There’s something magical about gazing up at a sky full of stars, especially when you’re far away from city lights and distractions. Stargazing offers more than just an awe-inspiring view – it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, find peace in the quiet of the night, and experience a sense of wonder that’s hard to replicate. If you’re craving a meaningful escape, the UK’s best stargazing destinations are calling your name, and Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) has claimed the top spot as the ultimate stargazing location in a new report by Select Van Leasing.
Why Eryri National Park is perfect for stargazers
Tucked away in North Wales, Eryri National Park is famed for its dramatic landscapes, including Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the tallest peak in England and Wales. But when the sun dips below the horizon, this stunning national park offers another kind of spectacle: some of the darkest and clearest skies in the UK. Recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve since 2015, Eryri has made significant efforts to reduce light pollution, creating a stargazing haven like no other.
The park boasts 90 summits over 2,000ft, providing ideal vantage points to view constellations, meteor showers, and even the occasional glimpse of the Milky Way. With 8 dedicated stargazing sites, such as Bwlch y Groes, the Cwm Cynfal viewpoint, and Llyn Geirionydd, there’s no shortage of spots to lay down a blanket or set up a telescope.
If you want to explore these breathtaking sites, why not take the adventure on wheels? With 70% of the park’s campsites being campervan-friendly, it’s easy to travel from one stargazing location to the next while soaking in the park’s natural beauty by day.
Other dazzling stargazing destinations
While Eryri claims the top spot, the UK is brimming with stargazing gems. Coming in second is Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. As the UK’s largest national park, it spans 4,500 square kilometres of untouched wilderness, complete with 55 Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000ft) that offer spectacular stargazing vantage points. Since achieving its International Dark Sky Reserve status in 2018, Cairngorms has become a beacon for stargazing enthusiasts. With 76% of its campsites catering to campervans, it’s another ideal destination for a motorhome adventure.
Third on the list is Northumberland National Park, home to England’s largest protected dark sky area. This stunning region became an International Dark Sky Park in 2013 and boasts 64 recommended stargazing sites, more than any other location in the study. Highlights include the Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion, The Stell at Falstone, and Wooler Common, where you’ll find some of the clearest skies in the country.
See how the top 10 areas rank in the study:
| Rank | Location | Overall score /50 |
| 1 | Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) | 38.3 |
| 2 | Cairngorms National Park | 37.1 |
| 3 | Northumberland National Park | 36.1 |
| 4 | North York Moors National Park | 35.1 |
| 5 | Yorkshire Dales National Park | 32.6 |
| 6 | Exmoor National Park | 31 |
| 7 | Galloway Forest Park | 29.6 |
| 8 | Lake District National Park | 28.3 |
| 9 | Cranborne Chase National Landscape | 25.2 |
| 10 | Pembrokeshire Coast National Park | 23.9 |
A stargazer’s wellbeing getaway
Seeking moments of tranquillity to ease your busy mind? Looking for a chance to unplug? Or simply seeking the thrill of seeing the cosmos in all its glory? Stargazing in these incredible locations is an enriching experience that will get you all in your feels. Travelling by campervan not only makes it easier to explore multiple sites but also allows you to immerse yourself in the adventure, waking up surrounded by nature each morning and ending your day under a canopy of stars.
Eryri National Park, Cairngorms National Park, and Northumberland National Park all offer unique opportunities to connect with the night sky. As you map out your next trip, consider venturing to one of these destinations for a stargazing retreat that nourishes both body and soul.
So pack your telescope, load up your campervan, and prepare for a journey filled with wonder. The stars are waiting!
