Cumbria is blessed with unspoiled vistas boasting imposing mountains, dramatic valleys, rolling countryside, lake views and a rugged coastline. The beauty of the area is spellbinding. As grateful as we are for our wonderous landscape, we have another natural wonder to marvel at that is truly out of this world. Look above you. Cumbria has some of the darkest skies in the whole of the UK which means on a clear night you could be standing amongst the stars gazing at the heavens. Whether a novice stargazer or an amateur astronomer, the Lake District, Cumbria easily outshines the city lights for a memorable autumn or winter holiday, with more than 1,000 stars visible on a clear night.
Guided by the light of the stars, don’t forget to look down and see the thriving wildlife in their natural habitat. Nocturnal creatures flourish under dark skies without artificial light confusing their natural behaviours.
What to look for
Meteor showers are a spectacular sight. It’s also fun to point out the constellations – Orion’s Belt is one of the easiest to spot. If you get the timing right, you can see the International Space Station. There are people up there so don’t forget to wave! Believe it or not, planets are often the easiest things to spot with the naked eye. Venus can be incredibly bright. Plus, on a clear night you can easily make out our galaxy, The Milky Way. This is a flat spiral but from our perspective it looks like a bright band across the sky.
What time of year?
Winter is the optimum time to enjoy the darkest skies plus the kids don’t need to stay up late. Highlight: Witnessing a meteor shower is an incredible experience. Look out for the Quadrantids in January.
Summer nights are, of course warmer. However, the skies don’t really get fully dark in June and July. Highlight: The Perseids meteor shower in August.
Spring is a great time for stargazing. The weather is warming up but there are still long hours of darkness. Highlight: In spring you can still see Orion and the stick figures of Gemini on a clear night.
Autumn, like spring, is a good time for mild nights but plenty of after dark hours. Highlight: the Milky Way is best seen in Autumn when it is high overhead and spans much of the sky.
Dark Sky friendly accommodation
The are many places to stay in the parts of the county with the darkest skies including remote cottages and hotels that offer stargazing activities
Festival
The Cumbria Dark Skies Festival takes place in February whilst the North Pennines Stargazing Festival is held in October half term and offers families the chance to learn about the stars and experience the wonder of dark skies.
Places to go
Due to Cumbria’s lack of light pollution you are spoilt for choice for places to see the stars. Try the Dark Sky Discovery site of Low Gillerthwaite, Ennerdale or the remote and beautiful Wasdale Valley. Asby Common in the Eden Valley is a wild, open space and Grizedale Forest has regular star gazing events for all the family to enjoy.
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