Our wonderful small island is home to a surprising number of dark sky areas, where light pollution is kept under control and where, when conditions are right, visitors can feast their eyes on the wonders of a star filled night sky.
These same dark sky areas are also dotted with many independent hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns offering, flexible, low cost, self catering accommodation to star gazers.
Hostel and Bunkhouses in Dark Sky Parks
Gibbs Hill Farm, Bardon Mill, Nr Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7AP
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel is on a working hill farm near Once Brewed and Hadrian’s Wall and close to the Pennine Way. Designed to reduce energy consumption it is centrally heated throughout. Comprising 3 bunkrooms, 2 shower rooms, 2 toilets, a well equipped kitchen, a comfortable communal area and a large deck where you can enjoy the evening sun. Ideal for families who can book a whole room with private facilities. Study groups welcome. Self catering only.
Bron-y-Gader Centre, Llanbedr-y-Cennin, Conwy, LL32 8UT
Perched at 290m (950ft) in the foothills of Snowdonia with direct access to the Carneddau mountains and close to the end of the Welsh 3000s Challenge route, Bron-y-Gader Bunkhouse offers comfortable & great value accommodation for up to 37.Remote and isolated but just 8 miles to Conwy and 2 miles to the nearest pub. The many attractions and high adrenaline activities in Snowdonia are just a short drive away.
Claerwen Valley, Rhayader, LD6 5HF
Nestling in the Elan Valley in Mid Wales, Cwm Clyd Bunkhouse offers comfortable accommodation in an idyllically remote location. Sleeping 21 across 2 units, which can be booked separately or together, it is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. After a busy day, the star-spangled sky of the Elan Valley Dark Sky Park is your evening entertainment. Dogs welcome with sole use bookings.
Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6NN
TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2023 WINTER Self-catered accommodation for up to 16 people to enjoy this remote area of the Cambrian Mountains. Intersected by walking and cycling trails, gentle woodlands, tumbling waterfalls and secluded lakes and rivers, perfect for any lover of the great outdoors. With peaceful sandy beaches, rocky bays and cliff top walks this undiscovered area of Wales truly has it all.
Woodhouse Farm, St Harmon, Rhayader, LD6 5LY
Brecon Road, Penycae, Powys, SA9 1GL
Craig Y Nos Castle sits in the Brecon Beacons. The Nurses Block can be booked on a daily or a room basis. It can also be booked sole use as group accommodation. Offering B&B or self-catering, the choice is yours. The castle provides hearty meals, cosy evenings by the wood burning stoves and a free history tour. Superior B&B rooms are available in the castle.
Lower House Farm, Pantygelli, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7HR
Smithy’s Bunkhouse accommodates groups of up to 24 in two dormitories of 12 bunks.Located on a working farm just outside Abergavenny in the Brecon Beacons, there are great walking/running and cycling routes from the doorstep.A range of outdoor activities can be organised if required. There’s a traditional pub serving bar snacks and meals at the end of the drive for the times you don’t want to self-cater.
Snowdonia Mountain Hostel, Tai Newyddion, Nant Ffrancon, Bangor LL57 3DQ
In the heart of the Ogwen Valley and surrounded by the Welsh 3000s, this hostel is the perfect base for walkers, climbers and cyclists with the best routes straight from the door. Snowdon is a 30 minute drive away. For adventure seekers Zip World is within walking distance and the Anglesey beaches are a short drive. Newly refurbished, Snowdonia Mountain Hostel has comfy beds with linen & a superb kitchen diner. Sorry no stag or hen parties.
Chartners, Harwood Forest, Ewesley, Morpeth NE61 4LJ
Hidden away in Harwood Forest, near Rothbury, owned by Forestry England, Chartners Farm is definitely off the grid. It’s a 5 mile drive along forest tracks. Electricity is generated by a wind turbine & solar panels, a huge log burner heats the radiators and keeps the place cosy. The perfect spot to escape the rat race, relax, & recharge or get out into the countryside for walking or biking. Fully equipped for a self-catered break with LPG cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, radio CD and board games etc.
Cornaigmore, Isle of Tiree, PA77 6XA.
