Dark Skies

Cumbria has some of the darkest skies in the whole of the UK, which makes it a dream destination for stargazing. Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the galaxies above as velvet-like darkness envelops you. Whether you’re a novice stargazer or an amateur astronomer, the Lake District, Cumbria, easily outshines the city lights for an autumn or winter holiday to remember. Get outdoors and breathe in the fresh country air, as you gaze across landscapes illuminated by the light of the stars.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

The Milky Way and constellations like Orion’s Belt and Ursa Major are easily visible on a clear night. You may even be able to make out planets like Venus, which can be incredibly bright and easy to spot with the naked eye! If you get the timing right, you can even see the International Space Station.

DARK SKY FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

Relax and enjoy the stars from your accommodation. Choose from remote cottages beneath clear star-studded skies; shepherds huts with stargazing roofs; hotel rooms with telescopes included; and outdoor hot tubs where you can relax with a glass of fizz as you admire the galaxies above.

DARK SKIES FESTIVAL

Experience the wonders of the night sky at our Dark Skies Festival. A whole host of events shines a light on the magic of the skies above, from starlit wild swimming to outdoor dining; expert talks to photography workshops.

WHAT TIME OF YEAR?

Each season has its benefits when it comes to experiencing our dark skies. In winter, you can enjoy earlier stargazing sessions thanks to the darker evenings. Witnessing a meteor shower such as the Quadrantids in January is an incredible experience. Spring is a great time for stargazing. The weather is warming up but there are still long hours of darkness to see Orion and the stick figures of Gemini on a clear night. Summer nights are warmer, with the balmy conditions making for a comfortable stargazing experience. Look out for the Perseids meteor shower in August. Autumn is a good time for milder nights and darker evenings. This is a great time to see the Milky Way, when it is high overhead and spans much of the sky.

WHERE TO STARGAZE

With Cumbria’s low levels of light pollution, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to see the stars. Try the Dark Sky Discovery site of Low Gillerthwaite; Ennerdale; or the remote and beautiful Wasdale Valley. Asby Common in the Eden Valley is a wild, open space from which to experience the wonders of the night sky, while Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests have regular stargazing events for all the family to enjoy. For more information see

visitlakedistrict.com/darkskies