The UK is home to some incredible stargazing spots, unspoilt by light pollution, offering unparalleled views of the night sky.
Due to the fact that they’re away from cities and often in national parks, they can seem inaccessible to those wishing to enjoy them.
This is where having a campervan comes into its own, allowing you to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and explore the cosmos.
So, which locations in the UK have good stargazing conditions and the facilities and amenities to make visiting them in a campervan easy?
Select Van Leasing has created a rundown of the places that should top your list, taking into account everything from Dark Sky status and expert recommendations to elevation and the number of campervan-friendly campsites in the vicinity.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales
Leading the way with an impressive 70 per cent of its campsites catering to campervans is Eryri National Park, as 109 out of 155 sites offer facilities designed for campervan visitors.
Eryri was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2015 and with no fewer than 90 mountains over 2,000 ft, there’s plenty of opportunities to get up high to see the stars.
The Pen y Pass car park sits at an elevation of 1,180 ft, making it the perfect place to park up and watch the sky.
A representative from Select Van Leasing said: “Travelling in a campervan is a great way to explore Eryri, as it helps you discover all the different stargazing locations in just one trip.
“It’s not permitted to stay overnight in a car park in a campervan or motorhome, so booking one of the many campervan-friendly campsites is the best option.”
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park secured second place in the rankings of the best stargazing destinations in the UK.
The largest national park in the country covers 4,500 sq km of unspoilt countryside, with the Glenlivet and Tomintoul area among the best places to look skywards.
In addition to its Dark Sky status, which was granted in 2018, Glenlivet and Tomintoul is home to Britain’s only herd of reindeer.
The Cairngorm Mountain car park near Aviemore is located at the base of the ski lift, but is a great spot for stargazing and even watching the Aurora Borealis.
Overnight stays are permitted at the car park, with provisions for campervans and motorhomes in place.
Northumberland National Park, England
Located in the north, Northumberland National Park, along with most of Kielder Water and Forest Park, holds the distinction of being England’s first International Dark Sky Park.
It was designated in 2013 and remains Europe’s largest protected area of night sky to this day, making it a must-visit for any budding astrophile.
On a clear night, thousands of stars are visible with the naked eye, as well as the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy, which is located 2.5 million light years away.
Kielder Observatory holds events seven days a week, focusing on different areas, from relaxed astronomy to stargazing photography skills.
Lordenshaw Hill Fort car park near Rothbury is a good starting point to climb up to the Lordenshaw Rock ancient monument for uninterrupted views of the Cheviots and the night sky.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Amy Gatenby
