GUEST POST: Revealed: Britain’s Best Places to Sleep Under the Stars, from the South West to Scotland

More of us are swapping city lights for dark skies – and not just for the Instagram stories.

Stargazing has quietly become one of the UK’s fastest-growing escapes, especially among Gen Z, who are ditching digital overload in favour of a night under the stars. Telescope and binocular sales at Argos are up an astonishing 1,380% year on year.

Britain is blessed with stargazing spots in all corners of the country, but dedicated amateur astrologists are booking holidays in areas known for low light pollution. In response to this wave of ‘dark sky’ tourism, travel expert Vicki Baggott from Feather Down Farms has been looking for the best areas to visit for stunning nighttime skylines.

“It’s no surprise that people are leaving the bright lights and bustle of the city behind for the peace and tranquillity of stargazing” says Baggott.

“Wherever you are in the country, there are hidden dark spots perfect for settling down and looking up at the night sky.”

From remote moorland to coastal beauty spots, here are five of the UK’s best places to sleep under the stars.

Exmoor

The South West is a stargazer’s dream, and Exmoor leads the pack. The National Park became Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve back in 2011, meaning it’s officially recognised as one of the best places on the continent to see the stars.
Its Dark Sky Discovery Trail is a two-mile walk that leads to a special viewing area with open horizons and minimal light pollution. Prefer to stay still? Head to the nearby Poltimore Inn Observatory for a pint and a peek at the planets.

The Scottish Borders

You don’t have to trek deep into the Highlands to find a brilliant night sky. The Scottish Borders offer all the sparkle with a little less travel time, and a lot more family-friendly charm.

Rural villages like Jedburgh are peaceful, picturesque and perfectly dark. The more luxurious accommodation providers in the area including Feather Down’s Chesters Estate even offer telescopes for guests, so you can stargaze straight from your deck.

If you’d rather stay on the English side of the border, Northumberland Dark Sky Park offers a 600 square mile stretch of low light pollution and clear skies, making it one of the UK’s largest dark sky zones.

The South Downs, Sussex

Just 60 miles from London, the South Downs might not scream “wilderness” – but its starry credentials are solid. Within the park lies Moore’s Reserve, an internationally recognised dark sky site with stunning views and great accessibility.

The nearby towns of Petersfield, Chichester and Portsmouth mean you’re never too far from creature comforts, and the Reserve’s annual Dark Skies Festival in February makes it a brilliant pick for families looking to combine science, nature and a little adventure.

Cornwall

Cornwall is always beautiful during the day – but it’s even better after dark. With its wild coastline, rugged hills and expansive skies, it’s a stargazer’s paradise.

Bodmin Moor, a designated Dark Sky Park, offers some of the clearest views in the region. Its high elevation and remote location mean minimal light pollution and maximum sparkle.

For something even more memorable, try the Chapel Carn Brea stargazing walk. The mile-long circular trail leads to one of the southernmost summits in Britain, with a 360-degree view of the night sky.

Norfolk

It’s one of the few places in the UK where you can sometimes spot the Northern Lights – so yes, Norfolk deserves a spot on this list.

The North Norfolk coast and the Suffolk/Norfolk border are home to Dark Sky Discovery sites. One of the best is at the Suffolk Coast Nature Reserve, where you can stay overnight in the heart of the stargazing zone, a rarity due to the strict rules around lighting in protected areas.

Glamping is popular in the area, especially around the rural market town of Beccles, home to College Farm, where you’ll find peace, privacy, and proper dark skies.