Tiree is an idyllic Hebridean island surrounded by white beaches and clear, turquoise seas. Perfect for outdoor pursuits & wildlife enthusiasts, The Byre at Millhouse sits on the site of Cornaigmore Mill and offers hostel style accommodation. It sleeps16 across 4 rooms. Book by the bed, the room or book the whole place.
Twiston Lane, Downham, Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 4DF
With unrivalled views of Pendle Hill, Downham Camping Barn is a short walk from Downham village pubs & cafes.
Popular with walkers, cyclists & DofE groups the recently refurbished barn sleeps 12 (BYO camp beds or roll mats). There’s a cooking & sitting area & WC. Photovoltaic cells provide power for limited LED lighting (but not for phone charging) and there is a wood-burning stove with fuel available to purchase. Outside there is a gas BBQ & fire pit and space for tents.
Arinagour, Isle of Coll, Argyll, PA78 6SY
Come and see the unpolluted skies over the Isle of Coll
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Ffridd Llwyn Gwerfyl, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2TW
Remote & peaceful, surrounded by the rugged splendour of Snowdonia, Ffridd Bunkhouse offers budget accommodation. Harlech with its beach, pubs, cafes & castle is just 2.5 miles away. This basic accommodation is in 2 units, one sleeps 12 & the other 4/5. Both have kitchen/dining areas & some heating. Each has a separate outside WC, but the shower is shared.
Walkers, climbers & mountain bikers alike return annually to this hidden gem of a bunkhouse. BYO bedding.
Ffordd Gerlan, Gerlan, Bethesda, Bangor, LL57 3ST
Caban Cysgu, run by Gerlan community, offers purpose-built accommodation at the foot of the Carneddau. Perfect for walking in Eryri (Snowdonia), Tryfan 10 mins away and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) 25 mins drive. A great base for the ‘Welsh 3,000’. Convenient for Snowdonia & Cambrian Ways & Slate Trail. Just 5 mins from Zip World; the longest & fastest zip line in Europe. Plenty of mountain bike trails on the doorstep & road cyclists have Sustrans ‘Lôn Las Ogwen’ route a mile away. For climbers, Idwal is nearby, for canoeists Afon Ogwen is popular.
Capel Saron, Tyn Y Maes, Bethesda, Gwynedd LL57 3LX
Feast your eyes on the mesmerising star filled skies above Ogwen Valley in Snowdonia International Dark Sky Reserve and stay at Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse, for low cost, friendly, comfortable accommodation.
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Glenbeg, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray, PH26 3NT
Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy are part of the award-winning Cairngorms Activities Centre, situated just outside Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. The well-equipped bunkhouse sleeps 25 in 3 bedrooms, while the cosy bothy sleeps 6 in one bunkroom.Outdoor activities are available. Aviemore, Speyside Way, Dava Way & the River Spey are all close by.
Llanrhian, St Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 5BD
Situated between the famous cathedral city of St Davids and the Irish ferry port of Fishguard, the 4* Lodge overlooks the spectacular Pembrokeshire coastline. Within walking distance of the Sloop Inn at Porthgain and the internationally renowned Coastal Path. An ideal stopover for cyclists with The Celtic Trail cycle route passing the bottom of the drive. The lodge sleeps 23 in 5 separate rooms, all en suite with great showers. Dogs welcome by arrangement.
The Old Home Farm Yard, Stackpole, nr Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5DQ
The Stackpole Centre is the perfect venue for large families/groups, schools, & outdoor activities. Close to wild woodlands & stunning beaches. It comprises four large group houses, 2 of which are dog friendly & 3 holiday cottages. Book by the house or book the whole centre for your sole use.
Brecon Road (A40), Bwlch, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7RQ
Ideal base for exploring Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Situated in the village of Bwlch alongside the Beacons Way long distance footpath. Expect a warm and comfortable stay in a dog friendly bunkhouse with spacious bedrooms, lounge/dining areas, full equipped self-catering kitchen, BBQ, hot showers, drying room and off-road parking. Accommodation for up to 20 people over 6 bedrooms. Private bedrooms or sole use for individuals, couples & groups.
Court Farm, Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7NN
This old stone barn continues the tradition of 900 years when Llanthony Priory next door provided accommodation. Surrounded by the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park, it is your ideal base for all mountain activities. There is a fully equipped kitchen, hot showers, heating throughout and a wood burning stove. Small or large groups are welcome with sole use and a minimum charge. Two pubs nearby offer real ale and bar food.
Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6NR
Being remote we're ideally placed for some of the best night skies in the UK. Perfect for the stargazer.
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Islawrdref, Dolgellau, LL40 1TB
Kings Hostel offers groups a uniquely private and affordable place to stay amidst the mountains of Snowdonia. With fabulous walking and cycle routes on the doorstep, a short drive to the coast and all the attractions on the National Park close by, there is something for everyone. Sleeping groups of up to 42 on a sole use basis, this historic hostel is ever popular with schools, clubs and family and friend get-togethers
Felen Rhyd Fach, Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 4HY
Maentwrog bunkhouse is a newly converted cowshed on a working farm. It has a fully equipped kitchen, underfloor heating, TV/DVD, BBQ area, laundry facilities, power washer and bike lockup. Local activities include hill walking (Moelwyn and Cnicht 10 mins away), white water rafting, Coed y Brenin cycling centre, Blaenau Ffestiniog down hill cycle track, RopeWorks & canyoning. Ffestiniog railway and beautiful beaches are within 15-20 mins’ drive. The Welsh Coastal Path passes the end of the lane.
Middle Ninfa Farm, Llanellen, Abergavenny, NP7 9LE
Middle Ninfa Farm, on the edge of Blaenavon World Heritage Site in the Brecon Beacons, offers bunkhouse/cottage accommodation & camping on eleven ‘remote’ pitches with fine views over the Vale of Usk. Sympathetically renovated to retain its rustic charm, the 400-year-old bunkhouse provides self-catering accommodation for 6 people. BYO food, sleeping bags, towels & pillowcases. The electric heating may be cool for some in winter.
Lion Street, Dolgellau, LL40 1DG
Who does not love staring at the stars? Snowdonia National Park is a Dark Sky Reserve - with Cregennan Lakes being recommended as a great place to stargaze. Plas Isa Hostel is a short drive away, offering comfortable low cost accommodation for star gazers.
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Orchard House, Mohope, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DQ
Much of the area is remote, wild countryside with little development to light up the night sky.
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The Living Energy, Lower Cwmcadarn Farm, Velindre, LD30TB
The Living Energy Barn (formally Cadarn Bunkhouse) is uniquely located in the National Park with 360 degree panoramic views from the Black Mountains to Wye Valley. Direct access to the Black Mountains & 26 acres of garden & pasture to roam. Remote but close to Hay-on-Wye & Talgarth.
Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DB
In the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park the skies above Hadrian's wall are the best in England for enjoying the heavens.
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Pentre Bach, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 7AJ
Situated between Waunfawr and Betws Garmon, Pentre Bach Bunkhouse provides alpine style, dog friendly accommodation and a campsite.The ground floor of the bunkhouse has a dining/cooking area while upstairs there are alpine sleeping platforms with mattresses for 16. Showers, toilets and washing/drying facilities, shared with the campsite, are just across the yard.
Hacche Mill, South Molton, EX36 3NA
Perfect for an adventurous or relaxing break. The Rock and Rapid Adventure Centre offers activities such as climbing (climbing wall on-site for lessons or use by experienced climbers) coasteering, raft building and canoeing. The bunkhouse can be rented out for sole use, or an activity package can be put together for your group. This can vary from a few activities to a full programme, including food. Just 20 mins from the North Devon coastline. Hen and stags welcome as are family and school groups.
Mount Hooly, College Valley, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6TU
Nestled in the beautiful College Valley, North Northumberland, Mounthooly Bunkhouse is a perfect stop-off on the Pennine Way and St Cuthbert’s Way. Dogs are welcome by arrangement. There is a well equipped kitchen and living area with log burner. Bedding, WiFi and car permit (to access this private valley) are provided. A haven for wildlife with red squirrels, otters and a thriving population of feral goats in the valley. The perfect wild get away from it all.
Llanddewi Brefi, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6PH
Tyncornel is a former farmhouse and self-contained Shepherd’s Hut in stunning Cambrian Mountain scenery at the head of the beautiful Doethie Valley. It is one of the most remote hostels in Wales, favoured by walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers. Beds for 16 (hostel) + 4 (shepherds hut). There is a cosy common room with wood-burning stove, two dormitories and a kitchen.
