STARGAZING is shooting to the top of our bucket lists for 2025.
According to Booking.com, 62 per cent of travellers are seeking “night-time-focused travel destinations”.
2
2
There are some gorgeous spots in the UK known for their clear, night skies.
But if you want to throw in some sunshine too, there are more locations further from home.
Here is our pick of the best stargazing holidays . . .
SARK, UK: Nestled between Guernsey and Jersey, Sark became the world’s first designated Dark Sky Island in 2011.
That means no matter where you base yourself, you’ll get sparkling views after the sun sets.
Pay a visit to Sark’s observatory and its telescope (£10 per adult). Make sure to request your visit in advance as availability can be limited.
Stocks Hotel, at the centre of the island, has simple, country-style bedrooms from £157 per night, see stockshotel.com.
FORMENTERA: Spain’s untouched and secluded Formentera island experiences low levels of light pollution, offering great conditions for spotting stars.
Head to the lighthouse in Barbaria, perched high on a cliff at the southernmost point of the island, for some of the clearest night-time views.
Jet2holidays has some great package deals for those that want to take the faff out of planning.
A seven-night getaway to the 4H Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa is from £783pp on a half-board basis, including flights from Manchester on May 18. Go to jet2holidays.com.
SHROPSHIRE, UK: Seven regions in the UK have received International Dark Sky Reserve status.
So, if you want to keep costs down, you need look no further than home.
Within the glorious Shropshire Hills there are four sites alone, each dotted along the Long Mynd Valley. With skies so clear and dark, you’ll be able to spot the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Book a stay at Longmynd Hotel in Church Stretton, a historic property featuring cosy twins, doubles and singles with equally great views.
Two nights’ full-board costs from £345pp at hfholidays.co.uk.
CANARY ISLANDS TOUR: A favourite winter sun spot for Brits, The Canary Islands offer high peaks, little wind and ideal conditions for stargazing.
If you are really keen to unlock your inner astronomer, this seven-day guided adventure around Tenerife and La Palma won’t disappoint.
It will set you back a hefty sum, though.
The trip costs £2,989pp including all flights and travel, excursions, accommodation and food.
But with the steep price also comes a wealth of expert knowledge, including Dr Stuart Clark, an astronomer who was once described as one of the “stars” of British astrophysics teaching, who will be leading the trip.
When holidaymakers aren’t gazing through some of the strongest telescopes in science, you will be sipping wine on one of Tenerife’s most picturesque vineyards.
For more, go to kirkerholidays .com.
HONG KONG: This city may initially conjure up images of soaring skyscrapers with dazzling, bright lights that don’t seem all that conducive to dark skies and sparkling stars.
But step a little further out of the city centre and you will be greeted by greenery and rugged peaks galore.
Clearwater Bay Country Park in particular is known for its twinkly skies.
A four-day city break with Trailfinders costs from £735pp without flights.
It includes street food tours, a visit to Victoria Peak, a “Starry Ferry” ride, a light show and island trips. See trailfinders.com.
- Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches its brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
