Travel news
Gazing up at a star-filled sky before falling asleep in your tent beneath the Milky Way is one of the real joys of summer.
And next time you pitch your tent, think of this mind-boggling fact as you stare upwards: the European Space Agency (ESA) has just released a treasure trove of data on almost two billion stars in the Milky Way.
Here are some of the best spots to enjoy them in the clearest, darkest, skies.
Scottish islands
Scotland is the most remote part of the UK and rewards you with the darkest skies.
James Warner-smith, camping expert at Hipcamp, advises: “Head out to the islands and glamp somewhere like Runach Arainn (on Arran) or try Badrallach campsite (Dundonnell, in Ross and Cromarty), which is eight miles from the nearest main road and a 14-mile hike from the nearest shops so can guarantee you minimal light pollution.”
Northumberland
Northumberland National Park was named England’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association. Stargazers should head to Kielder Observatory. In summer, you can view star clusters, shooting stars and the moon’s surface.
Canary Islands, Teide National Park
Recognised as a “Starlight Tourist Destination” by the Starlight Foundation, an organisation that aims to protect the night sky – meaning this is a place where light pollution is controlled and visitors should have excellent conditions for stargazing.
Scandinavia
A great spot to see the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, Scandinavia has vast expanses of unpolluted land and skies. The Danish islands of Møn and Nyord have been named as some of the best spots in the world to stargaze by the International Dark-sky Association.
Wild camping is highly restricted in Denmark but there are campsites on both islands with tent and van pitches in gorgeous rural spots.
Valentia Island
Valentia Island, off the south-western coast of Ireland, has very low light pollution, and is a tranquil spot to see the stars. Part of the Kerry International Dark-sky Reserve, it is one of the best places to see the night sky.