See the stars: Top UK locations for holiday stargazing revealed

A last-minute holiday marketplace has revealed the top holiday locations to stargaze in the UK, after recent research shows there’s been a rapid increase in light pollution*. The brand used data from the International Dark-Sky Association to match Certified IDA International Dark Sky Reserves with properties in the surrounding area. Only holiday homes with hot tubs were considered in the research, due to the cold winter season the UK experiences. Bodmin Moor in Cornwall was named as the number one location Brits can enjoy a starry night from a hot tub this winter, followed by Brecon Beacons National Park and Elan Village in Wales.

One of the UK’s leading last-minute holiday marketplaces has revealed the top UK destinations for stargazing from the comfort and luxury of a hot tub, encouraging people to enjoy the views that the Dark Sky Reserves provide this winter.

To rank the locations, Last Minute Cottages used data from the International Dark Sky Association, as well as internal property information on holiday homes with a hot tub, within a 30-minute drive of a Dark Sky Reserve**. 

Bodmin Moor came out in the top spot, making the Cornish coast the best spot to watch the stars.

The top 10 hot tub stargazing locations are:

1. Bodmin Moor (England)
2. Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales)
3. Elan Village (Wales)
4. Snowdonia National Park (Wales)
5. North York Moors National Park (England)
6. Exmoor National Park (England)
7. Cairngorms National Park  (Scotland)
8. Yorkshire Dales National Park (England)
9. Cranborne Chase (England)
10. South Downs (England)

A full map of the UK destinations for stargazing and where to stay can be found here: https://www.lastminute-cottages.co.uk/uk-hot-tub-stargazing-locations

Since global light pollution has already increased by at least 49% over the past 25 years*, scientists warn the chance to enjoy unpolluted skies may be limited. Additionally, Google Trends search term data indicates that searches for hot tub hire have increased by 550% and searches for ‘dark sky near me’ have rocketed by 400%.

Last Minute Cottages is a trusted marketplace for travellers to discover the best last-minute stays across the UK and Europe. Last Minute Cottages has over 60,000 last minute holidays with late availability in professionally managed, independent cottages, lodges and apartments all for the best price possible.

Matthew Fox, CEO of the Snaptrip Group, said, “With the winter months well and truly underway here in the UK, we know that the types of holidays people are looking for has changed, and although some Brits may still be looking for a hot, summer getaway, we know that the majority are dreaming of a cosy winter hideaway this festive season.

“So, to help UK holiday-makers find the perfect getaway this winter, we decided to create a ranking of the best spots in Britain for stargazing, without catching a chill! We hope that anyone looking to detox in some of the most beautiful landscapes Britain has to offer can use our list to plan their next staycation”.