Ever dreamt of sleeping beneath the stars away from the noise and distraction of city life?
You’re not alone. The magic of a starlit night is one of the natural world’s great wonders. It’s a sight that sparks the imagination and relaxes the mind – and it’s closer than you might think.
The UK is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking Dark Skies. These are spots of natural beauty, untouched by artificial light pollution, offering an incredible view of the night sky.
There’s something incredibly freeing about being out in a remote location with your camper van, while millions of stars twinkle overhead in the dark expanse of the sky.
But how can you turn this dream into a reality? Where and when do you go to experience dark skies in the UK?
That’s where we come in.
With Summer approaching we’ve put together a guide that’ll help you explore the best Dark Skies in the UK from the safety of your camper van. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of stargazing from your camper van.
But before we get into the locations, let’s answer a few questions that are probably on your mind.
Q: What are dark skies?
You might think ‘dark skies’ just means nighttime, right? In fact, it’s a lot more special than that.
Dark skies are areas that are free from artificial light pollution.
Artificial lights from street lights, houses, nearby towns and cities can completely obscure your view of the night sky.
Dark skies offer the best conditions for us to see the real stars in all their glory. Many of these areas are recognised as Dark Sky Parks or Reserves, and they provide an unmatched view of the night sky’s stars, planets, the Milky Way galaxy and more!
Q: Can you see the Milky Way from the UK?
Yes, the Milky Way can actually be seen from many places across the UK.
You’ll need to be in an area free from light pollution. Read on for the designated Dark Sky spots you can see it from.
Q: When can I see the Milky Way in the UK?
Timing is everything.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way’s core, the brightest part, you’ll want to plan your stargazing adventure for a moonless night between late spring and early autumn. July and August usually offer the best viewing conditions.
With these questions answered, let’s head into our guided tour of the UK’s best Dark Skies. Buckle up, it’s going to be a star-studded ride!
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Nestled in the heart of southern Scotland, Galloway Forest Park is a stargazer’s paradise. It was the first place in the UK to be awarded the status of a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, making it a must-visit location for any starry-eyed camper van enthusiast.
Here’s what you need to know about Galloway Forest Park:
- Location: Galloway Forest Park is located in Dumfries and Galloway, in southern Scotland. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Glasgow.
- Notable Feature: Founded in 1947, it’s affectionately known as ‘the Lowland’s answer to the Highlands’, draws in approximately 800,000 visitors every year.
- Camper Van Park Recommendation: There are several options for parking your camper van overnight. The Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site is a popular choice, located right in the heart of the forest park. It offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to the park’s stargazing spots.
With over 300 square miles of forest and moorland to explore, and the chance to see over 7,000 stars and planets with the naked eye, Galloway Forest Park is the perfect starting point for your Dark Skies adventure in the UK.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
Our next stop on this interstellar journey takes us to the inspiring landscapes of Wales.
Brecon Beacons National Park, the first International Dark Sky reserve in Wales, boasts some of the highest quality dark skies in the whole of the UK, making it a prime spot for stargazing.
Here’s a bit more about Brecon Beacons National Park:
- Location: Brecon Beacons National Park is situated in South Wales. It’s roughly a 3-hour drive from London and just an hour from Cardiff.
- Notable Feature: Brecon Beacons National Park is home to Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, offering breathtaking views and trails. The park’s landscape is incredibly diverse, with waterfalls, caves, and woodlands waiting to be explored.
- Camper Van Park Recommendation: Priory Mill Farm is a charming spot to park your camper van. It’s close to the town of Brecon yet secluded enough to offer excellent stargazing opportunities.
Brecon Beacons National Park is a haven for amateur astronomers and curious stargazers. With the Milky Way often visible to the naked eye, it’s a place that allows you to marvel at the wonders of the universe.
Are you ready to have adventures like this every week? Check out our camper vans for sale, we offer both ready-to-go vehicles and complete custom build options.
Exmoor National Park, England
After a quick visit to Wales and Scotland, it’s time to check out the Dark Skies of England, at the must-see Exmoor National Park.
This stunning expanse of woodland, and coastline became the first International Dark Sky Reserve in England, and it’s easy to see why. With minimal light pollution, Exmoor offers a night sky that will leave you mesmerised.
Here’s what you need to know about the National Park:
- Location: Exmoor National Park is located in South West England, covering parts of Somerset and Devon.
