Surrounded by ocean and home to sprawling wilderness spaces, the island nations of the United Kingdom and Ireland boast some of the top locations for stargazing in the world. Taking routine after-hours dog walks and turning them into wondrous spectacles, our clear night skies offer endless opportunities for watching stars, observing planets and, if you’re lucky, spotting comets and meteors too.
If you’re wondering where to go with your four-legged friend to see the clearest night skies and brightest stars, look no further. To help you on your astrophysical way, we’ve put together a list of the best places for stargazing in the UK and Ireland.
Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve, England
Blanketed by seemingly endless night skies that show off all kinds of cool constellations and astronomical wonders, Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve was Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve and is still one of the best places to stargaze in England. For the best introduction to stargazing during your Exmoor retreat, pick up the park’s 2-mile-long Dark Sky Discovery Trail or attend one of the many astronomy events held here, including the Dark Skies Festival each October.
Brecon Beacons International Dark Sky Reserve, Wales
Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve can be found in the Brecon Beacons, where beautiful scenery and minimal light pollution combine to create one of the UK’s top star-gazing destinations. Celebrated for over 10 years for its quality of night skies, this reserve often rewards stargazers with views of the Milky Way, major constellations, bright nebulas and even meteor showers on clear nights. Head to Llangorse Lake or the Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre for great, accessible viewing.
Galloway International Dark Sky Park, Scotland
Enticing with the promise of beautiful nights of star-studded sky-gazing is Galloway International Dark Sky Park. One of the only Dark Sky Parks of its kind in the world, this Forest Park has been awarded the Gold Tier for its world-class stargazing conditions. In fact, so incredible is the night sky in this part of Dumfries and Galloway that, on a clear night, the Milky Way can be seen to stretch all the way from one side of the horizon to the other. Bundle up the layers, snacks and dog treats and prepare to be inspired.
Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland
Whether you can name all of the constellations of the northern hemisphere or are just learning your planes from your space stations, Kerry’s International Dark Sky Reserve will appeal. Our Kerry cottages are the perfect base to strike out on solo excursions with your dog or guided observations, you will find something to pique your interest in this international gold-tier reserve. This is also where you can find the Skellig Coast Dark Sky Festival, a family-friendly event celebrating the wonder of the night sky.
South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, England
Moore’s Reserve in the South Downs is a place that draws night-sky observers from near and far. The newest of the country’s renowned International Dark Sky Reserves, this dark sky haven sits between London and England’s south coast and offers an enchanting escape from the high-rises of the city. Bignor Hill, Devils Dyke and Queen Elizabeth Country Park are all great for independent stargazing with your pup, while organised events can also be attended at well-known locations too.
Snowdonia International Dark Sky Reserve, Wales
One of the most beautiful National Parks in Europe known for its incredible scenery and snow-capped mountains, Snowdonia beckons with endless adventure. That said, it’s not just the daytime that promises exploration, as once the sun goes down the skies here are transformed into one of the most divine canvases imaginable, painted with the Milky Way and daubed with millions of stars. Closer to earth, you and your four-legged friend may meet some of the park’s nocturnal wildlife too, including bats and owls.
North York Moors International Dark Sky Reserve, England
The night skies above the North York Moors International Dark Sky Reserve are enough to make even the most studied astronomer go starry-eyed. A fantastic place for novices and experts of the two and four-pawed variety alike, it offers lots of locations far from bright city lights – ideal for gazing up at pristine views of our magical night sky. Stay close to the action in one of our luxury cottages in the North York Moors during your visit to the Dark Skies Festival held each February.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands enjoy some of the greatest expanses of dark sky in Europe. Benefitting from very low levels of light pollution, the area around Inverness and the Cairngorms is a particular must-visit for astronomy escapes, affording dog walking opportunities galore by day and incredible stargazing by night – including the chance to see the Northern Lights. Inverness is also home to Abriachan Forest Dark Sky Discovery Site, the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world and the darkest in the UK.
Yorkshire Dales International Dark Sky Reserve, England
Located in the northernmost reaches of England, the Yorkshire Dales are home to hundreds of miles of peaceful moors, valleys and hills all offering fantastically unpolluted skies. In fact, boasting some of the darkest skies in the country, it’s little wonder that the Dales actually have four designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites. Visit Hawes and Malham National Park Visitor Centres, Buckden National Park Car Park and Tan Hill Inn and lose yourself in the beauty of the sky above.
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Northern Ireland
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Omagh is the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland and as such is a magnet for moon-gazers and Aurora-chasers. An International Dark Sky Park “where astronomy meets archaeology”, it provides a wealth of fascinating information and activity, with lots of places to walk and a family-friendly Dark Sky Centre too. Even though dogs aren’t allowed in the building itself, they are allowed in the grounds meaning that all the pack can enjoy visiting this attraction together. Warm up afterwards in the warmth of a snug retreat nearby.
Take a Stargazing Break With Your Dog
Stargazing is a wonderful activity to do with a partner or family and your dog. It not only gets you out in the fresh air in a special location, but it also allows you to revel in the beauty of the night sky and make a connection with the awe-inspiring universe. With so many dark sky areas throughout the UK and Ireland, it’s easy to plan a dog-friendly holiday where stargazing is the focus or activity to try while you are away. So book a dog-friendly holiday home in or close to a dark sky park and admire the natural nighttime light show. To help you on your star trek, see our shortlist of remote cottages in Dark Sky areas you can rent with a dog.
