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

  • Worthing Astronomers Club Night

    Friday 3rd October 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    More info
  • Worthing Astronomers observing night (location TBC)

    Saturday 4th October 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:30pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    More info
  • Hampshire Astronomical Group meeting and talk

    Friday 10th October 2025 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm

    Clanfield Memorial Hall, Clanfield, PO8 0RB

    More info
  • Worthing Astronomers observing night (location TBC)

    Saturday 1st November 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:30pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    More info
  • Worthing Astronomers Club Night

    Friday 7th November 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    More info
  • Hampshire Astronomical Group meeting and talk

    Friday 14th November 2025 from 20:00pm to 21:30pm

    Clanfield Memorial Hall, Clanfield, PO8 0RB

    More info
  • After Dark – Night Sky Live: Family

    Tuesday 18th November 2025 from 17:00pm to 18:45pm

    Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

    More info
  • After Dark – Night Sky Live: Adult

    Tuesday 18th November 2025 from 19:30pm to 21:15pm

    Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

    More info
  • Worthing Astronomers Club Night

    Friday 5th December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    More info
  • Worthing Astronomers observing night (location TBC)

    Saturday 6th December 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:30pm

    Clapham & Patching Village Hall, Worthing, BN13 3UT

    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
  • Cocking Hill Car Park

    Cocking Hill, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0HT, South East England

    Go Stargazing 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

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