A Beginners Guide to Astro Tourism and the Best Spots in the UK for Stargazing 

2024 is set to be an extraordinary year for astro tourism, with celestial wonders capturing the imagination of travellers worldwide. This year has already seen the Northern Lights extending as far south as Brighton in the UK, sparking excitement among stargazers, plus a rare solar eclipse was seen in the USA. 

If you too have been captivated by the beauty of the night sky and are eager for more, our blog is the perfect guide for you. Discover what astro tourism is all about, explore the best stargazing locations, and get top tips for making the most of your starry adventures. Plus, stay updated with a comprehensive calendar of celestial events happening throughout the year, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of cosmic magic.

For the ultimate Astro tourism experience, consider hiring a Quirky Campervan to journey to these stargazing hotspots, giving you the freedom to explore the night sky from the best vantage points across the country.

What is Astro Tourism? 

Astro tourism is an activity linked with stargazing and astronomy that involves venturing outdoors to locations across the world to observe stars, meteors, planets, and other celestial events. Traditionally the realm of astronomers, this form of tourism is now captivating the public, with events like solar eclipses and the Northern Lights being visible to the naked eye. Astro tourism offers a unique way to travel, emphasising quiet, eco-friendly experiences in areas with low light pollution. Whether it’s a meteor shower or other awe-inspiring astral events like comets and planets ascending, the night sky has wonders to offer year-round.

Why use a campervan for Astro Tourism?

An off-grid campervan gives you the freedom to explore the most remote, hard-to-reach locations. You can stay warm inside, cook a nice dinner, and enjoy hot drinks throughout the evening. Bring chairs, a telescope, or picnic blankets, and make a cosy night of it, knowing your bed is just a step away. Campervans allow for slow, low-impact travel, ideal for the kind of exploration that astro tourism entails. Quirky Camper’s off-grid campervans are perfect for this, enabling you to venture off the beaten path and find the best spots for stargazing in rural areas.

Top Tips for Stargazing 

• Check the weather forecast 

A rainy night with a cloudy sky isn’t ideal for stargazing, so be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand to avoid disappointment. Clouds, humidity, and storms can obstruct your view, so aim for a dry, clear evening for the best experience.

• Choose your location carefully

Select a location far from towns or cities, as darker skies away from artificial light will enhance your view of the stars. Low-light pollution areas are ideal for observing night sky events. Be mindful of your surroundings and adhere to local laws; avoid private property and only stay overnight where parking is permitted. Check out our top tips for choosing the best overnight park-up for more guidance.

• Give your eyes time to adjust 

It takes around 20-30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to darkness, and the longer you wait, the more stars you’ll see. Keep ambient light to a minimum and avoid looking at your phone, as the screen’s brightness can undo your eyes’ adaptation to the dark.

• Stay Warm 

Bring plenty of layers and move around when you can. Once the sun sets the temperature drops and you need to keep your body temperature up! Cosy up in blankets and keep the hot drinks flowing to stay warm all night long. 

• Download the Best Stargazing Apps

There are some great and handy apps available that are worth downloading before you head out – we recommend the following for mapping stars, photography and learning more about the celestial wonders you’re seeing above you:

Astro Tourism Events 

Perseid Meteor Shower 

August heralds the return of the spectacular Perseid meteor shower, one of the year’s most impressive celestial events, featuring up to 60 shooting stars per hour. This phenomenon is caused by the interaction of space debris with Earth’s atmosphere, creating a jaw-dropping show – don’t miss this dazzling display!

When can you see the Perseid Meteor Shower? 

The shower will be active between 17 July and the 27th August, but will reach its peak 12-13th August – so there’s still time to see it! 

Aurora Borealis – Northern Lights 

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a mesmerising display of natural lights caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. This August, you can catch glimpses of this enchanting phenomenon in parts of the UK, with its colourful, dancing lights filling the night sky.

When can you see the Northern Lights in the UK?

Aurora forecasts change daily, so keep updated via the Aurora Watch Website. There are chances to view the Northern Lights throughout August and into September.

Other Astral Events August 2024 

Mars and Jupiter Ascending – 14th August 

August Full Moon – 19th August 

Conjunction of Moon and Jupiter – 27th August 

Dark Skies Festivals 

Dark Sky Festivals run at National Parks across the UK in the latter half of the year. During these festivities, enthusiasts gather to celebrate our star-filled skies. There are workshops, walks and events all dedicated to exploring, learning about, and enjoying the beauty of the night sky and the stars it reveals.

Exmoor Dark Skies Festival (18 October – 13 November)

North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival (25 October – 3 November)

Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (25 October – 24 November)

5 Top Locations in the UK for Stargazing 

There are some magical locations across the UK for stargazing, and some not as far away as you might think. These dark sky locations are renowned for their clear night skies and lack of light pollution making them ideal for taking in some of the amazing displays the night sky has to offer. 

Exmoor National Park 

Exmoor offers some of the best dark sky viewing locations in the whole of the UK. This vast national park has been designated an international dark sky reserve. There are trails on offer that lead you to promising spots on clear nights, and you can even hire a telescope from the national park centres. 

Northumberland National Park 

Northumberland National Park has officially been awarded the most pristine dark skies in England. Vast open spaces and low levels of light pollution make this stunning landscape a haven for astro tourism. On clear nights you’ll be rewarded with sights of thousands of stars and even the Milky Way all seen with the naked eye.  

South Downs National Park 

The South Downs National Park is the most recent to join the ranks of the Dark Skies Reserves. With plentiful rolling hills and clear night skies, this landscape is bountiful for both nature and astronomy lovers. 

