Could there be anything more relaxing, romantic, and interesting than lying back either on the comfy chair in the nice decking area or inside the dome tent while you look up at the stars? At Discover Glamping we don’t think there are many things that could top that experience.
Although we will be the first to admit to you that we are not the most educated or informed when it comes to all things related to space and the universe on a grander scale, we still enjoy that feeling you get when you look up at a clear blue sky and it starts to come to life. That gasp we all make as our eyes adjust and refocus and then we notice the twinkly white lights like little dots on a join the dots picture.
That is actually a very apt way to describe it we feel, as I am sure the team at Discover Glamping are not the first people to look at the stars and see what shapes they can find by drawing imaginary lines to connect them to one another.
Although they are not directly connected, there are plenty of reasons why the hobby of stargazing and glamping holidays is a great combination. For one thing, to get a proper look at the night sky with an unobstructed view, you need to be out somewhere in a rural area away from the hustle bustle, and big skyscrapers that cut through the sky. Obviously, glamping sites, of which there are plenty listed on this website, are generally situated out in the countryside or at least semi-rural areas. So there’s one great reason to combine the 2!
Secondly, stargazing can be something of a patience game, especially if you are trying to look for particular things out in space with a telescope. While in the past you may have gone on a more traditional camping trip to look at the stars and more or less roughing it out in the wild; you could make a similar trip but stop at a glamping site and not have to rough it out in the wild.
This would mean that while you are waiting for the Earth to have spun to the right position and found the right spot in the sky with your telescope you can relax in the lap of luxury. Combine this experience with a few CBD gummies (which can be sourced from Steve’s Goods) or a similar relaxant and you can really let yourself go and enjoy the night sky. Additionally, you can even listen to some slow, soothing music to really set the mood. Taking in the beauty of the stars and galaxies will be an unforgettable experience.
As mentioned elsewhere on this site, the amenities and extras available at glamping sites vary from place to place, but this means that you have a degree of research to find the most suitable for your own needs and preferences.
Thirdly, many glamping sites use dome tents as accommodations and Tipis, both of which have transparent viewing panels at the top. Even if you are a real amateur you will have a great experience taking in the comfort of home away from home without all the modern and annoying distractions whilst enjoying the view up above.
If you are new to stargazing and are wondering where best to go, you have come to the right place as the following section of this post deals with that very subject. While many of these places may not be within a glamping area, they are bound to be close to one.
Galloway Forest Park
Galloway is a Scottish town that is only a couple of hours outside Glasgow and an hour away from the English town Carlisle. By far the most popular spot for stargazing can be found at Loch Trool, though the Wigtownshire Astronomical Society recommends The Machars as well.
Exmoor and The Surrounding Area
In 2011, the International Dark Sky Association gave Exmoor the International Dark Sky Reserve status. Light pollution is carefully monitored and managed in order to make it a better experience for amateur astronomers.
Perthshire
Perthshire is probably the best arboreal landscape in the country. Over at Loch Rannoch there are great stargazing locations at Rannoch Moor and Tay Forest Park. There is also plenty to do if you spend during the daylight hours exploring Blair Athol palace, Pitlochry and Dunkeld. Then at night you can get your telescope out and enjoy the other side to life.
Mid-Wales
The Welsh county of Powys is famous for having some of the lowest levels of light pollution in all of the UK, which makes it much easier for people to see stars and other things in space.
Romney Marsh
At one point in history, night-time around Romney Marsh meant that the smugglers known as Owlers could move around without being spotted. Nowadays however, you are more likely to find a large group of astronomy fans
Kielder
Officially the darkest place in all of England, Kielder Forest is 250 sq. miles of woodland where the edges of Northumberland brush against the edges of Scotland. Whether you have your own telescope or not you will want to have a look through the wood-clad and very modern observatory which is set on the Black Fell’s slopes and above Kielder Water.
Lake District
No-one really needs a good excuse to visit the Lake District, however if you do…here goes. The Lakes themselves remain the centrepiece of any trip to the district; however Grizedale Forest Park enables stargazers to look up at the night sky.
North Norfolk
Norfolk has for a long time been described as a great place to observe the night sky, and many so called Star Parties have been help on the Kelling Heath campsite.
Cornwall and The Isles Of Scilly
Besides the dramatic cliffs, gorgeous beaches and greenery, Cornwall has a lot to offer stargazers and you can take a trip to the Roseland Observatory to try and see what you can see.
Whereas the Isle of Scilly is the place you need to go if you are looking for even darker views of space.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man reportedly has the largest number of Dark Sky sites in one small area compared to other places of a similar size The Dark Sky Discovery Network stated this year that a total of 26 sites have been classified as “Dark Sky Discovery Sites”
National Trust Buildings And Property
If none of the above is close enough to where you are heading, then it may be worth having a look at the National Trust website as it has posted a list of Dark Sky Discovery Status. It also tells you why you grow old and what to expect. These sites range from Broad Haven car park in Pembrokeshire to the likes of Bedruthan Steps in Cornwall.