Bodmin Moor Is One of the Best Stargazing Spots in Britain

The longest day of the year falls this weekend. Once the sun finally drops, Bodmin Moor becomes one of the best places in the country to look up.

A dark sky landscape

Rooftop tent brand TentBox has put Bodmin Moor among the UK’s best stargazing spots for the summer, and it is easy to see why. Bodmin Moor forms part of the Cornwall AONB, and back in July 2017 it was awarded Dark Sky Landscape status by the International Dark Sky Association. The moor has exceptional dark skies, with a commitment to cutting light pollution and running educational outreach. It also sits close enough to the coast and the trails that you can pair a night under the stars with a day of surfing or mountain biking.

How to get the best from a night out

The team at TentBox say a clear sky makes all the difference, so check the weather before you set off. They suggest steering clear of light pollution and avoiding parking too close to anywhere lit up. The low light levels are exactly what earned the moor its dark sky status in the first place.

What you can see this summer

British summer is a good window for getting outside after dark. There are three full moons to catch across the season, starting with the Strawberry Moon on 30 June.

After that comes the Perseid meteor shower, active from 17 July to 24 August and said to be one of the most spectacular celestial displays of the year.