Stargazing
The best places in the world to stargaze
If you’ve spent your life looking up at the night’s sky from busy urban areas, be prepared for a surprise! Seeing the twinkly star-studded sky across the vast landscape of National Parks is a real spectacle that you won’t forget in a hurry.
With less light pollution than the rest of the UK, National Parks are an astronomers’ delight and offer a wealth of stargazing opportunities for all.
Get Inspired
North York Moors , Visit site (opens in a new tab)
Discover the panoramic views of the North York Moors’ Dark Skies, the latest National Park to join the International Dark Sky Reserve family.
Eryri (Snowdonia) , Visit site (opens in a new tab)
Eryri (Snowdonia) was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2015.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) , Visit site (opens in a new tab)
On a clear night in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), you can see the Milky Way, major constellations, bright nebulas and even meteor showers.
Northumberland , Visit site (opens in a new tab)
Home to England’s first International Dark Sky Park. Discover Northumberland's many dark sky sites where you can see millions of stars, far away from light pollution.
South Downs , Visit site (opens in a new tab)
One of only 18 International Dark Skies Reserves, the South Downs is one of the best places to stargaze in the UK.
Exmoor , Visit site (opens in a new tab)
Home to Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Exmoor Dark Skies are ideal to discover stargazing.
Yorkshire Dales , Visit site (opens in a new tab)
The Yorkshire Dales National Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, joining an exclusive global family of Dark Sky Places.
Did you know?
Beginner’s guide to stargazing
Never stargazed before? Here are some top tips to get you started and enjoy an astronomically amazing adventure!
Choose a night when the skies are clear. Stargazing is best around a New Moon, when the skies are at their darkest.
Take a blanket or mat to lie on and wrap up warm – it can get cold under a dark sky! Take some snacks and a hot drink.
Allow time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness – this takes around 20 minutes. Turn off anything that shines a white light. If you need a torch, use one with a red lens, which will not affect your night-time vision.
There are many free astronomy apps that you can download to transform your mobile into a planetarium in your palm that will help guide you around the sky at night.
Come to one of our Dark Skies Festivals – they are a great starting point and will inspire you!
You’ll see lots with the naked eye, but as you progress, why not invest in pair of 10×50 binoculars and then work up to a telescope, which will give you years and years of enjoyment.
Happy star hunting!
In North York Moors National Park a project that champions both the community and insects is thriving. GrubsUp! has already planted native hedgerows, restored grasslands, created ponds and improved roadside verges so insects can move more easily between isolated pockets of habitat.
Working with farmers, landowners and local volunteers, the project shows the possibilities for nature when a local community comes together.
Read more and discover more nature recovery stories on our website 🔗🌿 #NatureRecovery #NationalParks
Our research shows we care about our natural environment and are looking for ways to protect it. National Parks are places where nature recovery takes place within local communities, every day.
Programmes range from reintroducing endangered species through to conservation work to to protect and restore land.
Discover how National Parks are recovering nature by clicking the link in our bio🔗 💚
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
National Parks could hold the answer to nature recovery 🌿
Every day, our National Parks are actively restoring damaged habitats, reintroducing lost species, and linking green spaces across local and landscape scales.
With work spanning the breadth of the nations, we`re an integral part of the solution to the challenges we face surrounding degraded natural environments across Great Britain.
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
For people living with dementia, time outdoors can offer routine, companionship and a welcome connection to the world around them.
Developed in partnership with @Alzscot and located at @badaguish_, the centre is leading the way in supporting patients to experience the benefits of nature.
Read more about the programme and discover more health and wellbeing stories on our website💚
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
We know that nature helps us feel better, and even a little time outdoors can make a big difference.
From specialist programmes and guided walks to simply catching up with friends over a coffee, our National Parks offer many ways to unwind, connect and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.
Click the link in our bio to discover how National Parks are supporting our wellbeing 🔗💚
#Wellbeing #NationalParks
💚Better health and wellbeing? National Parks could hold the answer.
Every day, our 15 National Parks across the UK help people unwind, connect with others and experience the benefits of spending time in nature.
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
Our new research has revealed what we`re currently concerned about the most.
We want better wellbeing. To feel part of a local community. To help nature recover, and feel prepared for what`s coming next in our changing climate.
Our new report reveals what our priorities are and how the 15 National Parks are putting solutions into action.
Read the report on our website by clicking the link in our bio 🔗
#NationalParksUK #Research
What if the solutions to some of our biggest challenges are already taking shape?
From improving our health and wellbeing and helping communities thrive to restoring nature and building climate resilience for the future, National Parks are places where answers are being found, tested and brought to life every single day.
Click the link in our bio to discover how 💚
#NationalParksUK
