North-east of Manchester, the national park is easily accessible by both car and public transport. Venus and a starry night sky over the Cotswolds. Escape to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Tag #gostargazing to be featured! The UK Dark Skies Partnership is an informal collaboration of professional organisations, institutions and UK protected landscapes. The South Downs boasts the largest market towns and prettiest villages of any of the UK's National Parks. Cycle the Meon Valley Trail. There are a total of seven stargazing sites within the park, including Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Butser Hill, Devil's Dyke and Birling Gap. Butser Hill car park is open with temporary toilet facilities. We dry out later today and July comes sweeping into town Monday with 80s and sticky dew points. Some of the best places to head include Haddon Hill, Wimbleball Lake, Dunkery Beacon and County Gate and telescopes are . The park, one of the UK's International Dark Sky Reserves, is also hosts its own Dark Skies Festival - it's set to take place . Named after Sir Patrick Moore and running between Winchester and Eastbourne, key stargazing locations include Butser Hill, Harting Down and Bignor Hill. 7:30 pm. More info: Yorkshire Dales National Park North York Moors National Park 2 Sat, May 21, 2022 10:00 AM. Parking: The above postcode takes you to the car park at the top of Butser Hill, Alternatively you could park adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Visitor Centre at the bottom of the hill just off the . Upcoming Dark Skies Festivals. Register to receive stargazing event notifications! Butser Hill Dark Sky Discovery Site. Following Government guidance from July 19, we are lifting social distancing rules and other COVID-19 restrictions. The Devil's Humps, and Butser Hill. It has seven stargazing hotspots: Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Old Winchester Hill, Butser Hill, Iping Common, Devil's Dyke, Ditchling Beacon and Birling Gap. . Contact the Webmaster at: [email protected] Bignor Hill, Butser Hill and Buriton are well worth having on your radar. Its specific commitments are the protection and improvement of dark skies over both International Dark-Sky Association Dark Sky Places and others, and the progressive reduction of both urban and rural light . Celebrate the annual Dark Skies Festival in the South Downs National Park. Feb Primary Dates: Fri 25, Sat 26. Previous Image. I would climb in and lie down with my back propped against the soil, with dirt and dock leaves pressed against the palms of my hands, undoubtedly disrespecting some poor ancient soul buried beneath me. Best places to stargaze: Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium and Butser Hill. A map of things to do in the South Downs National Park. Address: Hampshire County Council Car Park off Limekiln Lane, Petersfield, East Hampshire, GU31 5SP. Butser Hill Dark Sky Discovery Site. Otherwise, there are some fantastic spots for stargazing at both ends of the Carrick Forest Drive. At the very top of the hill is a wide open space with grazing sheep, an Ordnance Survey triangulation point and . A new astro-tourism trail of ideal star-gazing spots has opened in the Cambrian Mountains in Wales, incorporating six new sites that have been awarded official 'Dark Sky' status. The UK's breathtaking landscapes and sprawling countryside lend themselves perfectly to ideal stargazing conditions. Butser Hill is a National Nature Reserve and part of QECP. Again, you'll probably need a big hill for this one, but light pollution probably counts out Portsdown Hill so if you can stomach it and you're happy to walk in the dark, Butser Hill is your best bet - small charge for parking in Queen Elizabeth Country Park. . Next Talk The Moon - Jerry Workman Tuesday 21st June, 7:30 PM To Be Held at Oasis Academy. Britain's best forests and woodlands Explore spectacular trees and woodlands, from wildlife-rich Kielder Forest in Northumberland to the giant pine trees of Scotland with our guide to the best forests and woodlands in the UK. For instance, check out Seven Sisters Country Park to explore its prolific series of chalk cliffs, see the ancient and picturesque yew trees of Kingley Vale, relax on the rural sands of Climping Beach, and go stargazing at Butser Hill. The national park is regarded as an International Dark Sky Reserve which makes stargazing another popular activity. Luckily for us, two of these spectacular stargazing sites are right here in Hampshire at Butser Hill in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and the car park at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium. Take on the South Downs Way. Devils Dyke near Saddlescombe north of Brighton is a super stargazing spot with incredible views. Don't forget to wrap up warm; to see the shooting stars at their best you will have to wait until