Britain's countryside can be appreciated at night as well as during the day, when there's nothing better than marvelling at the constellations and their innumerable stars. Of course, cities and other sources of light pollution encroach upon our night skies, but there's still proper darkness out there! Here are a few of our favourite places to stay far from the city lights. Many of these are designated "Dark Skies" regions, where the skies are free of light pollution and the value of the starry firmament is appreciated. Of the 21 dark skies reserves in the world, the UK has an impressive seven, so we're spoilt for choice! So check out these featured properties – all perfect for a night among the stars!
Under Starry Skies
Based in a fabulously rural Lancashire location in the Forest of Bowland – officially one of Britain's 'Dark Sky' regions – these cosy lodges offer every comfort you could need, including a hot tub and a terrace for some proper stargazing! You can also visit one of four designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites nearby.
Graig Wen Cottages
It doesn't get more rural than Graig Wen's lovely cottages, set in spectacular Eryri (Snowdonia) scenery close to Cader Idris, the Mawddach Estuary and nearby Barmouth and historic Dolgellau. The property is also an ambassador for the Eryri Dark Skies Reserve, hosting various special events in the latter part of the year.
Upper Barn
You feel like you could almost touch the stars above at this unique, self-catering eco-retreat for two in West Sussex, set in its own grounds at the top of a hill in the middle of the South Downs National Park. Huddle around the fire pit or just lie down on a log and look up!
Little Seed Field
Located on a working dairy farm in the Yorkshire Dales, these idyllic eco-friendly cabins provide an ideal opportunity to appreciate the best of North Yorkshire's darkest skies, and they even run occasional star-gazing events.
YHA Black Sail
The YHA's most remote hostel doesn't disappoint: it's basic but cosy, has no electricity, and sits among some of the Lake District's highest peaks over two miles from the nearest road, making it the perfect spot to take in some of the Lake District National Park's darkest skies.
Randy Pike
This one-of-a-kind boutique B&B in Cumbria is one of our favourite Lake District boltholes, with luxury suites, great service, stunning views and an amazing chance to discover the sky at night. Have a meal at their restaurant down the road before retiring to your quarters with a telescope or two. Great walking nearby too!
East Cambusmoon
It's easy to reach from Scotland's central belt, but it feels like the middle of nowhere, situated not far from the lake in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Eco-friendly, luxury self-catered accommodation makes it the ideal place to cosy up and view the stars.
Cruckbarn
It's hard to imagine a better place for stargazing than this beautifully rustic rural retreat, sleeping five, at the top of a hill deep in the Herefordshire countryside. There's a terrific foodie pub nearby, and afterwards, you can gather around the fire pit and dream...
Blyth Rise Stays
These luxury lodges sit among the low-lying hills and sweeping meadows in their own private slice of the stunning Suffolk countryside. They have private terraces and fire pits for evenings spent outside, and make a perfect place to spend clear autumn nights staring at the heavens.
For more inspiration, check out our Inspiration page. If you'd like to make the most of a special offer, browse our Winter Deals guide. And if you're keen to peruse additional places to stay, our Destinations section is the place for you.
Main photo and home page photo by Robert Ince, courtesy of Bowland Retreat Lodges.