Stargazing holidays in the UK

There’s something rather lovely about stepping outside after dark and looking up at a sky full of stars. Whether you’re hoping to spot a shooting star, pick out familiar constellations or simply enjoy a little peace and quiet away from everyday distractions, stargazing is an easy way to make an evening feel a bit more special. You don’t need a telescope or a degree in astronomy to enjoy it.

Following a string of spectacular celestial events, interest in stargazing is burning bright, with UK searches for ‘stargazing’ increased by 79% between June 2026 and July 2026, according to Glimpse. It seems many of us are keen to keep looking up long after the big astral events have passed.

Where you choose to stargaze can make all the difference; clear skies, lower light pollution and access to darker countryside all help when it comes to spotting the stars. 

Skip to:

• Best places for stargazing in the UK
• Hartlepool and County Durham
• York and Yorkshire
• Gloucester
• Northumberland National Park and the North East
• Exmoor National Park
• Galloway Forest Park
• Dark sky holiday essentials
• Stargazing Report methodology

Best places for stargazing in the UK

Laurel Lodge's stargazing dome in Yorkshire

From the North East coast to the rolling landscapes of Yorkshire and the countryside of the South West, these destinations offer plenty of inspiration for a lodge break with a little extra magic after dark.

To help you choose where to go, we’ve analysed stargazing locations to uncover some of the UK’s best places to see the stars. 

Top places to see the stars:

1. Hartlepool
2. York / Redcar
3. Gloucester
4. Weston-super-Mare
5. Middlesbrough
6. Brighton and Hove
7. Darlington
8. Worthing
9. Torquay / Plymouth / Woking / Chester
10. Bournemouth / Telford

How we calculated this: We compared air pollution, average annual cloud cover and the number of recognised stargazing locations within 50 miles. All three measures were weighted equally.

Hartlepool and County Durham

Hartlepool ranked first in our UK analysis, with an air-pollution score of 4.17 and 130 recognised stargazing locations within 50 miles. Darlington ranked seventh, with an air-pollution score of 11.36 and 157 recognised stargazing locations within 50 miles.

Its position on the North East coast places visitors within reach of several contrasting landscapes, from quieter stretches of the County Durham coastline, where the horizon opens out across the North Sea, to inland countryside where rural roads and farmland lead further away from streetlights and residential areas.

Further west, Teesdale and the North Pennines offer secluded surroundings, with broad valleys, exposed hillsides, and landscapes that create opportunities to find a darker patch of sky. On clearer nights, these open settings can make it easier to pick out constellations and watch for shooting stars.

The countryside around Whispering Waters Lodges also offers the opportunity to spend more time in the area, with a quieter evening outdoors providing another way to enjoy the stars after returning from a nearby viewing spot.

Stay: Kingfisher Lodge, County Durham | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Soak away under the stars with a stay in Kingfisher Lodge, a lovely riverside hot tub retreat. Unwind in the bright and airy open-plan living space, with glass doors that perfectly frame the countryside view.

York and Yorkshire

In our stargazing report, York secured joint-second place alongside seaside Redcar, citing the area’s easy access to 121 recognised dark-sky spots and relatively low annual cloud cover (58%) as good reasons to travel to York – and look up.

Venture further into North Yorkshire and the surrounding countryside quickly unfolds into a dramatic limestone landscape with sweeping heather moorland, and wide-open valleys; the artificial street lighting drops away to almost nothing.

At the heart of this lies the Yorkshire Dales National Park, officially designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Here, the local communities and park authorities actively protect the nocturnal environment, and the result is extraordinary: sweeping, unobstructed horizons where constellations can be picked out, and seasonal meteor showers watched beneath wide, open skies.

For a staycation base that puts you right on the doorstep of these skies, look to the upper reaches of Wensleydale.

Stay: Semer Lodge, Yorkshire | Sleeps 6

Surrounded by quiet fellside and sweeping rural views, spend afternoons walking the trails around Buttertubs Pass or Hardraw Force.