the skies are completely dark from 11pm onwards. Please visit site pages for up to date weather - WSC - BAF - BUTSER HILL HantsAstro ClearSkies Report - Latest Report 07 February 2015 for BAF Meeting in the car park as this is proving to be better for dew, and it means you don't have to carry your telescope far. Cotswolds AONB, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Take a hike in the Seven Sisters' Country Park. Stargazing events are hosted throughout the year, culminating in their annual Dark Skies Festival in February. We stay on the warm side of a slow-moving storm this week with 80s into Friday. Picture by James Douglas. On a clear night you'll be able to see lots without expensive . The undulating landscape of Cranborne Chase offers dramatic scenery and stunning panoramic views of the night sky, including the prominent summits of Breeze Hill (262m), Win Green (277m) and Melbury Hill (263m). Jenny Shipway, Science Communication consultant, explains what can be seen in our Hampshire skies . Go stargazing at night. Butser Hill is one of the highest points in Hampshire with a story trail, kite flying and beautiful views that stretch out across the South Downs and onto Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the Solent. Butser Hill is mentioned as being a good stargazing spot. Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images. Wild Camping and camper vans. The South Downs national park is one of only 13 international dark skies resorts and spending an evening stargazing at Butser Hill near Petersfield is truly magical. M13 Globular Cluster, Pleiades, Hyades. The viewing site is. Picture: Daniel Green The Dark Skies Festival, which includes star parties, illustrated talks and moon-gazing sessions, runs until March 3 to make the most . Coinciding with half term, we hope it's going to give people of all ages some fun learning and . The site is about 0.5 Mag behind Butser Ancient Farm in terms of darkness and regularly achieves Mag20+ due to it's elevation on a clear night. We'll meet you at one of our stargazing locations at Bignor Hill nr Petworth, Devils Dyke nr Brighton or Butser Hill nr Petersfield for a private 2-hour stargazing experience. Admire the art at Petworth House. Prices per evening are 12.00 Adults, Children 6.00 (lower age limit of eight) including refreshments. Butser Hill car park is open with temporary toilet facilities. We'll meet you at one of our stargazing locations at Bignor Hill nr Petworth, Devils Dyke nr Brighton or Butser Hill nr Petersfield for a private 2-hour stargazing experience. Wiveton Downs in Holt, North Norfolk Situated within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wiveton Downs offers a great vantage point of the stars from an elevated heathland area, so much so that it's been named a Dark Sky . To celebrate its new . But what exactly are we searching for when we look up? The calendar shows stargazing events taking place within 30 miles of Butser Hill. carrhousefarm.co.uk. Butser Hill is a 239.7-hectare (592-acre) biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest south-west of Petersfield in Hampshire. Butser Hill . When you think of places to go stargazing, you might think of the north of England or the highlands - sweeping hillside ranges far away from civilisation and with the clearest skies you can imagine. . Beltain festival is the Celtic May Day festival, usually held around the 1st of the month. Stargazers in this area of reservoirs, open heather moorland and eye-catching rock formations should head to Scar House, Thruscross Reservoir, Fewston Reservoir and Toft Gate Lime Kiln. Part of it is a Geological Conservation Review site and an area of 84.8 hectares (210 acres) is Oxenbourne Down, which is designated a Local Nature Reserve. SOUTH DOWNS 2-HOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE. It is a national nature reserve and a Special Area of Conservation. Please observe signs and keep to using sidelights only on entry and exit. Visitors can also check out the park's various natural landscapes. Stargazing is a wonderful and fascinating pastime that anyone can do anywhere. SOUTH DOWNS 7-23 FEBRUARY 2020 What's Coming Up Next Open Nights Fri 12th August 2022, 9:30 PM Backup: None Look at Our Facebook Page on the afternoon of an open night for confirmation that the session will go ahead. Sun, May 22, 2022 4:00 PM. You can rock up with your own. A joint Dark Skies Festival is held regularly by both national parks every February. Butser Hill A climb or a drive up Butser Hill will take you to the highest point in Hampshire and with official Dark Sky status, this is a wonderful spot to peer at the planets. Link [email protected]. Some of the best viewpoints can be found atop Devil's Dyke, the Birling Gap, and Butser Hill, though, as long as the clouds stay away, stargazing can be enjoyed from wherever you are in the park. Butser Hill, in