Galloway International Dark Sky Park
The first Dark Sky Park in Britain, the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park is a stargazing hotspot open to all avid astronomers. The park received a gold tier status from the International Dark Sky Association, achieving a score of 23.6 out of 25 on their scale of darkness meaning there’s ample opportunity to see all the wonders of the night sky. Classified in 2009, it was only the fourth Dark Sky Park in the world. With 300 square miles of forest and hills in the park, there’s plenty of space to admire over 7,000 stars and planets visible to the naked eye along with the bright band of the Milky Way which can usually be spotted arching across the sky.
Galloway Forest, Creebridge, Newton Stewart, DG8 6AJ
Dark Sky Observatory
Housed on a hilltop site within Galloway Forest is the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. With amazingly dark night skies, guests can view the marvels of the universe through three large telescopes. For nights when being outside is just too cold, the Dark Sky Observatory is the perfect place to see the night sky from the comfort of indoors.
Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, Craigengillan, Dalmellington, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA6 7PZ
Glenlivet and Tomintoul
Glenlivet and Tomintoul is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to explore the wonders of the night sky. The park lays claim to the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world and is among the darkest of skies in Scotland. The park is easily accessible, meaning everyone can marvel at the night sky. The best time to star gaze is from October to March, so this is the perfect time to take in the magnificent views the night sky has to offer.
Glenlivet and Tomintoul, The Cairngorms, Ballindalloch, AB37 9EX
Skye
Nothing quite compares to experiencing the stars from Skye in all their bright glory. Strategically positioned in an area lacking light pollution, Skye has nine incredible Dark Sky Discovery Sites, each as magical as the next. For anyone who wants to witness magical night sky sights, Skye is definitely the place to visit.
Skye
Coll
Recognised as a Dark Sky Island, the isle of Coll is blessed with a naturally unpolluted sky. The star-conscious residents of the island make it all the more incredible, going above and beyond to keep hold of their enviable Dark Sky status, including no street lights, making Coll Scotland’s first Dark Sky Community. There are many wonders that reveal themselves to the naked eye on Coll, including sky clusters like Beehive and nebulae like the Great Orion Nebula and the famous band of the Milky Way. It’s no wonder so many people choose to visit.
Coll
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