Standing under the vast sky at Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve, I felt a rare calm. There’s something about real darkness and silence that just settles you.
This part of Somerset barely has any light pollution, so it’s honestly one of the best places in the UK to see thousands of stars—no telescope required.
When I visited, the Milky Way arched overhead, brighter than anything I’ve seen at home. Constellations popped out, and planets glowed right alongside the stars.
Stargazing in Exmoor changed how I see the night. Here, Dark Sky Reserve isn’t just a title—it’s an open invitation to anyone craving a special night with the universe.
Why Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve Is the Ideal Stargazing Destination
Exmoor has some of the darkest skies in the UK. If you want to see stars, planets, and the Milky Way, this is the place.
The reserve’s special status protects these skies, so you get to experience the cosmos with hardly any artificial light.
What Makes Exmoor a Dark Sky Reserve
Back in 2011, Exmoor National Park became Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. That’s a pretty big deal.
The park meets strict darkness standards and works hard to keep the night skies clear of light pollution.
There’s a core dark area and a buffer zone, and the lighting here is seriously controlled. I noticed even the tiniest villages keep outdoor lights super low.
The International Dark-Sky Association gave Exmoor this recognition because of its natural darkness. This helps the park host stargazing events and special nights, like the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival.
What really stands out? The way locals, authorities, and businesses all pull together. Their teamwork keeps the skies dark and the experience magical.
Understanding Light Pollution and Its Impact on Stargazing
Light pollution means there’s too much artificial light in the sky. Streetlights, homes, and businesses all add up, making stars and planets fade away.
In most towns and cities, the sky glows dull grey or orange, and you barely see any stars. But out here, Exmoor’s rural vibe keeps artificial light to a minimum.
I could pick out countless stars with my own eyes, and the Milky Way was right there—clear as day.
Light pollution doesn’t just mess with stargazing. It also throws off wildlife and natural rhythms. By cutting down on unnecessary lights, Exmoor helps both stargazers and local animals.
The Role of Exmoor National Park in Preserving Dark Skies
Exmoor National Park takes dark sky protection seriously. The park authority sets rules about outdoor lighting—direction, brightness, color, all of it.
They team up with local councils, businesses, and residents to spread the word about why darkness matters. You’ll see workshops, leaflets, and events for both visitors and locals.
I’ve seen signs everywhere, reminding people to turn off unnecessary lights. Projects like installing shielded lights or using low-brightness bulbs are pretty common.
Because of all this, stargazers get to see the night sky like people did centuries ago. The park and community have built a place where the wonders above are still bright and easy to spot.
Planning Your Stargazing Night in Exmoor
Getting the most out of stargazing in Exmoor takes a bit of planning. I always check the weather, pack the right gear, and prepare for a night out in the countryside.
Best Times and Seasons to Witness the Night Sky
From what I’ve seen, autumn and winter are the best for stargazing here. Nights are longer and darker, giving you more time under the stars.
Summer nights are shorter, but when the sky’s clear, you can still spot bright planets and constellations.
The new moon phase is a game changer. A moonless sky lets you see faint things like the Milky Way. I always check the lunar calendar before heading out—no sense letting the moon or city lights spoil the view.
Exmoor’s skies get darkest far from villages and main roads. If you want the clearest view, head for core zones like Wimbleball Lake or the high ridges.
How to Check for Cloudless Nights
Before I go, I always check the weather. For the best chance at seeing planets or distant galaxies, you really need a clear night.
I use weather sites like the Met Office and astronomy apps that show cloud cover by the hour. Clear Outside and Star Walk are handy for finding that perfect window.
Forecasts can change quickly, so I keep checking right up to the afternoon. If clouds are sticking around, I wait it out. Sometimes patience saves you from a wasted trip.
If I see a stretch of clear sky after sunset, that’s my cue to pack up and go. I also look out for fog or mist—those can ruin the view just as fast as clouds.
What to Bring: Telescopes, Binoculars, and Other Essentials
I like to keep my gear simple. A good pair of binoculars is enough to spot lunar craters, Jupiter’s moons, or some star clusters.
When I want more detail, I bring a small telescope. It’s great for planets or deep sky objects.
A red flashlight is a must—it lets me see in the dark without messing up my night vision. I always bring a blanket or a reclining chair, and let’s be honest, warm clothes are essential, even in summer.
