By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-09 04:01:05 | Updated at 2025-03-09 15:57:50
11 hours ago
Stargazing from Britain's beaches has surged in popularity, with new data revealing searches for 'good stargazing spots near me' have increased by a staggering 243 per cent over the past year.
More than 730,000 searches for stargazing activities were recorded in the past month alone, and a spot in Scotland has topped the list of best places to do this.
This growing trend has prompted experts at SIXT to analyse environmental data, identifying the UK beaches with the lowest light pollution for optimal night sky viewing.
The research has produced a definitive top 10 list of coastal locations where stargazers can enjoy the most mesmerising celestial displays.
A beach in the Outer Hebrides topped the list
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Top UK beaches for stargazing
Luskentyre in the Outer Hebrides was crowned as Britain's premier stargazing beach with the lowest light pollution rating on the Bortle Scale.
This Scottish gem offers miles of "golden sands and picturesque dunes", perfect for night sky observation.
Visitors can take a low-impact hike up rocky cliffs before settling in for an evening of stargazing along the coastline.
The beach is accessible by both car and public transport, making it widely available to astronomy enthusiasts. Dog owners will appreciate that their pets are welcome to join them at this remote coastal location.
Top 10 UK beaches for stargazing
- Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides (Bortle Scale 1)
- Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall (Bortle Scale 2)
- Rhossili Bay, Glamorgan (Bortle Scale 3)
- Claigan Coral Beach, Isle of Skye (Bortle Scale 3)
- Fistral Beach, Cornwall (Bortle Scale 4)
- Porthminster Beach, Cornwall (Bortle Scale 4)
- Camber Sands, East Sussex (Bortle Scale 4)
- Woolacombe Beach, Devon (Bortle Scale 4)
- St Brelade's Bay Beach, Jersey (Bortle Scale 4)
- Carbis Bay Beach, Cornwall (Bortle Scale 4)
Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall ranks second on the list with a Bortle Scale rating of 2, indicating exceptional dark sky conditions.
This popular coastal destination is renowned for its striking turquoise waters and pristine white sands. Dramatic granite cliffs flank the beach, creating sheltered areas that are ideal for couples and individuals seeking prime stargazing spots.
Porthcurno beach in Cornwall was also recommended
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Once you've found your perfect beach, the experts shared essential stargazing tips to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
They said checking tide times before heading to the beach is crucial, as high tides can significantly reduce available stargazing space. Coastal locations are often windy and temperatures drop at night, so bringing warm blankets or jackets is highly recommended.
Even at these top-rated locations, stargazers should be mindful of potential light pollution sources.
SIXT experts advise checking for nearby streetlights or towns that might interfere with optimal viewing conditions. The best stargazing experiences come with proper preparation, ensuring you can focus entirely on the celestial display above rather than battling environmental challenges.