Mabie Forest, Dumfries, DG2 8HB
Marthrown is set in the heart of Mabie Forest, 6 miles south of Dumfries. It has a sauna, a wood burning spring water hot tub, a large BBQ, garden areas, a challenge course and plenty of room for groups. There are a variety of mountain bike routes including the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby. Catered meals available for groups. As well as the bunkhouse, there are also Mongolian yurts, a Bell tent and the jewel in the crown is the Iron Age Roundhouse for parties or weddings
Friends of Nature House, Waukford, Kirk Yetholm, Kelso,Roxburghshire, TD5 8PG
Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House is perfectly located at the start/end of the Pennine Way. It is also close to St. Cuthbert’s Way, the Borderloop Cycle Route and Sustrans Route 84. It’s a great base too for local day hikes, ideal for individuals, families and small groups. Recently upgraded, the house offers a comfortable, friendly and peaceful retreat. Evening meals and breakfast are available in the adjacent hotel.
Upper Neeston Farm, Dale Road, Herbrandston, Milford Haven, SA73 3RY
Environmentally sensitive barn conversions close to the Milford Haven Waterway in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Ideal for divers, climbers, walkers or family get-togethers. The four independent 5* lodges have fully fitted kitchens and have access to garden/patio, laundry/drying room, secure storage and ample parking.
Golan, Garndolbenmaen, Gwynedd, LL51 9AQ
Formerly Cwm Pennant Hostel, Brynkir Coach House offers welcoming & relaxed accommodation for groups of 6-66 across dorms, en suite family/private rooms & a self contained flat. Set within stunning grounds in the Snowdonia National Park with fantastic views of the Cwm Pennant valley & Moel Hebog. Local caterers are available. The area is ideal for hill walking, rock climbing, canoeing. For cyclists Lon Las Cymru is on the door step!
Gwastad Agnes Off Panorama Road, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1DX
Whether cycling or walking you will love this cosy, clean and comfortable accommodation with breathtaking views of Cader Idris and Cardigan Bay. Handy for Cycle Route 8, Cambrian Way & Mawddach Trail. Bunkorama is an ideal place to stopover for a few days exploring the mountains, rivers and beaches of the Cambrian Coast. There is also a camping pod and camp site.
Pyllau Gloewon Farm, Tal-y-Bont, Conwy, Gwynedd, LL32 8YX
Conwy Valley Backpackers is situated on a peaceful organic farm in the heart of the beautiful Conwy Valley, with excellent access to Snowdonia.Centrally heated with a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, log fires and hot showers. Bike/canoe storage and tourist information are available. Local activities include fishing, hiking, white water rafting and mountain biking. Surf Snowdonia is within walking distance and Zip World is a short drive.
Tomen Y Castell, Llanfor, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7HD
A converted 200 year old stone building, Bala Bunk House is full of character. Set back from the road with an acre of grounds & private parking and views of the Berwyn Hills. Ideal for small groups, families & couples. Large patio area with seating, BBQ and fire pit. Close to many outdoor activities. Perfect for walkers & water sport enthusiasts: Bala Lake & National White Water Centre at the door.
The Dod, Powburn, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 4JL
Ilderton Dod Barn is within Northumberland National Park which became England's first International Dark Sky Park in 2013 and we renovated the buildings with protection of this in mind.
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Cwmfforest Farm, Pengenfford, Talgarth, Brecon, LD3 0EU
Brecon Bunkhouse is a spacious, comfortable, bunkhouse in the Brecon Beacons. Offering fantastic value for money with a large self-catering kitchen, big dining room and a separate sitting room with a cosy wood-burner. Situated in a small valley in the Black Mountains, the eastern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, with mountain walks from the door. Area is ideal for horse riding, mountain bikes & white water canoing. Nice pub 15 min walk (bring torch!)
The Dinas Castle Inn is a pub with B&B, camping & 2 bunkrooms in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The bunkhouse rooms are fully carpeted and centrally heated with en-suite wet rooms. Stag/hen do's are very welcome. Free WiFi throughout. Full cooked breakfast included in the price. Glamping is available in the Shepherds Hut (please enquire prior to booking).
