There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than gazing up to starry skies and wondering about the depth of the universe. Whether you can name every constellation, want to make a wish on a shooting star, or simply want to gawp at the serene beauty of the night sky, stargazing is a wondrous and relaxing holiday activity. Why not celebrate the jewels of the night sky in these remote coastal cottages in the North York Moors and other Dark Sky Reserves across the UK?
Sea Blue Cottage, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Sleeps 4
This year’s annual Dark Skies Festival takes place on the North York Moors from 10-26 February, with 17-day days of star-focussed activity – much of which takes place in Dalby Forest, just inland from this seaside retreat in Scarborough. Step out and see the stars on the beach, or wend deep into the forest to join in night runs, canoeing, astrophotography workshops and stargazing safaris.
The Shepherd’s Rest, Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Sleeps 2
If you bag this cosy shepherd’s hut in an elevated position in the North York Moors National Park, you won’t need to leave home to stare up and appreciate the delights of the night. The hut is surrounded by open farmland with 360-degree views of countryside and ocean views. With no other accommodation around you, there’s nothing to interrupt your enjoyment of the starry skies, and there’s even a telescope on the verandah.
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Byre Cottage, Easington, North Yorkshire
Sleeps 2
Sink into the hot tub and stare up to the dark skies from this luxury converted barn boasting breathtaking sea views. After an evening gazing skyward from the vantage point of your patio you can warm up by the woodburner and make the most of the games room and creature comforts. If you miss the February Dark Skies Festival and want to join in more organised events, there is also a North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Fringe Festival later in the year, between 27 October and 5 November.
Song of the Sea, Porthleven, Cornwall
Sleeps 6
Located at the sea’s edge near the southernmost tip of Cornwall, this luxurious property is an awesome spot for stargazing. You don’t even need to venture far from the property to see a bright night sky. Just turn off the lights and gaze to your heart’s content. There’s even a telescope that you can use to gaze further into space. By day, you can go out for walks along the coast path, explore Porthleven harbour or relax on the balcony and enjoy spectacular panoramic sea views from this dazzling property built directly on the sea defences above Porthleven beach.
6 Karn Havos, Trenance, Cornwall
Sleeps 6
Well-known for its rock giants towering above the waves, the eye-popping beauty of Cornwall’s Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps was officially credited with Dark Sky Discovery status in 2014. Stay in this award-winning home that blends luxury with groundbreaking eco-technology and you can gaze straight out at the stupendous scenery whether you’re inside or out. By day bask on the balcony and hit the South West Coast Path, and by night slip into the hot tub or get comfy on the balcony to spot shooting stars while listening to the waves.
The Hayloft, Oare, Somerset
Sleeps 4
In the heart of Lorna Doone country surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, The Hayloft offers a tranquil retreat on the edge of Exmoor National Park – which was named an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011. Tucked away in this idyllic location you can step out into the bounty of the moors, start your stargazing journey under the night skies and warm your cockles beside the log burner. If you want to join in organised stargazing activities for families and amateur astronomers, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival takes place from 13 to 29 October.
Seaford Haven, Bishopstone, East Sussex
Sleeps 4
With the South Downs Dark Skies Festival taking place each February, you can’t beat the location of this home-from-home overlooking the South Downs National Park. Expand your knowledge of the nocturnal landscape at this two-week celebration, or relax and enjoy your own stargazing experience on the patio or through the glass panels of the sunroom. By daylight explore the trails of the South Downs, the famous Seven Sisters Country Park and Birling Gap, or hit the shops and eateries of Eastbourne.
Ty Cerrig, Llanbedr, Gwynedd
Sleeps 4
Stargazers, nature lovers and walkers will adore this cosy cottage retreat nestled between the coast and the Rhinog mountains in Snowdonia National Park. One of eight protected landscapes in Wales, Snowdonia was the fourth UK National Park to be awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status in 2015. Welsh Dark Skies week runs each year in February, but any time of year is ideal to stargaze in this away-from-it-all location.
Glebe Farm, Rhossili, Swansea
Sleeps 8
Overlooking the ocean in one the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that are part of Welsh Dark Skies Week, this stylish holiday home is the perfect pad for a group of friends or large family seeking the perfect combination of seaside days and starry nights. Step onto golden sands, try surfing and hit the coastal trails by day, and when the stars speckle the night sky, sink into your private hot tub or take a seat under the heated gazebo.
Coral Cottage, Waren Mill, Northumberland
Sleeps 3
It’s just half an hour’s drive into Northumberland National Park – England’s first and largest International Dark Sky Park – from this rural cottage near Bamburgh. While Northumberland’s Dark Skies Festival runs a variety of astrophotography and stargazing workshop throughout its duration in February, if you lay under a blanket on one of the sun loungers outside your cottage abode, you can spot stars to your heart’s content and come inside to a roaring fire if you start to feel the cold.
Spark Bridge Retreat, Spark Bridge, Cumbria
Sleeps 6
Cumbria’s Dark Skies Festival lights up autumn with a spectacular array of events celebrating the wonders of our night sky. If you’re keen to try nighttime canoeing on Coniston Water, bag this charming 18th-century cottage in an idyllic spot between the hills and the coast, just seven miles from Coniston. Step out and explore the treasures of the Lake District, stargaze from a canoe, beside the water, or from the comfort of your conservatory, and snuggle up beside the log burner after a day of adventures.
Best times to go stargazing:
Pick a clear night with no clouds.
Go around the time of the new moon, not under the light of a full moon.
Find a spot far away from light pollution.
Tips for enjoying the night sky:
Take a blanket, a pillow and something waterproof to lie on.
Take warm clothes and a hot drink.
Be patient.
For more astro inspiration, see our guide to the best spots on the coast of the UK and Ireland for stargazing.
Search our collection of cottages for a star-gazing break in the UK
Check out our huge range of coastal holiday accommodation to find the perfect pad to start your stargazing journey.
