In most towns and cities, residents have got so used to light pollution that we don’t realise the magical spectacle of twinkling stars that we are missing out on when day turns to night. Luckily though, there are still places around the UK that are perfect for stargazing, including a selection of spots in Yorkshire.
Both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors were named International Dark Sky Reserves in 2020 due to their lack of light pollution and the Northern Lights can be spotted towards the Yorkshire Coast during spring.
Dalby Forest, located in the North York Moors National Park and on this list, has recently been a hot spot for seeing the Northern Lights. It was captured by the duo behind Astro Dogs.
This list has been collated by Gorgeous Cottages and the reserves are in no specific order.
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Here are the top 10 spots to go stargazing in Yorkshire. (Pic: Gorgeous Cottages) Photo: Gorgeous Cottages
. Sutton Bank
The elevated location of Sutton Bank, located in North Yorkshire, looks out over the Vale of York and Gormire Lake, which was described by Yorkshire vet James Herriot as ‘the finest view in England’. Photo: James Hardisty
. Tan Hill Inn
Nestled in a remote part of Swaledale, the Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in Britain at 528 metres above sea level with dramatically dark skies that are just right for stargazing. Photo: Tony Johnson
5. Lime Tree Observatory
There are regular public events at Lime Tree Observatory's stargazing dome which is also available for private hire and located within the Nidderdale AONB in the small village of Grewelthorpe. Photo: James Hardisty
6. Boulby Cliffs
As the highest point on the East coast of England with very little light pollution, Boulby Cliffs is a great option for trying to spot the Northern Lights. Photo: Google Maps
7. Blakely Ridge
With an elevation of 1,325 feet, Blakey Ridge is the highest point in the North York Moors National Park with a pub called The Lion where you can call for refreshments after stargazing. Photo: Google Maps
8. Hawes National Park Centre
At Hawes National Park Centre, this Dark Sky Discovery site is part of the Dales Countryside Museum and has a large car park where you can set up your telescope, and the Firebox Cafe close by where you can get refreshments. Photo: Google Maps