Ben Alder Road, Dalwhinnie, Highland, PH19 1AB
Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel is in the former village primary school, set in an acre of ground. Directly opposite the train station, it’s a perfect base to climb the many Munros in the area, as a stop over on the N7 cycle route, for mountain biking at nearby Laggan Wolftrax, or simply as a beautiful overnight stop when visiting Skye or the NC 500.Situated in the Cairngorms National Park it is across the field from the famous Dalwhinnie Distillery.
Y Cefn, Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 4PS
Stay at Treks Bunkhouse close to Blaenau Ffestiniog and it will be waiting for you each morning. Perched at 900ft amidst the peaks of Snowdonia you will be surrounded by breathtaking beauty in every direction. There's fantastic walking and cycling from the doorstep, and the star spangled sky of the Snowdonia International Dark Sky Reserve will mesmerise you and your friends as you unwind in the evening. If you like Snowdonia and mountains you'll love Treks Bunkhouse.
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Week Farm, Bridgetown, Dulverton TA22 9JP
Formerly a granary on a working farm, this eco-friendly bunkbarn is close to Winsford Hill and Wimbleball Lake. Perfect for exploring Exmoor on foot, bike or canoe. Hot water, central heating & WiFi included in price. Well equipped, open-plan kitchen/diner with seating for all. Large drying room. Outside BBQ area and small field with campfire. BYO bedding & towels. Sleeps max 25 - sole use only. Free logs for the stove and camp fire. Enjoy Exmoor’s dark skies.
Gilfach Wen, Brechfa, Carmarthenshire, SA32 7QL
Fully catered breaks for members of clubs and associations. - We will work with you to agree a personalised plan of activities and the catering specific to your stay.
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Platts Farm Bunkhouse, Aber Road, Llanfairfechan, Conwy, LL33 0HL
Platt’s Farm Campsite and 3* Bunkhouse is situated in a range of Victorian farm buildings, in the charming village of Llanfairfechan. Close to the A55, the Bunkhouse lies at the start/end of the 14 Welsh 3000 Peaks walks in the Snowdonia National Park, within a 10 min walk of the Wales Coastal Path and on the NCN 5 Cycle Route. Shops, pubs and cafés are within 5 mins’ walk. Just 15 mins from Zipworld, Bethesda & 20 mins from Surf Snowdonia.
The Old School, Rhyd Ddu, Snowdonia, Gwynedd, North Wales LL54 6TL
The Rhyd Ddu Bunkhouse provides group accommodation at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) & the Nantlle Ridge. Sleeping 30 in 6 bedrooms, it has a fully equipped kitchen & a large communal dining room with a big screen. Glorious views, central heating, fast WiFi, parking, secure bike storage, drying room & garden. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow case & towel. Pub, café, & steam train station all within 2 minutes’ walk.
Ffordd-yr-Afon, Trefin, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 5AU
Escape to this wonderful rugged corner of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Old School Hostel is in Trefin, a pretty village which has a pub and a café, just a quarter of a mile from the world famous coast path. Circular walks from the door take you to stunning wild beaches & harbours. The cathedral city of St. Davids and the popular Whitesands Bay are 20 minutes by car.
Greystones, Lanehead, Tarset, Hexham, NE48 1NT
In the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and close to the Pennine Way. These striking timber eco-buildings integrate into their natural surroundings making the most of this remarkable location and providing the perfect base for outdoor adventures.The bunkhouse and bothies provide stylish, versatile & comfortable self- catering accommodation which can be used for events, conferences & parties.
St Johns Street, Creetown, Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 7JE
Barholm Enterprise Centre houses a variety of businesses including Barholm Accommodation which has en suite shared and private rooms. Up to 28 can be accommodated in 9 rooms.Perfect for cyclists, walkers, fishermen or those who generally enjoy the outdoors.Facilities include a communal kitchenette (fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster and microwave), sitting room, on-site bike repair facilities, secure bike shed & electric car charging.
Greencarts Farm, Humshaugh, Northumberland. NE46 4BW
Greencarts Bunkhouses & Camping are on a working farm in Northumberland National Park. Right next to Hadrian’s Wall, they are perfect for walkers or cyclists. There are two accommodation units: The Bunkhouse sleeps 10 in two rooms, while the Barn sleeps 13 in one open plan room. All bedding is provided and continental breakfast is available. There is also a large campsite.
