If you're in pursuit of dark sky locations, you won't be disappointed with a trip to Wales. One of the many reasons Wales is good for stargazing is that we have the highest percentage of land protected by Dark Skies status in the world. In our clear and unpolluted skies you can see thousands of stars, comets and galaxies - including our own home galaxy, the Milky Way. You can also catch the International Space Station and trains of satellites – there are 8,000 of them orbiting the Earth – as they voyage through the night.

You can star-gaze in Wales all year round, but the darker nights of autumn and winter are best. Ideally, you’ll time it with one of our regular meteor showers, where dust from comets and celestial debris turns into shooting stars. During the biggest ones – the Perseids (August), Geminids (November) and Quadrantids (January) - you can see up to 150 meteors every hour. That’s a lot of wishes.

Startrails with logs in the foreground.

Startrails

Wales boasts a list of spectacular sites that astronomers have singled out as world-beating places to go stargazing. Whether it’s a romantic break for two or a holiday for all the family, there are plenty of places to choose from. We’ve compiled some suggestions for the best dark skies destinations with stellar places to stay.

Discovery in the Dark Wales

Stargazing in North Wales

North Wales is home to the Eryri (Snowdonia) International Dark Sky Reserve, and both the magical Isle of Anglesey and the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula; two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) hosting dark skies.

Eryri (Snowdonia)

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is an official International Dark Sky Reserve. With more than 2,000 square km of protected terrain, many areas have clear skies to take advantage of the darkness.

    Milky Way over mountains.
    Dark skies on mountainside.

    Dark skies over Tryfan and Castell y Gwynt, Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales

    Star or Seren glamping barn

    Snowdonia Glamping Holidays

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    Betws-y-Coed
    Dolbadarn Castle
    Unwind, relax in front of a roaring fire.

    Betws Bach

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    Criccieth
    Dolbadarn Castle

    Bythynnod Moel yr Iwrch Cottages

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    Betws-y-Coed
    Dolbadarn Castle

    Bryn Elltyd

    Accommodation
    Blaenau Ffestiniog
    Dolbadarn Castle

    Llŷn Peninsula

    A dramatic spot for stargazing, the Llŷn Peninsula's wild coastline is the ideal place to spot to get out at night. Head to Porthor (Whistling Sands) where the skies are so clear there is a chance of spotting globular clusters, nebulae and the neighbouring Andromeda Galaxy. Trefor Sea Stacks is another great spot.

      dark skies above coast.

      Dark skies over Trefor Sea Stacks, Llyn Peninsula, North Wales

      Isle of Anglesey

      You’ll also get to enjoy amazing dark skies on Anglesey, and during winter months you may even get to see the Northern Lights. The view out across the Irish Sea is untarnished by light pollution.

      Penmon Point, the pebble-strewn beach promontory on Anglesey, is known for sightings of puffins, seals and dolphins, but it also has perfect conditions for stargazing. To the north is Trwyn Du lighthouse and Puffin Island beyond.

        dark skies above lighthouse.
        Milkway dark skies and lighthouse.

        Dark skies over Llanddwyn Island and Penmon, Anglesey North Wales

        Drws-y-Coed

        Accommodation
        Llannerch-y-Medd
        Dolbadarn Castle
        Exterior 1

        Cable Cottage

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        Holyhead
        Dolbadarn Castle

        Trearddur Holiday Apartments

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        Trearddur Bay
        Dolbadarn Castle

        Clwydian Range and Dee Valley

        The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is an excellent location for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies found above Caer Drewyn, an iron age fort sat on top of a hill overlooking the stunning valley of the Afon Dyfrdwy.

        Find out more about the dark skies in the Clywdian Range and Dee Valley AONB area.

          Star gazing in Mid Wales

          Mid Wales has a number of publicly accessible Dark Sky Discovery sites, which are excellent places to go stargazing. It would be hard to find a more idyllic destination than the peaceful countryside and dramatic peaks of Mid Wales. Here you will experience some of the darkest skies - it’s perfect for stargazing. Whether it’s on your own, with a friend or with the whole family, we’ve hand-picked some amazing places to stay that are in prime stargazing positions.

          The Spaceguard Centre is a working observatory on a remote hill outside Knighton. The centre continually scans the night sky for ‘Near Earth Objects’ (namely asteroids and comets) that, if they were to collide with Earth, could pose a threat to our planet. Privately run and staffed by volunteers, it’s the only facility in the UK of its kind. They offer regular tours of the centre (suitable for ages 9 plus) led by experts who explain what the centre is about. If you want to see the stars above Mid Wales, the evening tours are perfect on a clear dark night.

