A Night Under the Stars

Set yourself up for a night out with a difference. Beneath nature’s very own lightshow, you can gaze, wonder, and look upwards with fresh eyes.

On the clearest nights, dark skies aren’t dark at all. Step out, let your eyes adjust, and you’ll see there’s a scatter of stars lighting up the sky. Depending on where you are, you might spot just a few – or you may revel in thousands.

Across the globe, a small number of areas have become designated Dark Sky Places. This means they’re officially certified and conserved as dark sky areas, protected from light pollution. For stargazers, this equals clearer skies, better views, and seriously awe-inspiring experiences.

Bodmin is home to one of just seven Dark Sky Parks in the UK: in 2017, Bodmin Moor became a recognised site for dark skies. Its traditional farming character and National Landscape status mean it’s been set apart from intensive development and excessive lighting.

So, if you’re exploring the moor during the day, you may want to head back out when the sun sets. There’s a whole universe just waiting to unfold.

A stargazer’s guide to Bodmin Moor

After a busy day, stargazing is a blissfully “slow” activity. Action gives way to gentle watching and waiting. Best of all, this is something everyone can get on board with. For younger children, there’s the excitement of being out after dark, scouring the skies for the brightest stars or well-known constellations. For adults, it’s a chance to feel the undeniable pull of connecting with something so vast.

By night, spectacular views can be found almost anywhere on Bodmin Moor. However, darkness is a given in this rough and wild landscape, so we’d recommend staying close to your car (and each other) – there’s no need to go far. Car parks at Siblyback Lake, Colliford Lake, and The Hurlers are all good spots to try. If you do walk onto the moor, be sure to wear sensible footwear as the terrain is rugged and often wet.

The best conditions for stargazing are clear skies and ideally a new moon: the brighter the moon, the harder it is to see celestial bodies. Bring equipment if you have it, but in a Dark Sky Park, telescopes are optional. The dark conditions mean you can see the Milky Way, major constellations, and planets like Venus, Jupiter and Mars with the naked eye.

Other things you might need include:

• A warm blanket or thick clothing like hats and coats: you’ll be sitting still for a while, so these will keep chills at bay.
• A chair, sun lounger, or camping mattress: essential for getting comfy if you’re planning to stay.
• A red-light torch: this will give you extra illumination if you need it, while protecting your night vision.
• A flask: hot chocolate or soup are great additions to your stargazing toolkit.
• A guide to the stars: there are lots of astronomy apps available, or you could go digital-free and bring along a book to help you identify what you see.