Under the Stars: Top UK Hotels for Stargazing Experiences

Stargazing in the UK is more than just a hobby; it’s an invitation to embrace stillness, connect with nature, and experience the wellness benefits of star-filled tranquillity. From the crisp clarity of winter skies to the immersive experiences offered by some of the country's most enchanting locations, the art of starbathing, or noctourism, is truly having a moment.

But what is it about stargazing that makes it such a powerful antidote to our always-on, screen-saturated lives? Well, research shows that regular stargazing experiences can provide a host of mental and physical health benefits. Gazing up at the Milky Way has a meditative, restorative effect, helping to lower stress, anxiety and blood pressure. It can also boost feelings of awe, wonder and gratitude - emotions that are strongly linked to improved wellbeing.

What's more, the very act of spending time outdoors at night has its own therapeutic value. Stargazing encourages us to slow down, engage our senses, and be fully present in the moment - something that's all too rare in our busy, distracted world. And when you factor in the rejuvenating effects of crisp night air and the soothing sounds of nature, it's easy to see why this celestial pastime is fast becoming the wellness essential of 2025.

From the dark skies of Wales and Scotland to the moody landscapes of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, the UK boasts some of the best stargazing locations in Europe. So whether you're an avid astronomer or a casual stargazer, make 2025 the year you plan your next stargazing getaway. Your mind, body and soul will thank you.

Eryri National Park, one of just twelve International Dark Sky Reserves globally, offers an unrivalled chance to marvel at the Milky Way, nebulas, and constellations. Visit during Welsh Dark Skies Week (9th–18th February 2024) for a multitude of stargazing experiences that range from guided night walks, telescope sessions, and creative workshops.

Where to stay? Palé Hall, a Victorian mansion nestled on the edge of Eryri National Park, offers peaceful surroundings and vast gardens that make it perfect for a stargazing retreat.

Recognised as the darkest place in the UK, Northumberland National Park offers some of the clearest night skies in the country and one of the best places for stargazing in the UK. Here, the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light-years away, is visible with the naked eye—a testament to its exceptional conditions.

Where to stay? Farlam Hall, a charming country house hotel offering secluded luxury with expansive grounds perfect for enjoying Northumberland's famously clear and starry night skies.

The South Downs Dark Skies Festival, running from 13th - 23rd February 2025 celebrates the sparkle of stars, meteors, and the moon, as well as the brief encounters with nocturnal wildlife, as part of this year’s theme “Glimmers”. The festival also highlights the importance of appreciating small, positive moments that bring happiness, wonder and peace, reminding us that these experiences don't need to be grand to be meaningful.

Where to stay? Set within the South Downs National Park, Park House Hotel is perfectly placed to enjoy the area’s dark skies, with luxurious amenities to enhance your stargazing getaway.

Scotland’s Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, the world’s most northerly, offers not only constellations but also the mesmerising Northern Lights on particularly clear nights. Internationally recognized for its exceptionally dark skies, the area is naturally shielded from light pollution by the high surrounding hills, and local communities actively work to preserve this darkness.

Where to stay? Located in Braemar, The Fife Arms is a beautifully restored Highlands hotel that combines art, history, and nature, with its secluded setting offering unrivalled views of the Cairngorms' pristine night skies.