Here’s my basic checklist:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Binoculars | Basic sky scanning |
| Telescope | Closer views of planets, galaxies |
| Red flashlight | Preserves night vision |
| Star map or app | Finds constellations, planets |
| Blanket/chair | Comfort while observing |
| Warm clothes | Protection from cold |
| Snacks and water | Stay comfortable over hours |
A little planning goes a long way—don’t let cold fingers or a dead phone ruin a perfect night.
Top Stargazing Locations and Discovery Trails in Exmoor
Exmoor National Park has some of England’s darkest skies. I’ve explored a bunch of spots, and each one offers something a little different.
Wimbleball Lake and Surroundings
Wimbleball Lake is a top Dark Sky Discovery Site in Exmoor. The wide, open spaces give you clear views, with minimal light pollution.
There are big car parks, so it’s easy for families or groups to set up telescopes or just lie back and watch the stars.
I loved the walking trails around the lake. The paths are easy to follow and there’s always a quiet spot to settle in.
Seeing the stars reflected on the water felt pretty magical. Sometimes local astronomy groups host events here, offering tips and telescopes.
Dunkery Beacon: A Summit Above the Dark Skies
Dunkery Beacon is Exmoor’s highest point at 519 meters (1,702 feet). From the top, I got wide, unobstructed views in every direction.
The higher you go, the darker and clearer the sky feels, especially on crisp nights.
The walk up is a bit of a workout, but the paths are good and the payoff is huge. I think it’s one of the best places for stargazing and astrophotography—no distant lights to spoil the view.
I always bring extra layers and a torch, since it gets windy and exposed up there.
Brendon Common and Brendon Two Gates
Brendon Common is open moorland, so nothing blocks your view. At Brendon Two Gates, there’s a handy parking area.
There’s almost no artificial light, so the stars really shine. Setting up my gear here was easy, and I always found a quiet corner.
The land rolls gently, so you can wander as much or as little as you want. Because it’s a recognized dark sky spot, you can often see the Milky Way with just your eyes.
Haddon Hill, Bossington Hill, and County Gate
Haddon Hill and Bossington Hill are both Dark Sky Discovery Sites with car parking and easy walking routes.
Haddon Hill is quiet, with wide southern views, and it’s less windy than Dunkery Beacon—so I can hang around longer.
Bossington Hill has gentle paths and sits near the coast, though sometimes sea mists roll in. I always check the forecast before going.
County Gate, with its dedicated car park, marks the Somerset-Devon border. It’s open, easy to reach, and great for night visits.
All these sites are on the official Exmoor Dark Sky Discovery Trail, so they’re popular with both beginners and seasoned stargazers.
Experiences and Activities Under Somerset’s Unpolluted Skies
Stargazing in Exmoor isn’t just about looking up. There are clear views, photo ops, and close encounters with night-time wildlife.
It’s perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone curious about the night sky.
Spotting the Milky Way and Constellations
On my trip, the sky was so clear I could see thousands of stars. The Milky Way stretched across the sky, bold and bright, no telescope needed.
I used a simple star map app to spot constellations like Orion, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Major. On moonless nights, even faint star groups showed up.
Families nearby were just as excited. Kids pointed out shooting stars and the odd satellite gliding by. Exmoor’s dark skies make the universe feel up close and personal.
Astrophotography Opportunities
I brought my camera to try astrophotography. The lack of light pollution made it possible to capture the Milky Way and a sky full of stars in one shot.
With just a tripod and a basic DSLR, I managed to get clear photos of constellations and even some faint clusters.
There are group walks and photography workshops across the reserve. Local guides helped me with settings and finding the best spots.
Here’s what I brought for a good night of photos:
- Tripod
- Camera with manual settings
- Wide-angle lens
- Remote shutter or timer
- Warm clothes
Capturing the night sky at Exmoor felt like a real achievement. The photos are memories I’ll always treasure.
Nocturnal Wildlife and Night Sounds
While I watched the stars, the moors were alive with night sounds. An owl called in the distance, and sometimes I heard deer or foxes moving nearby.
These sounds made the experience richer. Nature doesn’t sleep just because the sun goes down.
Some animals in Exmoor are more active at night. Bats swoop overhead, and you might hear crickets or frogs in summer.
Guided night walks often include both stargazing and wildlife spotting. Listening to the natural sounds made me feel even more connected to the landscape.
The quiet, mixed with gentle animal noises, brought a peaceful vibe to my night under Somerset’s dark skies.
Stargazing Events and Community Initiatives in Exmoor
Exmoor has a great mix of regular astronomy events and resources for both visitors and locals. Local groups, businesses, and the National Park Authority all pitch in to make the night sky accessible and fun.
Annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
Every October, Exmoor National Park hosts the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival. It runs for two or three weeks and features activities at locations all over the park.
Some standout events:
- Family stargazing nights
- Dark skies yoga
- Astronomy suppers
- Planetarium experiences
- Wildlife walks after dark
The festival draws people of all ages, from total beginners to experienced stargazers. Many events are family-friendly and fill up fast.
Joining in during the festival gave me a chance to meet other astronomy fans and learn from the pros.
Guided Walks and Planetarium Sessions
I’ve wandered the moorland on guided walks, usually in the evenings, led by experts who chat about astronomy and point out local wildlife. These walks don’t just happen during the festival—they pop up all year long.
I remember learning how to spot constellations and hearing old stories about the stars. It made the sky feel a lot more personal, honestly.
The Dark Sky Discovery Hub at Exford stands out for special events. This hub puts on regular public stargazing nights, and you can even book it for private groups.
Planetarium sessions here let you stargaze no matter what the weather decides to do. If you’re new to astronomy, I’d definitely recommend joining a guided event or a planetarium night—it makes everything feel approachable and, dare I say, pretty fun.
Dark Sky Telescope Hire and National Park Centres
In Exmoor, several National Park Centres offer telescope hire. I loved not having to lug my own gear or worry about buying something expensive just for a short trip.
The staff at these centres showed me how to use the telescopes and pointed me toward the best spots for stargazing. Their enthusiasm was kind of contagious.
Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll find at the centres:
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Telescope Hire | Affordable daily and nightly rates |
| Maps & Guides | Star charts and night sky guides |
| Advice | Staff suggestions for stargazing areas |
Many centres also host stargazing events, talks, and workshops. I found it super easy to get involved, even as a total beginner. It added a whole new layer to my Exmoor experience.
Where to Stay for the Ultimate Night Sky Experience
Picking the right place to stay in Exmoor really makes a difference if you want those jaw-dropping night sky views. Some spots sit directly beneath the darkest skies, while others are just a short drive from stargazing hotspots or tucked into charming villages.
Campsites and Dark Sky Friendly Cottages
I came across a bunch of campsites in Exmoor that are famous for their low light pollution and wide-open skies. They usually have simple setups for tents or campervans, and you can just step outside at night to soak in the stars.
Exmoor Coast Holidays and Porlock Caravan Park stood out to me as popular choices. You’ll find peace, quiet, and a sky that feels endless.
Dark Sky Friendly cottages are scattered right in the heart of the National Park. Lots of owners go out of their way for stargazers—think binoculars, local star maps, and comfy outdoor seats with a direct view up. Some even let guests use their telescopes.
These cottages often sit in secluded spots with barely any ambient light. On a clear night, the stars practically explode overhead. Some places carry the “Exmoor Dark Sky Friendly” badge, which means they stick to guidelines that keep light pollution down.
Hotels and Accommodation in Exmoor’s Stargazing Hotspots
You’ll find several hotels close to stargazing hubs like the Dark Sky Discovery Hub in Exford or the core reserve near Simonsbath. There’s everything from snug little inns to grand country hotels.
A lot of these places offer special stargazing packages. Sometimes you’ll get guided night walks or handy in-room info about what’s up in the sky. I noticed some hotels keep their outdoor lights low or use motion sensors to protect the darkness.
If you’d rather have modern comforts, these hotels make a solid pick. Their locations put you right near the best stargazing spots and give you easy access to daytime walking trails too.
Nearby Villages: Dulverton, Dunster, Lynmouth, and North Devon
I wandered through the villages around Exmoor, and honestly, each one surprised me with its own personality and places to stay.
Dulverton feels like the classic gateway to the moor. You’ll spot bed and breakfasts and a couple of old-school inns that seem to have stories of their own.
Dunster? That place oozes medieval charm. The streets quiet down at night, which makes it a peaceful spot to unwind.
Lynmouth sits right by the sea. I found guesthouses and small hotels there, all within easy reach of trails that climb up onto the moor. Those routes are perfect if you want to catch the stars after dark.
In North Devon, I stumbled on cottages and campsites tucked away in the hills. It’s a dream for anyone who wants to mix coastal scenery with some of the best dark sky views you can imagine.
Staying in these villages let me pop into local pubs and quirky shops during the day. Once the sun dipped, I’d grab my jacket and head out for stargazing.
Most of these spots sit just a short drive from Exmoor’s main stargazing sites, so you won’t waste any time getting to the good stuff.
