JavaScript needs to be enabled to watch this video. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Image: Kirroughtree Forest

© VisitScotland / David N Anderson

Dark Sky Parks & Stargazing in Scotland

The night’s sky is one of nature’s most magnificent sights. Scotland is one of the best destinations for stargazing, home to Europe's second Dark Sky Park, the first of its kind in the UK, and many Dark Sky Discovery Sites. These are places which experience low or practically non-existent levels of light pollution.

Start your stargazing adventure

Galloway Forest Park

© @chrispaullawlor

What's it like to stargaze in Scotland?

“Staying overnight at the Galloway Forest Park was a breathtaking experience - being able to see over 7,000 stars in the night sky which was something I’ve never experienced before - yet it was less than a two hour drive from Glasgow.”

Chris Lawlor

@chrispaullawlor

Amazing Places to Go Stargazing in Scotland

Starry sky at Clatteringshaws Loch

© VisitScotland / David N Anderson

GALLOWAY FOREST PARK

You can look forward to exceptionally dark night skies in Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s largest forest park in Dumfries & Galloway. Very few people live within the boundaries of Galloway Forest Park, meaning the nights are extra clear.

Clatteringshaws Loch and Kirroughtree Visitor Centre are perfect spots from which to view the night sky, and there are often stargazing events and guided tours by special Dark Sky Rangers. 

Search for accommodation in Dumfries & Galloway and start planning a stargazing holiday

A Beach Near Gallanach, Isle Of Coll, Inner Hebrides

COLL

This tiny island off the west coast of mainland Scotland is one of the best places to stargaze in the UK. Designated a ‘dark sky community’ in 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association, the Isle of Coll is blessed with extremely low light pollution, guaranteeing clear vistas to observe the stars. The best time to visit for a stargazing holiday is from August to March when the skies are at their darkest. In high summer it is light almost all day! The island is quite flat, so almost anywhere is suitable to see the night sky in all its wonder, weather permitting.

Find out more about the Isle of Coll

Find accommodation on the Isle of Coll

MOFFAT

After adopting special street lighting to keep light pollution to a minimum, Moffat was named Europe’s first ‘dark sky town’. Located in Dumfries & Galloway, the town has similar light quality to rural areas and is a great place to stay and stargaze in Scotland. Check out accommodation in Moffat if you’re thinking about booking a trip. During daylight hours, the surrounding hills and the local section of the Southern Upland Way provide excellent walking opportunities, while the River Annan is good for fishing.

Find out more about Moffat

Book accommodation in Moffat

NORTH RONALDSAY

Orkney’s northernmost island, North Ronaldsay has long been associated with dark and clear night skies. However, it was only in 2021 that the island was officially recognised as a ‘dark sky island’. On winter nights, you’ll see the stars shine and sparkle here across the sky in a truly dramatic display. When conditions are right you may even see the Northern Lights dancing in red and green. A trip to this remote part of Scotland will also give you the chance to meet the island’s famous seaweed-eating sheep and visit the UK’s tallest land-based lighthouse. 

Search for accommodation on North Ronaldsay

Find out more about the Nothern Lights in Scotland

TOMINTOUL AND GLENLIVET – CAIRNGORMS DARK SKY PARK

During the darker months of the year, you’ll find that the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area of the Cairngorms has amazing stargazing opportunities. Dark sky events take place all year round here with the Cairngorms Astronomy Group. Amateur astronomers, night-time photographers and enthusiasts in search of stunning views will find this place easy to access. Interested in a road trip? Our Snowroads route will take you right through the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area. Find out more about the Cairngorms National Park.

Find out more about dark sky events

Follow the Snowroads route

Hermaness National Nature Reserve

© Nature Scot / Lorne Gill

Shetland

Shetland’s skies are always changing – on clear nights these islands are undoubtedly one of the best places in the UK to view the night sky. Why not head up to Unst - Britain's most northerly inhabited island - and follow the new Sky Trail? The trail takes you round this fascinating island, visiting a Viking longhouse, a musical bench with breath-taking views, a ruined castle and along a sandy white beach. 13 stops will introduce you to different aspects of the skies including dialect sayings about the weather, Viking history and contemporary issues such as climate change and tidal energy.

Follow The Sky Trail

Find out more about Shetland

Stargazing advice

Stargazing in Scotland - Ep 1

See Dark Skies in Scotland

Watch our videos on stargazing and pick up some handy tips, plus download our Stargazing guide for more advice.

Find experiences

Search a wide range of accommodation, events, food & drink options and things to do from indoor and outdoor attractions to activities, tours and more.

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Accommodation

12 of Scotland's Best Dark Sky Stays

Accommodation

Wild Camping in Scotland

Things to do

11 of the best beaches in Scotland

Things to do

Forests & Woodlands

Accommodation

Accommodation in Scotland