Whether you’re an avid star gazer or an amateur astronomer, the UK has loads of stunning star bathing spots for catching a sight of the constellations at night.
To help holidaymakers tick star gazing off their bucket list, Sykes Holiday Cottages has collected staycations that offer beautiful views of the heavens.
From a wooden lodge on the outskirts in Gwynedd which offers unobstructed views of the Milky Way, to a barn conversion on a working farm in North Yorkshire where you can view the canopy of stars from a hot tub, there is something for every astronomer.
Nant y Garnedd - Mallwyd, North Wales
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £685
Nant y Garnedd is a striking single-story hut with uninterrupted views of Mallwyd in North Wales. With plenty of privacy and beautiful views, this stay is ideal for those looking to enjoy a break away to recharge their batteries, with a wood fire hot tub, spacious king-sized bedroom and private garden area for admiring the Milky Way.
For a day out, guests can make the most of the range of peaks that rest nearby, including Pen Llyn Coch-hwyad. as well as the Llyn Coch-hwyad, a waterfall walk. There is also pub fare available at local inns including The Brigands Inn or The Red Lion.
Bowes Hideaway – Eppleby, Richmondshire
Sleeps : Two
Price: Seven nights from £587
Bowes Hideaway is a one-bedroom studio-style lodge located near Caldwell in North Yorkshire. Warm and inviting after a long day of exploring, the lodge has an open-planned living space filled with plush furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen, as well as a hot tub for relaxing with a glass of wine under the stars during chilly nights.
Set in the middle of the North Pennies AONB, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors National Park, Bowes Hideaway is a choice for couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle while unwinding under the Milky Way.
Keepers Cottage – East Meon, Hampshire
Sleeps : Four
Price: Seven nights from £686
Keepers Cottage is a detached property just outside the village of East Meon in Hampshire. The cottage has a variety of characterful touches, including an open fire and private garden where guests can watch the stars appear over the far-reaching countryside. As the evening grows cooler, stargazers can retreat to the cosy sitting room to watch a movie with a bowl of popcorn.
Just a short stroll away are two pubs with menus full of local ingredients if guests fancy a night off cooking or slightly further afield is Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which has plenty of woodland to explore before tucking into a picnic.
Three Peaks Barn – Chapel-le-dale, North Yorkshire
Sleeps : 13
Price: Seven nights from £2,200
Three Peaks Barn is a detached barn conversion on a working farm overlooking the Ribblehead Viaduct in North Yorkshire. Rebuilt using the stone from the original barn, the property has been converted into a bright and spacious staycation spot for families and friends to get together. Features include a large patio, barbeque, sprawling countryside views, and a games room for groups to challenge each other to a tournament on the pool table.
Guests can visit Yorkshire Dales National Park where they’ll find the White Scar Caves, the scenic Ingleton Waterfalls trail and the Yorkshire Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent. Then, after a day of exploring, holidaymakers can unwind in the hot tub and watch the stars appear in the night sky.
Braemore Cottage – Tarbert, Isle of Harris
Sleeps : Four
Price: Seven nights from £1,109
A single-storey cottage, Breamore Cottage has been carefully designed to maximise the panoramic views of the Scottish countryside. Sitting near to the village of Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, the property offers a warm and inviting space with its woodburning stove and plush sofas. Travellers can also admire the clear nights and seascapes from the decking area before hopping into the hot tub to watch starry constellations appear as the night draws in.
Just over the bridge is the Isle of Scalpay which is home to the famous Eilan Gas lighthouse. It also has a wealth of walking trails fortaking in the fresh Hebridean air. Alternatively, guests can head to the Harris Gin Distillery which offers an array of whisky tasting experiences.