- Notable Feature: Exmoor is known for its “Dark Sky Discovery Sites” – specially selected spots that provide the most spectacular view of the stars.
- Camper Van Park Recommendation: Westermill Farm is a family-run site nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park. It provides a peaceful and secluded spot to park your camper van and gaze at the stars.
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious newcomer, Exmoor National Park’s enchanting night skies are bound to leave a lasting impression. Don’t forget to pack your telescope, or binoculars.
We recommend staying for more than just one night, the outstanding natural beauty of Exmoor is well worth 2-3 days.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Let’s hope back in our camper van and journey back to Wales, and the majestic landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. This rugged region, with its mountains, lakes, and coastline, offers a stunning backdrop for stargazing. It’s no wonder Snowdonia was awarded the prestigious status of an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Here’s what you need to know about Snowdonia National Park:
- Location: Snowdonia National Park is situated in North Wales, approximately a 4-hour drive from London and about 1.5 hours from Liverpool.
- Notable Feature: Home to the highest mountain in Wales and England, Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park offers a combination of dramatic landscapes and pristine night skies.
- Camper Van Park Recommendation: There are many campsites to choose from in the area. Llyn Gwynant Campsite is one of our favourites with a beautiful location for camper vans right next to a stunning lake, surrounded by mountains. Here, you can enjoy the stars reflecting off the tranquil waters of Llyn Gwynant.
Whether you’re looking up at the night sky or out at the dramatic Welsh landscapes, Snowdonia National Park offers an unforgettable camper van adventure.
Northumberland National Park, England
Image Source: https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/about-us/committees-and-plans/management-plan/
Back to England and this time we’re heading north to Northumberland National Park.
Blessed with minimal light pollution, Northumberland boasts some of England’s most pristine dark skies, earning it top marks in the CPRE Night Blight Report 2016. This makes it one of the country’s premier stargazing locations.
On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, our own Milky Way, and even the distant Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light-years away, all with the naked eye. Every clear night presents a unique spectacle.
Here’s what you need to know about Northumberland National Park:
- Location: Northumberland National Park is located in Northeast England. It’s about a 5-hour drive from London and only 50 minutes from Newcastle upon Tyne.
- Notable Feature: Northumberland National Park is home to the Kielder Observatory, one of the most notable public observatories in the UK, offering a variety of astronomical events throughout the year.
- Camper Van Park Recommendation: Kielder Campsite is the ideal spot to park your camper van. Situated in the heart of the park, it gives you easy access to both the observatory and the stunning surrounding nature.
From the tranquil beauty of Kielder Water & Forest Park to the awe-inspiring sight of the Milky Way arching across the night sky, Northumberland National Park offers a truly magical camper van holiday.
While visiting, you could also take your camper to Hadrian’s Wall and walk along the ancient route that protected Roman Briton.
South Downs National Park, England
Our final stop takes us to South Downs National Park, England’s youngest national park, and another stunning location for stargazing.
The park boasts a 66km-long stretch of the South Downs Way, offering plenty of opportunities to explore its rolling hills and ancient woodlands, and to take in its magnificent night skies.
Here’s what you need to know about South Downs National Park:
- Location: South Downs National Park is located in southern England, covering parts of Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex. It’s roughly a 1.5-hour drive from London and half an hour from Brighton.
- Notable Feature: The park is England’s youngest national park, established in 2010.
- Camper Van Park Recommendation: Graffham Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a popular choice for those looking to park their camper van in South Downs National Park. It’s situated in a peaceful spot surrounded by beautiful countryside.
From the heights of Butser Hill to the idyllic hamlets and villages nestled in its valleys, South Downs National Park offers a tranquil escape.
Dark Skies UK: Your Next Camper Van Holiday
There’s something captivating about gazing up at a sky filled with stars. It’s a chance to connect with nature and feel a sense of wonder that’s hard to come by in our busy lives.
With so many amazing locations to choose from, there’s never been a better time to explore the UK’s Dark Skies. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a camper van holiday in one of these stunning locations offers a chance to see the night sky like never before.
From the rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park to the tranquillity of South Downs National Park, each location offers its unique charm and allure. And with camper van parks available year round, you’ll have a comfortable and convenient base to explore from.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hit the road, and experience the magic of the UK’s Dark Skies for yourself. A world of adventure awaits.
Are you ready to have adventures like this whenever you want? Check out our camper vans for sale, we offer both ready-to-go vehicles and complete custom build options.