Yorkshire (North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales) 

Home to some of the darkest skies in the country, and renowned for its wild and untamed beauty, Yorkshire’s Dark Skies have gained international recognition for the low levels of light pollution that allow for unparalleled views of the night skies. The whole of Yorkshire has been designated a dark sky reserve making it the largest in the country, so you will be spoilt for choice with locations for stargazing. 

Bodmin Moor 

Set in Cornwall, Bodmin Moor is a wild landscape of rugged moorlands covered in heathland and heather. The moors are Cornwall’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and was the first AONB of its kind to receive accreditation as a Dark Sky Park for its dark night skies. This remote area has very little light pollution as there are so few towns in the area making it ideal for stargazing. 

Campervan Friendly Dark Sky Campsites 

Bodmin Moor – South Penquite Farm

A quiet, secluded and peaceful farm campsite, just a short drive to Bodmin Moor. There’s plenty of space for campervans on the lush grass pitches, an easy-going vibe, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy evenings under the stars, relaxing around the firepit or BBQ.

Address – South Penquite Farm, Blisland, Bodmin

Facilities – Toilets | Showers | Laundry | Lockers | Kids Play Area | Cafe 

Yorkshire Dales – Wood Nook Campsite 

Set in the heart of the rural Yorkshire Dales Countryside, this is a secluded and peaceful campsite. Park up in six acres of woodlands, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views with all the beauty of Yorkshire at your fingertips. 

Address – Wood Nook Caravan Park, Skirethorns, Threshfield, Skipton, Yorkshire, BD23 5NU

Facilities – Toilets | Showers | Wifi | Electric Hook-Up | Kids Play Area | BBQs allowed | Laundry 

South Downs National Park – Woodlands Camping 

A quiet and tranquil eco-friendly campsite with a leave-no-trace policy. This is a gem of a campsite nestled in the South Downs National Park. Perfect for getting away from it all and reconnecting with the slower pace of life. 

Address – Woodlands Camping, The Plantation, Woodlands, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0JH

Facilities – Toilets | Showers | Family Friendly | Pet Friendly | Campfires Allowed 

Exmoor National Park – Watermouth Valley Camping Park 

This beautiful campsite is located between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin on North Devon’s coast, it offers stunning sea views and easy access to Broadsands Beach. Ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers, you can park up on the lush green grass pitches, there’s great facilities available including food trucks, a playground, and it’s pet-friendly!

Address – Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Watermouth, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9SJ

Facilities – Toilets | Showers | Family Friendly | Laundry | Shop | Games Room | Pet Friendly | Electric Hookups 

Northumberland National Park – Tranwell Farm Campsite

This small, off-grid campsite is a back-to-basics site that’s dog and family-friendly. There are green open spaces to pitch up, it’s situated far from towns and cities so is perfect for dark sky stargazing and has plenty of glorious natural sights nearby to explore by foot or bike.

Address – Tranwell Farm Certificated Site, Tranwell, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6BH

Facilities – Toilets | Showers | Pet Friendly | Family Friendly | Campfires Allowed

Best Off-Grid Campervans for Astro Tourism 

Check out Quirky Camper’s campervans for hire with off-grid capabilities for your ideal Astro tourism companion. A campervan will take you to the most remote spots, miles away from any light for the best possible opportunities to see the astro events this summer. You’ll be able to make use of solar panels, portaloos and even showers for a home on wheels with all your modern conveniences – plus the freedom to move to wherever the stars are best. 

Aero – Available to Hire from Dorset 

Aero blends comfort, style, and the freedom of exploration. This striking minty beauty turns heads wherever it goes. A stylish but practical interior has been crafted with eco-travel in mind, ensuring you have the trip of a lifetime in sustainable luxury. Sleeping up to two adults in a choice of 2 cosy beds that pack away neatly, creating a spacious daytime area to relax and unwind. The handy double hob and fridge mean you can whip up your favourite meal on the go, and there’s even an optional outdoor shower for those who want to travel with all the modern conveniences.

Beryl – Available to Hire from London 

Located in London, this 3-berth camper is the full package and is onboard to deliver you the ultimate family holiday! A cultural gem, Beryl has been transformed from an ex-delivery van to a vibrant home away from home. Almost all of Beryl’s interior has been crafted using recycled materials, making her one of a kind. Her bright yellow exterior, zebra print-covered seats and groovy prints are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. There is a cosy double bed, sleeping 2 adults and a single bed designed to sleep a smaller adult or child.

Scarlet – Available to Hire From Bristol 

Feast your eyes on sultry Scarlet, a stunning two to three-berth campervan located in Bristol. It may be her red exterior that captures your attention but it’s her lovingly crafted interior that will captivate your heart. Her light and versatile living space is the perfect home away from home for couples looking to ignite romance, solo wanders craving an action-packed holiday with their dog and small families wanting to make memories on the road.

Mahale – Available to Hire From Peterborough 

Welcome to the lap of luxury, Mahale is your tranquil sanctum made real. Nothing could better encompass a getaway from the busyness of day-to-day life than a trip in Mahale. The interior has been lovingly created with peace in mind, everything from her smooth design, her soothing colour palette, to the cosiness of the wood-burning stove, is made for a calm, relaxing retreat.

Book your campervan now for an out-of-this-world astro tourism adventure!

Author

Laura Hammond

Laura is a professional copywriter and is the in-house writer at Quirky Campers, where she combines her love of campervans, travel and writing! When not writing she loves to find new adventures surfing, hiking and cycling.