Dark Sky Parks UK: Best Stargazing Locations
Published: February 2026 | 14 min read
The UK is home to some of Europe's best dark sky sites. From the wilds of Northumberland to the rolling hills of Exmoor, these protected areas offer stunning views of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and thousands of stars invisible from light-polluted cities.
What is a Dark Sky Park?
Dark Sky Parks are areas where light pollution is strictly controlled to preserve the natural night sky. They are certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) based on sky quality measurements and lighting management policies.
In a dark sky area, you can see:
- The Milky Way stretching across the sky
- Up to 7,000 stars (compared to a few dozen in cities)
- Faint objects like the Andromeda Galaxy with naked eyes
- Spectacular meteor showers at their best
Top UK Dark Sky Locations
1. Northumberland International Dark Sky Park ⭐
Location: Northumberland National Park, England
Status: Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park
Covering 572 square miles, Northumberland is England's largest area of protected night sky and one of the largest in Europe. The park surrounds Kielder Water and offers exceptional viewing conditions.
Best spots:
- Kielder Observatory - Book events here
- Cawfields Quarry on Hadrian's Wall
- Stonehaugh village
Facilities: Kielder Observatory offers public events, telescope viewing, and astrophotography sessions.
2. Exmoor National Park ⭐
Location: Devon/Somerset border, England
Status: Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve
Exmoor achieved Dark Sky Reserve status in 2011, making it a pioneer in UK dark sky conservation. The park has 16 Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
Best spots:
- Holdstone Hill - one of the darkest locations
- County Gate car park
- Brendon Two Gates
- Wimbleball Lake
Events: Exmoor hosts an annual Dark Skies Festival each autumn.
3. Brecon Beacons National Park
Location: South Wales
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve
Wales' first Dark Sky Reserve covers half the Brecon Beacons National Park. Despite being close to cities like Cardiff and Swansea, the park's core offers excellent dark skies.
Best spots:
- Usk Reservoir
- Llangorse Lake
- Sugar Loaf mountain
More info: Brecon Beacons Stargazing
4. Galloway Forest Park
Location: Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Status: UK's first Dark Sky Park
Galloway became the UK's first Dark Sky Park in 2009. At 300 square miles, it's the largest forest park in Britain and one of the darkest places in Europe.
Best spots:
- Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
- Bruce's Stone car park
- Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Visit: Galloway Forest Park
5. South Downs National Park
Location: Southeast England (closest to London!)
Status: International Dark Sky Reserve
The South Downs became an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2016 - remarkable given its proximity to London and Brighton. It's the most accessible dark sky site for Londoners.
Best spots:
- Devil's Dyke - just 1 hour from London
- Butser Hill
- Old Winchester Hill
- Iping Common
Explore: South Downs Dark Skies
More Dark Sky Sites Around the UK
- Snowdonia National Park, Wales - International Dark Sky Reserve
- Yorkshire Dales - Dark Sky Reserve
- North York Moors - Dark Sky Reserve
- Cairngorms National Park, Scotland - Excellent dark skies
- Isle of Coll, Scotland - Dark Sky Island
- Isle of Sark, Channel Islands - World's first Dark Sky Island
- Moore's Reserve, South Downs - Named after Sir Patrick Moore
Planning Your Dark Sky Trip
Best Time to Visit
- Autumn/Winter - Longer nights, clearer skies, Milky Way visible
- New Moon periods - Darkest skies (check moon phase calendar)
- Avoid - Full moon periods, cloudy weather
What to Bring
- Warm, layered clothing (even in summer)
- Red torch (preserves night vision)
- Blanket or reclining chair
- Hot drinks and snacks
- Binoculars (optional but recommended)
- Star chart or astronomy app
Useful Tools
- Light Pollution Map - Find dark locations
- Clear Outside - Astronomy weather forecasts
- MetCheck Astronomy - Cloud cover predictions
Join Our Dark Sky Trips!
Stellar Inspire organises guided stargazing trips to UK dark sky parks. Perfect for families, with telescopes provided and expert astronomers to guide you through the night sky.
View Upcoming TripsDark Sky Discovery Sites Near London
Can't travel far? These Dark Sky Discovery Sites are within 2 hours of London:
- Devil's Dyke, South Downs - 1 hour from London
- Butser Hill, Hampshire - 1.5 hours
- Iping Common, West Sussex - 1.5 hours
- Ashdown Forest, East Sussex - 1 hour
Conclusion
The UK's dark sky parks offer world-class stargazing that rivals anywhere on Earth. Whether you're hoping to photograph the Milky Way, watch meteor showers, or simply reconnect with the cosmos, these protected areas provide the perfect backdrop. Start with the South Downs if you're near London, or plan a weekend trip to Northumberland or Exmoor for an unforgettable astronomical adventure.
Stellar Inspire Team
Astronomy educators based in London