Gloucester

Ranking third overall in the stargazing report, Gloucester and its wider district stand out for exceptionally clean air, alongside 93 recognised dark-sky spots within a 50-mile radius. While the city itself carries average urban light levels, a short drive out takes you into two contrasting rural landscapes.

To the west, the Forest of Dean offers an abundance of secluded clearings and elevated viewpoints, which sit well away from major settlements, and to the east, you’ll find the hills of the Cotswolds National Landscape provide wide-open spaces and opportunities to escape the glare of the artificial urban streetlights you find in towns and built-up areas.

For a stay that makes the most of these darker conditions, the countryside around the southern Cotswolds is an ideal base.

Stay: The Cotswold Light House, Gloucestershire | Sleeps 8

Gather all the family in this new and stunning lakeside lodge. With open fields surrounding the many lakes, it’s easy to step outside after dark and catch constellations without needing to hike out to a remote hilltop.

More amazing stargazing destinations

Explore further into the night skies with a stargazing holiday near these International Dark Sky Parks and Reserves.

Northumberland National Park and the North East

Tucked into the far reaches of the North East, Northumberland National Park and the surrounding Kielder Forest form the largest protected International Dark Sky Park in Europe; this vast area scores very highly in our Dark Skies Report. Covering nearly 600 square miles, artificial light is far less intrusive in the Dark Sky Park.

On clear, moonless nights, you can count thousands of stars with the naked eye, compared to other parts of the UK.

The North East performs particularly strongly in our analysis, helped by low air-pollution scores at several locations and excellent access to recognised stargazing sites. So, by day, you can explore Hadrian’s Wall, rustic trails and dramatic moorland; by night, you’ve an open window straight into space.

Head inland towards Teesdale and the North Pennines, where quieter villages offer the chance to escape the bright artificial lights of larger towns.

Stay: The Stargazer, Northumberland | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog

The Stargazer is a modern lodge for a coastal escape, with a spacious rear balcony perfect for al fresco dining or stargazing.

Holiday lodges in Northumberland

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Exmoor National Park

Designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011, Exmoor National Park is known for its exceptionally dark skies, where clear conditions can reveal thousands of stars, and even the Milky Way.

By day you can explore the open moorland, wooded valleys and dramatic coastline, and after sunset, find a quiet viewpoint, wrap up warm and see what you can spot overhead. The famous Dark Sky Discovery Trail near Exford is a lovely option for a self-guided evening walk, with a dedicated route through the moorland. It’s a short and relatively easy trail which all the family can take part in. The wider North Devon area offers plenty of scope for a countryside escape.

Stay: Woodpecker Lodge, Devon | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs

Set among 25 acres of woodland, overlooking a tranquil lake, you’re perfectly placed to explore the beautiful North Devon coast and countryside, with Exmoor’s dark skies within easy reach (25 miles).

• Why you’ll love it: Round off your day of exploring in a hot tub, flanked by peaceful woodland and beneath the night sky.
• Book: Woodpecker Lodge
• Lodge parks in North Devon: Bulworthy Forest Lodges

Holiday lodges in Devon

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Galloway Forest Park

For a night sky that feels almost otherworldly, head to south-west Scotland's Galloway Forest Park. Awarded International Dark Sky Park status in 2009, it was the first area in the UK to receive the title, thanks to its exceptionally dark skies and ongoing commitment to limiting light pollution.

On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars and planets with the naked eye, with the Milky Way also often visible across the sky. Clatteringshaws Loch is a popular spot for taking it all in, while the forest park's visitor hubs offer convenient starting points for exploring the area too.

For a coastal base with the dark skies of Galloway within reach, head to a peaceful retreat overlooking the Solway Firth.

Stay: Rascarrel Bay Lodge 1, Auchencairn | Sleeps 2

Spend your days exploring the spectacular coastline and nearby market towns, then head inland at dusk to seek out the stars.

• Why you’ll love it: The big sky and that view across the sea can both be enjoyed from your private hot tub.
• Book: Rascarrel Bay Lodge 1

Holiday lodges in Scotland

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Dark sky holiday essentials: when to go and what to bring

A little planning makes all the difference to a successful stargazing holiday, and while there's no guarantee of clear skies, choosing the right time to visit and packing a few essentials will give you the best chance of enjoying a night beneath the stars.