Queen Elizabeth Country in Hampshire, offers an oasis of dark for astronomers in the South East. A few strong . Trisha Harbord knows where to find the best stargazing sites, boasting a host of other holiday attractions. Join us on Instagram. Battle for Britannia - Saxons invade Butser Ancient Farm. May 6, 2020 2148 1432 Spotlight: Why grazing can be amazing for conservation. Following Government guidance from July 19, we are lifting social distancing rules and other COVID-19 restrictions. Nearest station: Winchester (65 minutes from London . A spectacular weekend of re-enactments as invading Saxons clash with resident Romans and Celts to claim victory over the beautiful Butser Ancient Farm. Not usually a poor sleeper, I would struggle to drift off without the comfort of knowing he was home, so to clear my head and encourage peaceful thoughts I would make a flask of mint tea, hop in the car and drive to Butser Hill, a favourite spot near my home in the South Downs National Park (one of the best places in the UK for stargazing). Butser holds events to celebrate the Celtic festivals of Lammas and Samhain, but by far the biggest is its Beltain Festival, held at the start of May each year and which acts as a fundraiser for this non-profit educational farm. "It's going to have something for everyone - whether you're interested in nocturnal wildlife, stargazing, astrophotography or people's connection with the cosmos throughout history. DAR KY Dark Sky Discovery Sites are a nationwide network of places that provide great views and which are accessible to everyone. south downs national park stargazing experience 1 hour South Downs National Park Stargazing Experience 1-Hour 150.00 ENJOY A JOURNEY TO THE STARS FROM THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK WITH AN ASTRONOMER AS YOUR GUIDE 1-HOUR SOUTH DOWNS STARGAZING EXPERIENCE GIFT BOX Awarded dark sky reserve status in 2016, you can see both the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy can be seen from South Downs National Park. Butser Hill is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. . Galloway Forest National Park, Dumfries & Galloway. Stargazing. If you want to take your stargazing to the next level, head to the annual Dark Skies festival, which includes talks, meeting some of the local nocturnal wildlife, and stargazing time spent with the Hampshire Astronomical Group and the South . 10:00. Designated as Europe's very first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011, Exmoor National Park is a stargazer's dream with vast swathes of rugged moorland between Somerset and Devon far from sources of artificial light. The vast scenery means there are plenty of spots with minimal light pollution, making for the perfect dark sky backdrop. . The dark sky at Butser Hill, Hampshire. . Check out the official National Park website for more walking route ideas and information. Also several footpaths to hill. Kiosk, Viewpoint. Trisha Harbord knows where to find the best stargazing sites, boasting a host of other holiday attractions. Jan Primary Dates: Fri 28, Sat 29. The ultimate guide to planning a full UK road trip ft. the best places to visit in England, NI, Scotland and Wales. If you choose camping or glamping accommodation in the South Downs, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning skies from the comfort of your own backyard - or even a luxurious hot . Parking: The above postcode takes you to the car park at the top of Butser Hill, Alternatively you could park adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Visitor Centre at the bottom of the hill just off the . Also in the Yorkshire Dales is the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 100 per room per night based on two people sharing. 17/02/2017 by Toddle Doddle 3084. . Uranus, The Andromeda Galaxy M31, The Orion Nebula M42. Mar Back-up Dates: Fri 04, Sat 05. The rural stretch is a pretty place to wander in daylight, too, but there's nothing else like it near London after the sun sets. Popular areas include Haddon Hill, Webbers Post and Holdstone Hill. National nature reserve and part of the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, this observing site is the highest point in Hampshire and benefits from a rural location and good dark skies. Some of the best views can be found from the heights of Devil's Dyke, the Birling Gap, and Butser Hill. Some of the best stargazing points in the South Downs National Park are Devil's Dyke, the Birling Gap, and Butser Hill. Stargazing fans, Anna and Jack will gladly provide guests with chairs, stargazing guides, red light torches, blankets and bacon sandwiches if they want to spend an evening outside. Science Centre & Planetarium and the chalk hills' highest point Butser Hill . Leaving the car parked, I would hike through elder . Much of the credit for this celestial re-opening goes to Midhurst ranger Dan Oakley. Feb - Moon 13%. Being the highest observing point in Email: [email protected] or mobile: 07761 853560 between 10am and 6pm. It has Mag20+ dark skies with stunning vistas of the South Coast spanning from Bognor to Fawley, which makes it ideal for astro-photography. Tiffany's tip: Butser Hill. View Event . If you have difficulty with making a booking, you can email Steve Knight. Science Centre & Planetarium and the chalk hills' highest point Butser Hill . Enjoy an amazing adventure out among the stars from the South Downs National Park. Enjoy an amazing adventure out among the stars from the South Downs National Park. Nominating organisation: HantsAstro - www.hantsastro.org: Directions: SU712201 (Car park) Junction 1, A3, Chalton/Clanfield, past Hampshire Hog Pub, first left, follow directions to Hill. In line with the Government's advice, . One of the park's best stargazing spots is The Queen's Way (A712), followed by Loch Doon (off the A713), where the lowest levels of light pollution can be found. . There are seven hotspots for star gazing in the park - take your pick from Devil's Dyke, Birling Gap, Winchester Science Centre, Old Winchester Hill, Ditchling Beacon, Butser Hill and Iping Common. Not done t . SOUTH DOWNS 2-HOUR STARGAZING EXPERIENCE. On the far side of the hill lay an Iron Age burial mound, doughnut-shaped, strewn with mosses and wild flowers, and facing away from the sea. With over 7000 stars visible to the naked eye, Galloway Forest National Park is considered a top destination for astrophotographers in Scotland, notable locations within the park include Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, Bruce's Stone and the Caldons Woodlands for excellent dark sky vies. Its stargazing "hotspots'' include Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Old Winchester Hill, Butser Hill, Iping Common, Devil's Dyke, Ditchling Beacon and Birling Gap (this photograph, right, was taken in Privett, Hampshire). Beginner's guide to stargazing Here are some top tips to help you make the most of . Feb Back-up Dates: Fri 04, Sat 05. These are fantastic ways to enjoy the National Park but please be aware that you must seek landowner permission before parking up or pitching overnight on Exmoor - no matter how remote the location may seem . Google Calendar ICS. Observing site is highest point in Hampshire. . Enjoy the wildlife at the Wetland Centre. Getting to the South Downs National Park. 11. We're on Instagram @gostargazing. Devil's Dyke, Butser Hill, Ditchling Beacon, Birling Gap and Iping Common. For keen stargazers and true amateur astronomers, there are officially recognised Dark Sky Sites that offer the best views of the constant shows of celestial spectacles. 16:00. Address: Hampshire County Council Car Park off Limekiln Lane, Petersfield, East Hampshire, GU31 5SP. Regular stargazing evenings are held in this protected wilderness, with the modernist Kielder Observatory serving as a hub. Free stargazing events are run by the local astronomy group. Butser Hill is mentioned as being a good stargazing spot. galaxies. In line with the Government's advice, . There's an annual South Downs Dark Skies . The South Downs has been an International Dark Sky Reserve since 2016 and now features seven stargazing hotspots: Devil's Dyke, Butser Hill, Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Iping Common, Old Winchester Hill, Ditchling Beacon and Birling Gap. Part of the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Butser Hill is set close to the A3 road and the railway line which runs from London to Portsmouth, It has, since the iron age, been an important . Alternatively, head to the coast and to Birling Gap near Eastbourne, where, when visibility is good, the sky shimmers with stars over the English Channel. The pandemic has seen many more people wanting to come to Exmoor in their motorhomes, camper vans or to camp. Stargazing events near Butser Hill. 1. Old Winchester Hill and Butser Hill, on the South Downs Way . An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1966, the rolling hills and grasslands of the Cotswolds make is one of the best places to go stargazing in south central England. Not done t . Butser Hill at 889' is the highest point on the South Downs, overlooking the town of Petersfield and is the natural heart of the South Downs National Park. Likewise Butser Hill near Queen Elizabeth Country Park, not far from Petersfield, delivers immense . Villages, Towns and Cities. Dark Skies Butser Hill SUS-210129-120855001. Primary - No Moon. Particularly good for stargazing is Butser Hill in Queen Elizabeth Country Park, given its status as one of the highest points in Hampshire. Starting at Slindon College and heading North towards Bignor, opens out to gorgeous fields, perfect for picnics soaking in the nature and fresh air. Just make sure to take water with you, we suggest a bottle of our natural mineral water!