Exmoor – thanks to its Dark Skies – was the first Dark Skies Reserve to be recognised in Europe. From Anstey Mills Cottages you will be able to see many stars and often also the Milky Way on a clear night.
We have the National Park Dark Skies pocket guide and small binoculars available in our cottages. Bring your special binoculars or telescope or you can hire a telescope from one of the National Park Centres. Useful information as what to look for and when plus a calendar that shows the best times to go stargazing when the moon is not too bright can be found on the Gostargazing website. Once you are here you can find the local weather reports at Exmoor weather forecast from the Met Office. Exmoor attracts both dedicated stargazers as well as those new to it.
Should you want to go off-site for stargazing we are only just over 5 Minutes by car from recommended Observation Site #4 Molland Common UK Grid Reference SS 84009 29673.
A Dark Skies Festival organised annually in the autumn by the National Park offers many stargazing related events. You will find information here www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/stargazing.
You can book a private or group-guided stargazing experience with www.wildaboutexmoor.co.uk
Further there are regular events at the Exmoor Dark Sky Discovery Hub at Exford including a Tuesday stargazing presentation and supper https://wildaboutexmoor.com/exmoor-dark-skies-discovery-hub/
Suggested Night Walk
This night walk, created by the Exmoor National Park, offers excellent Dark Skies stargazing:
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor-for-everyone/walking/darksky