When is the best time of year to go stargazing in the UK?

Autumn and winter can be particularly rewarding for stargazing, thanks to longer hours of darkness and the chance to spot constellations. Be sure to wrap up warm and check the forecast before heading out. Whenever you visit, aim for a clear night and, if possible, plan around a new moon, as less moonlight makes fainter stars easier to see.

The weather forecast: Check cloud cover before setting off, as even the darkest location won't offer much of a view on an overcast night.

What to pack for a stargazing holiday?

You don't need expensive specialist equipment to enjoy the night sky; a few simple essentials will help you stay comfortable:

• Warm layers and blankets: Even after a mild day, temperatures can drop quickly once the sun sets.
• A torch: Choose a red-light torch if you can, as it's less disruptive to your night vision than a bright white light.
• Binoculars: Optional, but useful for exploring the Moon and spotting details you might miss with the naked eye.
• A ground blanket or camping chair: Give yourself somewhere comfortable to settle in while you wait for the stars to appear.

Can you go stargazing from a holiday lodge?

Absolutely. Staying in a holiday lodge gives you the flexibility to plan your stargazing around the weather, as you can head out to a dark-sky location nearby, or simply enjoy a little time outdoors before settling in for the night. 

If your lodge has a hot tub or outdoor space, it can make the experience even more special, becoming part of your evening routine if you’ve got good visibility from your accommodation. 

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Plan your lodge break

The Outpost | Stargazy Cabin | The Stargazer

From dark-sky adventures to cosy evenings in a hot tub, find your perfect getaway with our lodges with hot tubs or browse our autumn lodge holidays for a seasonal escape beneath the stars.

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Holidaylodges.co.uk UK Stargazing Report 2026

To identify the UK’s best places for stargazing, we analysed locations across the country using three equally weighted factors that can influence the visibility of the night sky:

• Air pollution: The air pollution score recorded by Numbeo out of 100. Locations with lower levels of air pollution received a higher ranking.
• Access to stargazing locations: The number of recognised Go Stargazing locations within a 50-mile radius of each area. Locations with more nearby stargazing sites received a higher ranking.
• Annual cloud coverage: The average percentage of cloud throughout the year, according to WeatherSpark. Locations with lower average cloud coverage received a higher ranking.

Each area was ranked individually across the three factors. These rankings were then averaged to produce an overall score. Air pollution and cloud coverage were based on the representative town or city named in the ranking, while nearby stargazing locations were counted within a 50-mile radius of that location. The data was collected in August 2026.

Area	Region	Overall Rank	Air Pollution Score (Numbeo)	# of Dark Skies Locations (GoStargazing)	% of cloud annually (WeatherSpark)
Hartlepool	North East	1	4.17	130	58.75%
York	Yorkshire and the Humber	2	18.75	121	57.83%
Redcar	North East	2	4.17	120	58.67%
Gloucester	South West	3	8.33	93	57.92%
Weston-super-Mare	South West	4	35.00	142	56.33%
Middlesbrough	North East	5	11.36	133	59.58%
Brighton and Hove	South East	6	19.64	74	54.33%
Darlington	North East	7	11.36	157	60.42%
Worthing	South East	8	25.00	78	54.50%
Torquay	South West	9	43.75	109	53.42%
Plymouth	South West	9	26.19	76	54.25%
Woking	South East	9	27.78	115	57.25%
Chester	North West	9	18.75	109	58.67%
Bournemouth	South West	10	33.33	82	53.17%
Telford	West Midlands	10	7.50	93	59.00%

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Written by Sarah Christopher | Brand Voice Strategist and Creative Copywriter 

With over 15 years of creative copywriting and strategy experience, I specialise in lifestyle and travel writing. 

It is an absolute privilege to tell the stories of the UK's most beautiful locations. Whenever I research or visit a new destination, I invariably fall in love with it a little - meaning my staycation bucket list is forever growing.