Old School, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9TQ
Perfect for schools, education groups, family celebrations and groups of all kinds, Corris hostel is a haven from the stresses of the outside world with its caring staff & cosy wood fires. Enjoy the gardens with BBQ & campfire areas. Situated in Snowdonia National Park close to Cadair Idris, the Centre for Alternative Technology and just 3 miles from the new Dyfi Bike Park, a mecca for trail bikers. A real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. CAMRA pub close by.
Hollam, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9JH
A mile outside the town of Dulverton on Exmoor, Northcombe Camping Barns nestle in the Barle river valley with good canoeing, walking and bridleways. A perfect base for groups on Exmoor. The barns sleep 16 and 28 in partitioned dormitories. Smaller groups can be catered for. Heated by wood-burning stoves with a well equipped kitchen, you just need to bring your own pillows, sleeping bags or duvets.
Our wonderful island is home to a surprising number of dark sky areas. Light pollution is kept under control and where, when conditions are right, visitors can feast their eyes on the wonders of a star-filled night. Unsurprisingly these are sparsely populated areas, often rugged and remote. Fortunately, they are well served with independent hostels, camping barns, and bunkhouses offering great value self-catering accommodation.
Perhaps the most well-known of our Parks is Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. This was awarded its status by the International Dark Sky Association in December 2013. At 572 square miles (1,483 square kilometres) it is also Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. Due to its pristine skies, it was awarded gold tier status. Which made it officially the best place in England for people to go to enjoy the night skies. Here visitors will be able to see up to 2,000 stars, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Milky Way. If you strike lucky you might also witness a meteor shower or the Northern Lights (aurora borealis). Look at the map and you will see you have the choice of many independent hostels, situated in the park.
A star-filled night in Northumberland Dark Sky Park The UK’s first ever international Dark Sky Park was Galloway Forest Park in southwest Scotland. It was designated by the International Dark Sky Association in November 2009 as only the fourth Park in the world and the first in the UK. Just like Northumberland, it enjoys gold tier status. Close to Galloway Forest Park the town of Moffat was proud to be named Europe’s very first Dark Sky Town. They adopted special street lighting to keep light pollution to a minimum in order to preserve the wondrous starry skies. There is hostel accommodation on the edge of Galloway Forest Park and in Moffat.
A magnificent sky over Tryfan near Ogwen Valley Bunkhouse Wales is also blessed with large areas of low light pollution. The Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) and The Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog) are both International Dark Sky Reserves. The Elan Valley Park runs between them. In 2017 the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park had 4 locations designated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites. These areas are literally peppered with hostels, bunkhouses, or camping barn accommodation. There is little excuse for not crossing a star-gazing weekend in Wales off your bucket list!
In Snowdonia (Eyri), Cregennan Lakes is recommended as a great place to stargaze. These sister lakes are found on the flanks of Cader Idris in southern Snowdonia (Eyri). Which is possibly the moodiest mountain in the entire National Park. The easiest approach is from the east, via the minor road from Dolgellau, only a short drive from Plas Isa Hostel . While the aptly named Star Bunkhouse in the village of Bwlch in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is just down the road from Llangorse Lake, identified by the International Dark Skies Association as a prime site for viewing the night sky.
In the south of England, both Exmoor National Park and the South Downs National Park have International Dark Sky Reserve status. While in the north, the North York Moors and the Forest of Bowland AONB in Lancashire both host a number of newly designated Discovery Sites.
Star gazers at a bunkhouse in Gisburn Forest (Forest of Bowland ANOB) In the north of Scotland, the high quality of the night skies above Tomintoul and Glenlivet in the Cairngorms National Park merits the area becoming Scotland’s second International Dark Sky Park. Awarded Gold Tier status, the Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park is not only the darkest in the UK, but it is also the most northern in the world.
Aurora Borealis on the Isle of Coll, home to Coll Bunkhouse Finally, the Isle of Coll, together with the Isle of Sark have been designated as Dark Sky communities.
In our busy, frenetic, and crowded world it is heartening to realize there are so many areas where sheep outnumber people, where flora and fauna flourish, and where you can raise your eyes skywards after a day’s activity and feast your eyes on infinity and beyond!