Going stargazing in Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve will reward you with amazing views of the cosmos. The sky is filled with many more stars than you would normally see from a town or city. The glow of the Milky Way is easily spotted on dark moonless nights.

A number of campsites and accommodation providers across the region are Dark Sky Friendly and several Dark Sky Discovery Sites offer amazing places to stargaze.

The team at Exmoor National Park have put together this fantastic astronomer’s guide and includes lots of tips for stargazing in the region.

Stargazing events are arranged all year round including planetarium sessions and guided public stargazing sessions for groups or exclusive booking at Exmoor’s Dark Sky Discovery Hub at Exford.

Every October the National Park hosts a two-three week Dark Skies Festival of events at locations all over the moor. Telescopes can also be hired all year round from the National Park Centres at Dunster, Dulverton and Lynmouth.

Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve is well worth a visit!