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

  • 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
  • Leighton Observatory Open Evening

    Wednesday 8th May 2024 from 19:00pm to 21:00pm

    Leighton Observatory - Pex Hill, Widnes, WA8 5QW

    More info
  • Blackpool & District Astronomical Society Meeting

    Wednesday 8th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Blackpool Cricket Club, Blackpool, FY3 9EQ

    More info
  • Salford Observatory open evening

    Wednesday 8th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Salford Observatory, Chasely Fields, M6 7DZ

    More info
  • Manchester Astronomical Society weekly meeting

    Thursday 9th May 2024 from 18:00pm to 21:00pm

    Blackett Lecture Theatre, Manchester, M13 9PL

    More info
  • Preston and District Astronomical Society meeting

    Thursday 9th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm

    Deepdale Labour Social & Bowling Club, Preston, PR1 6RX

    More info
  • Public observing at High Legh Community Observatory

    Friday 10th May 2024 from dusk

    High Legh Community Observatory, High Legh, WA16 6NS

    More info
  • The Astronomy Centre Public Open Evenings

    Saturday 11th May 2024 from 19:30pm to 23:00pm

    The Astronomy Centre, Near Todmorden, OL14 7HP

    More info

Stargazing locations in North West England

  • Talkin Tarn Country Park

    Farlam, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1HN

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Talkin Tarn Stargazing Pavilion

    Talkin Tarn Country Park, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA8 1HN

    Dark Sky Discovery Site

    More info
  • Tarn Hows Car Park – Lake District

    Hawkshead Hill, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0PP

    Aurora Viewpoint, Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • The Astronomy Centre

    Bacup Road A681, Near Todmorden, Lancashire, OL14 7HP

    Observatory

    More info
  • Trinity School Observatory

    Strand Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1JB

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Wasdale Head Car Park – Lake District

    Wasdale, Santon Bridge, Cumbria, CA20 1EX

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Wast Water

    Countess Beck, Wasdale, Cumbria, CA20 1EU, North West England

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Watchtree Nature Reserve

    Great Orton, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 6NL

    Go Stargazing Site

    More info
  • Whinlatter Forest Park – Forestry Commission

    Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

    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