          Elan Valley

          The Elan Valley in Mid Wales has International Dark Sky Park status - meaning that its entire 45,000 acres are protected against light pollution, making it a sanctuary for wildlife and nature (and stargazers). It offers some of the best places in the world to go stargazing and on clear nights you can see stars, planets and constellations.

          Popular with stargazers and astro-photographers, the Elan Valley's Craig Goch Dam near Rhayader has easy parking. Stargaze from the dam itself or take the path on the east side of the reservoir to find stunning views of the night sky. Visit Cwm Elan/Elan Valley Visitor Centre - a designated International Dark Sky Park. About 12 miles from Rhayader, Claerwen Dam in the Elan Valley has a car park on the western side, and no through-traffic to worry about.

            The Milky Way forming an arch in the night sky over the Elan Valley
            star trails above dam.
            Milky Way above dam.

            Dark skies in the Elan Valley, Mid Wales

            There are a number of cosy cottages in the Elan Valley.

              Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

              Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve and has some of the highest quality dark skies in the UK. It’s the ideal place to see major constellations, bright nebulas, the Milky Way, and even meteor showers.

              There are dozens of places to stargaze in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), but the Usk Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site in the park's west is among the darkest and quietest. Car parking is provided, and you can walk out onto the dam itself.

              Cwmdu, Crickhowell is a quiet valley within the Black Mountains. It hosts the twice-yearly AstroCamp at Cwmdu Campsite, where astronomers and stargazers gather to share telescopes and the valley views.

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                Dark sky full of stars above the mountain landscape of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) with the orange glow of the setting sun on the horizon.

                Dark skies, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

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                An image of stars over the Carmarthenshire fans

                Bannau, Sir Gaer and Fan Brycheiniog from Llyn y Fan Fach

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                View of stars in the dark sky and snow-covered mountains in the foreground

                Stargazing from Pen y Fan and Corn Du, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

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                Llyn y Fan Fach Black Mountain Brecon Beacons Carmarthenshire Dark Skies South

                Llyn y Fan Fach, Black Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

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                Aurora borealis skies.

                Aurora borealis, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

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                Perseid meteor shower at reservoir.

                Pontsticill Perseid Meteor Shower, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

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                Dark skies above reservoir.

                Usk Reservoir Stars, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

                River Safari Tent - The Accessible One

                By the Wye

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                Hay-on-Wye
                dam and resevoir.
                Llangoed Hall

                Llangoed Hall

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                Brecon
                dam and resevoir.
                New for 2019 - Stone & Slate Terrace with Fire-Pit

                Basel Cottage

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                Llandovery
                Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.
                Wisteria blooming on Glanyrafon in May

                Glanyrafon

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                Llandovery
                Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

                Cambrian Mountains

                There are several Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the Cambrian Mountains area, including Llanerchaeon on the coast, Dylife in the heart of Mid Wales, or the spectacular Llyn Brianne Reservoir. The remoteness of rural Wales means there is little light pollution, so there are some amazing spots to look up to the skies in wonder.

                  Dark skies at Llanerchaeron.
                  Dark skies above Llyn Brianne.

                  Dark skies at Llanerchaeron and Llyn Brianne, Cambrian Mountains

                  Dark Skies - Cambrian Mountain Area of Astounding Natural Beauty

                  Ceredigion

                  With the ocean on one side, the rugged and rural west coast of Wales is a haven for dark skies. With more than 1,000 stars visible to the naked eye, Ceredigion provides plenty of opportunities for watching the night skies. The Milky Way is best seen from October to April.

                  Coed y Bont Dark Discovery Site is a good place for star gazing and nature - you may be lucky enough to spot a nocturnal pine marten during your visit.

                  Official Dark Sky Discovery site Penbryn Beach is less than a mile's walk from the National Trust Car Park at Llanborth Farm in Penbryn.

                    The Hide Cabin

                    One Cat Farm

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                    Lampeter
                    dam and resevoir.
                    Rear Terrace

                    Clifftop Haven

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                    Cardigan
                    Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.
                    Sunset

                    YHA Borth

                    Accommodation
                    Borth
                    dam and resevoir.

                    Star gazing in West Wales

                    There are plenty of opportunities for star gazing in West Wales. With their remote locations, many parts of Pembrokeshire and Gower provide ideal conditions for viewing dark skies.

