Stargazing in South Downs Dark Sky Reserve

The South Downs National Park was awarded Dark Sky Reserve status in May 2016. This status will ensure the region’s light pollution remains under control if not reduced. Given its location in the South of England the skies are surprisingly and wonderfully dark. A number of Dark Sky Discovery Sites are dotted throughout the region giving excellent opportunities to observe the starry skies above. Enthusiastic local Astronomical Societies run frequent public stargazing events across the area.



Stargazing events in South Downs Dark Sky Reserve

  • Lewes Astronomical Society monthly meeting

    Wednesday 4th December 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:00pm

    Lewes Town Hall, Lewes, BN7 2QS

    More info
  • Night Sky Live at Winchester Planetarium

    Thursday 5th December 2024 from 18:15pm to 21:15pm

    Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

    More info
  • Worthing Astronomers Club Night

    Friday 6th December 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    More info
  • Worthing Astronomers observing night (location TBC)

    Saturday 7th December 2024 from 19:30pm to 22:30pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    More info
  • Hampshire Astronomical Group monthly meeting

    Friday 13th December 2024 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm

    Clanfield Memorial Hall, Clanfield, PO8 0RB

    More info
  • Night Sky Live at Winchester Planetarium

    Thursday 30th January 2025 from 18:15pm to 21:15pm

    Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

    More info
  • Night Sky Live at Winchester Planetarium

    Thursday 27th February 2025 from 18:15pm to 21:15pm

    Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

    More info

Stargazing locations in South Downs Dark Sky Reserve

  • Bignor Hill Car Park

    Bignor, Pullborough, West Sussex, RH20 1PH

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Birling Gap

    Birling Gap, Eastbourne, Sussex, BN20 0AB

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Buriton Village Green

    High Street, Buriton, Hampshire, GU31 5RX

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Butser Hill

    Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Near Clanfield, Hampshire, PO8

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Crowlink Car Park – National Trust

    Crowlink Lane, East Dean, East Sussex, BN20 0AU, South East England

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Devil’s Dyke

    Devil's Dyke Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 8YJ

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Ditchling Beacon

    Ditchling, Brighton, Sussex, BN6

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Firle Beacon Car Park

    Firle Bostal, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6LR

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Harting Down – National Trust

    B2141, South Harting, Hampshire, GU31 5PN, South East

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Iping Common

    Iping, Near Trotton, West Sussex, GU31

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info

Stargazing accommodation in South Downs Dark Sky Reserve

  • Foot of the Downs

    Fulking, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9LP

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Littleton Farm Campsite

    Upwaltham, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0LX

    Stay & Gaze

    More info