Best stargazing spots in Cornwall

As well as white sandy beaches and beautiful towns, Cornwall is also one of the best places in the UK to stargaze. With less light pollution and plenty of uninterrupted countryside, everything from shooting stars to galaxies has been spotted in Cornwall’s night skies.

So, if you’re staying in one of the holiday parks in Cornwall, be sure to make the most of the magnificent night scenery by heading to the stargazing spots listed in this guide.

Where are the best places to go stargazing in Cornwall?

• Bodmin Moor
• Colliford Lake
• St Agnes Head
• The South West Coast Path
• The Lizard Point
• Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps

Bodmin Moor

With wild scenery, moorland ponies and remnants of granite from Cornwall’s mining era, the landscape at Bodmin Moor is one of a kind, and a great location to stargaze. It’s been labelled one of the county’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is why it’s no surprise that it has inspired poets, writers and artists for centuries.

We spoke to Rachel from the family lifestyle blog My Cornish Year to find out her favourite stargazing spot in Cornwall. Rachel tells us: “We are lucky enough to live on the edge of Bodmin Moor, which was awarded Dark Sky Landscape status by the International Dark Sky Association in July 2017. This award is given to places with ‘exceptional dark skies and a commitment to reducing light pollution and promoting education.’

“I like to drive to the moor, turn off all the lights, open the windows, and we all just sit there looking up. It is super peaceful and very grounding. Cornwall is great for dark skies because there are so many areas with no lights and big horizons. Best of all, it’s free!”

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Colliford Lake

Although it’s a part of Bodmin Moor, the enchanting Colliford Lake deserves its own mention. With the lake being Cornwall’s largest area of inland water, you may even be lucky enough to see the stars reflected across the water.

We asked Greg from the team at Cornwall Astronomy Society for his recommendation, he tells us: “As Bodmin Moor has been granted official dark sky landscape status, Colliford Lake is a popular spot!”

With its minimal light pollution and its accessibility from the A30, Colliford Lake is a great spot to go stargazing in Cornwall.

St Agnes Head

St Agnes Head, perched on the rugged coast of North Cornwall, is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. It offers one of the most breathtaking and tranquil settings for stargazing in the UK.

The area is known for its sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean, and its low light pollution means that it boasts exceptionally dark skies, and on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye, along with countless constellations and celestial events.

The elevated vantage point of St Agnes Head also means you get unobstructed views of the horizon in multiple directions, perfect for watching moonrises, meteor showers, or planetary alignments.

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, St Agnes Head offers a magical experience that blends natural beauty with cosmic wonder.

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is spectacular by day, with its sea views, wildlife and flowers. However, it can be even more magical at night. If you decide to go stargazing along the coast path, familiarise yourself with the path in the daylight and make sure you’ve packed a torch and appropriate footwear.

Someone who is an expert when it comes to stargazing in Cornwall is Brian Sheen from Roseland Observatory. We asked Brian to reveal his recommendations, and he tells us: “I always enjoy being as far away from what we call civilisation as possible, and Cornwall provides many such opportunities. These are being recognised by proposed Dark Sky areas around Lands’ End, The Lizard, and the Isles of Scilly. Dark skies can also be found close to Looe. If you are a competent walker, then the South West Coast Path between Looe and Polperro is great as it looks south over the English Channel and Looe Island.”

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The Lizard Point

It’s no surprise that the most southerly point of the UK is one of the top places to go stargazing in Cornwall. You can drive to Kynance Cove, one of Cornwall’s most loved beaches, because of the crystal clear waters, and park in the National Trust car park before you venture outside to look at the sky.

We spoke to Dan from Dark Sky Discovery, a network of national and local astronomy and environmental organisations, who says: “One of the great things about a coastal county for stargazing is the unobstructed view! Here, Cornwall has the advantage as many sites look out over the sea where there is no lighting. My partner is from the city and had never even seen a meteor until she came here. Now she has seen the Milky Way, other galaxies, planets, comets and more.”

Brian from Roseland Observatory adds: “One point often overlooked is that Cornwall and The Lizard are the furthest south places on mainland UK. This, in turn, means you get to see more stars than the rest of the UK. Keep an eye out for the International Space Station as it blazes across the sky – do not forget there are people on it all the time!”