                    Pembrokeshire

                    Pembrokeshire is a nationally-recognised designation for stargazing spots, with many opportunities for star gazing across this vast area. By day you can enjoy a stroll along the world-famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path, while by night the Pembrokeshire's Dark Sky Discovery Sites come alive.

                    The National Trust car park at Broadhaven South Beach is the darkest of all Pembrokeshire's Dark Sky Discovery Sites, which gets 'Milky Way'-class designation. Newgale Beach and Poppit Sands offer great opportunities for star gazing - both of their National Park car parks are Dark Sky Discovery Sites, with clear skies and very little light pollution.

                    The National Trust lists some of the best stargazing sites in Pembrokeshire, including Garn Fawr, Kete, Martin's Haven, Skrinkle Haven car parks and Sychpant National Park picnic site.

                      Milky Way above coast with sea archway.

                      Dark skies - Green Bridge of Wales, Pembrokeshire, West Wales

                      Yurts & Camping Pods @Tregroes

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                      Fishguard
                      Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

                      Treginnis Cottages

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                      St David's
                      Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.
                      Y Cartws

                      Y Cartws

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                      Whitland
                      Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.
                      Glamping Eco Luxury Safari Lodge

                      Glamping @ Top of the Woods

                      Accommodation
                      Boncath
                      Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

                      Gower Peninsula

                      Most of Gower’s coast is untarnished by light pollution, and it's one of the best places in Wales to stare into the core of our galaxy, the Milky Way. You may be lucky and see bioluminescent plankton too.

                      Rhossili Bay is a great spot for star gazing, with views of the sea in all directions. Take care with the cliff edges if visiting Rhossili at night. It is useful to plan your visit when there is no moon, as the visibility of the moon impacts on the ability to see dark skies. Three Cliffs Bay is another good spot for star gazing and you can pitch up at Three Cliffs Caravan Site for the night.

                      Although nearby Rhossili Bay is more famous, there are few darker spots in Wales than tiny Port Eynon in the Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Port Eynon has a large beach looking out on to the Bristol Channel. Visit Swansea Bay have more information on dark skies in the area.

                        Milky Way above coast.
                        dark skies above Worm's Head.
                        Milky Way above sea cove.

                        Dark skies - The Knave, Rhossili and Blue Pool, Gower, West Wales

                        Stargazing in South Wales

                        It might be where most people in Wales live, but escaping the light pollution of Cardiff and Newport is easier than you might think. You could head towards the southernly part of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) International Dark Sky Reserve, or give one of the many options in Monmouthshire or the Vale of Glamorgan a try.

                        Monmouthshire

                        Monmouthshire has a number of places star gazing locations, including Llanthony Priory, Goytre Wharf & Canal Visitor Centre, Caldicot, Skenfirth and Abergavenny castles.

                        Abergavenny Castle is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, with events, opportunities for stargazing and guides to the night sky all year round. There's also plenty to do in and around Abergavenny, including lots of places to refuel, so why not stay and explore the area in the daytime too!

                          Vale of Glamorgan

                          This headland on the Monknash Coast of the Vale of Glamorgan can get very windy, but its night skies will blow you away. Park in the Nash Point car park, which is near the lighthouse.

                            Milky Way above beach.
                            milkway above lighthouse.
                            bioluminescence in shallows of bay at night.

                            Dark skies and bioluminescence, Monknash, Vale of Glamorgan

                            The Golden Mile Country Inn

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                            Cowbridge
                            Landscape of the attractions at Cardiff Bay seen from the water.
                            Outside

                            Fossil Cottage

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                            Llantwit Major
                            Landscape of the attractions at Cardiff Bay seen from the water.
                            St Brigets Farmhouse

                            St Bridgets Farmhouse B&B

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                            Llantwit Major
                            Landscape of the attractions at Cardiff Bay seen from the water.
                            Walden Lodge

                            Hide at St Donats

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                            Llantwit Major
                            Landscape of the attractions at Cardiff Bay seen from the water.

                            Find out more about stargazing experiences in Wales

                            If you’re starting out on your stargazing journey, you can check out astrophotographer's Alyn Wallace’s top five places. If you're keen to capture some images, astrophotographer Alyn Wallace has put together some photography tips to get you started.

                            The National Trust has information about stargazing in Wales, or take a look at the Discovery in the Dark Wales website for a dark skies location map.

                            There are hundreds of other places across Wales too, from small and accessible Dark Sky Discovery Sites to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

                            So, pick a moonless night, take a camping chair, a woolly hat, and a flask of something warming. The secrets of the universe are yours.

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