With November to March officially marked as the best season to stargaze in the UK, at least there’s one advantage to the clocks going back at this time of year. With a rise in popular shows such as Stargazing Live and incredible astronomy apps such as SkyView and Star Walk to map out the night sky from your pocket, this fun and free activity is one that the whole family can enjoy. So what are you waiting for, it is time to grab your telescope and head to these top five celestial spots across the south east.
The well-maintained and relatively flat terrain of Headley Heath is ideal for stargazing, and is popular with many local astronomy groups. A mix of woodland, chalk downland and heathland, Headley Heath has a varied selection of tracks, so you can pick the perfect spot to set up your stargazing gear.
It’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for the diverse and often rare wildlife that can be found there, so while you’re looking to the heavens keep your ears primed for the rustle of a wood mouse or the call of a bat. In the winter months, cattle graze on much of the area, but maps can be found online and in the site car park with details of where they will be.
Getting there: Headley Common Road, Headley Heath, Surrey. Car park post code is KT18 6NN (opposite the Headley Cricket Club Ground)
Access: Open to the public 24/7 all year round
Plan Your Trip: Headley Heath Website
As the highest point in the South Downs National Park, Black Down is perfect for star spotting. This section of wild countryside is just one of a number of stargazing spots situated in the South Downs, which was awarded Dark Sky status in 2016, marking it as undisturbed from light pollution and especially perfect for watching the skies. Black Down’s landscape of rugged wildflowers and ancient woodland together with the magnificent views have inspired many over the years, notably the poet Tennyson who build his house there in 1869 and is said to have enjoyed long rambles across the open heathland.
Getting there: Tennyson's Lane, Haslemere, Surrey. Car park post code is GU27 3BJ.
Access: Open to the public 24/7 all year round.
Plan Your Trip: Black Down National Trust Website
As the longest, deepest and widest dry valley in the UK, Devil’s Dyke enjoys an unencumbered view of the night sky and a sweeping panorama described by the Romantic painter Constable as 'the grandest view in the world'.
Despite being just five miles north of Brighton, Devil’s Dyke offers the same star-gazing possibilities of a semi-rural property, with spectacular views of the Milky Way on a clear night as well as a truly sensational sunset for those wishing to make the most of their visit.
Getting there: Car park and start of the Dyke is at BN1 8YJ - Devils Dyke Road, Poynings, Brighton.
Access: Open to the public 24/7 all year round.
Plan Your Trip: Devils Dyke National Trust Website
Iping and Stedham Common is a dedicated 125 hectare nature reserve mostly owned and managed by the Sussex Wildlife trust. It’s one of the last remaining lowland heath areas in the UK, characterised by swathes of heather and moor grass interspersed with patches of sandy soil.
Its position deep in the heart of the South Downs allows for impressive views of the night sky and it often plays host to stargazing events in early spring. Cattle graze on some of the land - further information can be found in the car park.
Getting there: Postcode GU29 0PB takes you to the car park, from which there are a selection of footpaths and bridleways. A Sussex Wildlife Trust map can be viewed here.
Access: Open to the public 24/7 all year round
Plan Your Trip: Iping and Stedham Common Website
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