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Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps

Another Dark Sky Discovery Site is Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps. The area is famous for its dramatic coastline and sweeping cliff-top views; this National Trust site offers a truly awe-inspiring setting once the sun goes down.

It has low light pollution and, in its expansive skies, allows you to watch the stars in all their glory. On clear nights, you will be able to see the Milky Way and meteor showers as they streak across the sky.

The remote location ensures peace and quiet, allowing for uninterrupted views. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply looking to enjoy a magical night under the stars, Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps offer a stargazing experience that’s both humbling and unforgettable.

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 What to bring along

If you’re thinking of going stargazing in Cornwall, there are some things that you may want to consider packing. We’ve listed some of the best items below.

Wear the right clothing

Even on warmer days, nights by the coast can get cold. If you’re heading out to watch the stars, make sure you wrap up warm with extra layers and a thick coat. It’s also a good idea, especially if you’re walking through any fields, to wear proper hiking boots for added grip. If you and your group are thinking of staying outside for a long time, pack a picnic blanket to sit on and some thick blankets to keep you warm.

Bring a torch

Try not to rely on your phone’s torch for your trip, as this could easily run out of battery. Instead, pack a battery-powered torch to help you wander paths in the dark safely. Dan from Dark Sky Discovery adds: “A special tip is that if you take a torch, make it a red one, like a rear bike light. White lights affect your eyes so that you cannot see as many stars.”

Pack a camera

If you’re on holiday in Cornwall, you may want something to help you remember the clear skies, so it’s worth packing a camera. Not only will this be great for capturing the memories, but cameras are also a great tool for seeing stars more clearly.

Greg from Cornwall Astronomy Society continues: “For astrophotography, a dark site is very important for long exposure photography without light pollution. Where I am, the skies look dark and you can see the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy with the naked eye, but a long exposure will reveal an orange-tinted sky due to distant streetlights.”

Download a night sky app

Before you embark on your stargazing adventure, it’s a great idea to brush up on some astronomy, or you could download an app that’ll help you spot everything from planets to shooting stars. This is recommended by Rachel from The Little Pip, who says: “I have an app called Night Sky, which we use to help identify what we are looking at, and I use my seasonal almanack to determine the best days to see things.”

Pack a telescope or binoculars

If you want to take your stargazing to the next level, then pack a pair of binoculars or a telescope so that you can see happenings in the night sky more clearly. Greg from Cornwall Astronomy Society says: “Practice setting up your scope in the daylight, it needs to be familiar when it is pitch dark and you are doing everything under red light.

“When you look, take your time, your brain is a fantastic image processor, and it can take a bit of practice to get used to. Practice ‘averted vision’, the centre of your vision is less sensitive to light than it is to movement, looking slightly away from your target makes it brighter and clearer, but it takes a little getting used to.”

Brian from Roseland Observatory summarises the essential items to pack for stargazing: “Take a drink, coffee or water, a snack – Cornish Pasty and chocolate. A fully charged mobile phone, a good torch, a Satnav and a planisphere. Resist the urge to use your phone for everything; the battery will be flat when most needed. Check you still have your First Aid Kit in the car. Good binoculars plus a tripod will increase your enjoyment, especially for seeing the planets and the Moon.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Stargazing in Cornwall

When is the best time of year to go stargazing in Cornwall?

The autumn and winter months are the best time of year to go stargazing in Cornwall. At this time, the skies are at their clearest, especially on crisp, cloudless nights, and you can enjoy some of the best celestial events during these months.

Can I see the Milky Way from Cornwall?

On a clear night in designated dark sky areas, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.

Are there any stargazing events or guided tours in Cornwall?

Stargazing evenings, astronomy talks, and guided tours are often held by local groups or observatories. There are tours suitable for families, and if you are looking to book a tour during your stay in Cornwall, you should check the websites of the individual societies and operators for the most current schedules and to book specific events.

Do I need any special equipment for stargazing in Cornwall?

Stars, planets, and even meteor showers can be seen with the naked eye from Cornwall’s dark sky areas. However, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience.

Stargazing in Cornwall

The night skies above Cornwall are spectacular, and there are so many incredible places in the country where you can visit and marvel at the stars.

Stargazing is the perfect activity to enjoy in autumn and winter, so be sure to book a holiday in Cornwall and visit some of the spots to watch the stars.