With autumn and darker evenings fast approaching, travellers can book a stargazing staycation to see the wonders of the night sky.
To help holidaymakers spot their favourite constellations, Sykes Holiday Cottages has rounded up a collection of properties in locations known for having the clearest skies.
From a church conversion in Northumberland to a shepherd’s cottage in Exmoor, there’s something for every budding astronomer.
To book a break with Sykes, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk, call 01244 617 683, or download the new Sykes Holiday Cottages app.
Worthy Barn – Porlock Weir, Somerset
Sleeps: Eight
Price: Seven nights from £939
URL: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Somerset-Gore-Point/Worthy-Barn-1152626.html
Situated on the edge of Exmoor’s International Dark Sky Reserve is Grade II listed cottage, Worthy Barn.
The cottage offers a cosy base for families or friends – as well as a four-legged companion – looking to enjoy the great outdoors and partake in some stargazing, with Exmoor National Park known for being Europe’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve.
Worthy Barn is a stone’s throw from Porlock Beach, which is part of the South West Coast Path, as well as an array of footpaths and bridleways. As well as looking at the constellations, guests can also enjoy mountain biking trails or pony trekking.
Greystead Old Church – Bellingham near Kielder Water, Northumberland
Sleeps: Eight
Price: Seven nights from £1,136
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Northumbria-Northumberland-Greystead/Greystead-Old-Church-23575.html
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has named the star-studded skies above Kielder Water and Forest Park, where this beautiful property is based, the darkest in England.
This stunning church conversion, rated 5* Gold by Visit England, is perfect for those wanting to see the best of the Perseid meteor shower.
The property’s stargazing platform, for visitors to view the area’s famous Dark Skies, is near the Old Church garden, so guests can bring their own telescope or just enjoy the panoramic views overhead.
Nant y Garnedd – Mallwyd, North Wales
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £810
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Mid-Wales-Cardigan-Bay-Cwm-Tafolog/Nant-y-Garnedd-1100513.html
Nant y Garnedd is a striking hut with uninterrupted views of Mallwyd in North Wales.
With plenty of privacy, this unique stay is ideal for those looking to enjoy a break away to recharge their batteries, with a wood fire hot tub, spacious king-sized bedroom and garden area for spotting the Milky Way and other constellations.
For a day out, guests can make hike the range of peaks nearby, including Pen Llyn Coch-hwyad and Llyn Coch-hwyad, which has its own waterfall. There is also delicious pub food available at local inns including The Brigands Inn or The Red Lion.
Barley Cottage – Beauworth, Hampshire
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £671
URL: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Hampshire-Shorley/Barley-Cottage-1119351.html
Barley Cottage is a barn conversion in the village of Beauworth, Hampshire, which is known for its scenic views across South Downs National Park.
The cottage has a variety of characterful touches, including a woodburning stove, beamed ceilings and private courtyard where guests can watch the stars appear over the far-reaching countryside. As the evening grows cooler, stargazers can retreat to the cosy sitting room to watch a movie with a bowl of popcorn.
Just a short drive away is the village of Cheriton, where guests can get a bite to eat and stock up on the essentials. Alternatively, they can hike up to Beacon Hill Viewpoint or tour the grounds of Hinton Ampner, a National Trust estate.
Bowes Hideaway – Eppleby, North Yorkshire
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £526
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/North-York-Moors-Coast-Moor-Row/Bowes-Hideaway-1142457.html
Bowes Hideaway is a one-bedroom lodge located near Caldwell in North Yorkshire.
Warm and inviting after a long day of exploring, the lodge has an open-planned living space filled with plush furnishings, as well as a hot tub for relaxing with a glass of wine under the stars during chilly nights.
Set in the middle of the North Pennies AONB, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors National Park, Bowes Hideaway is a great choice for couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle while unwinding under Orion’s Belt.
Braemore Cottage – Tarbert, Isle of Harris
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £1,142
URL: www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/Fort-William-Isle-of-Skye-The-Western-Isles-Ceann-a-Ghraidh/Braemore-Cottage-1110818.html
A single-storey cottage, Breamore Cottage has been carefully designed to maximise the panoramic views of the Scottish countryside.
Sitting near to the village of Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, the property offers a warm and inviting space with its woodburning stove and plush sofas. Travellers can also admire the clear nights and seascapes from the decking area before hopping into the hot tub to watch starry constellations appear as the night draws in.
Just over the bridge is the Isle of Scalpay which is home to the famous Eilan Gas lighthouse. It also has a wealth of walking trails for taking in the fresh Hebridean air.