A dark night sky studded with stars, with the Milky Way prominently visible. Silhouetted trees frame the sky.
Tired of traffic, streetlights and endless screen time? If your idea of nightlife is less neon and more natural, we’ve got the perfect place for you. Imagine dark skies scattered with stars that open up as you step out of a cosy cottage, wrapped in a warm blanket with a delicious drink in hand.
That’s what dark skies escapes in Somerset are all about: a peaceful getaway with a view that’s out of this world. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a laid-back group break, rural Somerset offers a magical star-lit alternative to crowded city nights.
What Are Dark Skies’ and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve ever noticed the stars looking particularly bright, crisp and plentiful, chances are you were in a ‘dark skies’ area. These are special places with very little light pollution that are perfect for stargazing, moon-watching and just enjoying the quiet beauty of the night.
Dark skies also play an important part in the conservation of our natural landscapes. Here in Somerset, animals like the Greater Horseshoe Bat thrive where light pollution is kept to a minimum. Their habitats and routines are sensitive to excessive light, so they have become an indicator species for the ecological welfare of the region. To help preserve the natural light and landscapes of Somerset, organisations and local councils have created a development framework that helps minimise light pollution and its impact on local wildlife.
In a world that’s always switched on, finding true darkness is a rare treat – and it’s surprisingly good for you and the environment too.
Why Somerset is a Dark Skies Holiday Hotspot
Somerset isn’t just cider and rolling hills, though those are lovely too. It’s home to wide open landscapes, peaceful moors and quiet coastlines, and it’s one of the best places in the UK to spot constellations, meteor showers and even the Milky Way.
In fact, Exmoor National Park was Europe’s first designated Dark Sky Reserve, and the Mendip Hills are home to excellent stargazing destinations, such as the Mendip Plateau. Right here in the village of Hutton, the Mendip Hills National Landscape organisation has previously facilitated stargazing events, and Walnut Barn Estate holiday cottages are perfectly placed for impromptu stargazing sessions right on your doorstep.
Even better? Somerset’s dark skies are surprisingly accessible. With good train links and public transport, it’s a great option for low-impact holidays and eco-conscious breaks. You don’t have to go far to feel far away!
It is late in the evening, completely dark aside from some gentle lighting along the fence to the right and some fairy lights on a bush to the left. A green shepherd’s hut sits in the middle, and a woman is standing to the right of the hut, gathering some items from a cart. “
Why Holiday Cottages Are Ideal Stargazing Escapes
What’s one of the best ways to enjoy Somerset’s dark skies? In a countryside holiday cottage of course, with space to stretch out, stay up late and soak in the stillness. Take your holiday at your own pace with the convenience of a kitchen, the special perks of a luxury getaway, and a dash of local character.
How Holiday Cottages Bring the Dark Skies Closer:
Remote, peaceful outdoor locations: No streetlights or traffic glare to hide the cosmos.
Outdoor space: They usually have gardens, patios, or even fields for setting up your stargazing base.
Outdoor fire pits: Some places have outdoor fire pits – nothing says ‘cosy’ like hot chocolate under the stars next to a crackling fire.
Options for couples or groups: You’ll find the perfect place no matter your group size.
Eco-conscious stays: With a focus on energy conservation, light pollution is kept to a minimum.
A hot tub is situated in a private cobbled courtyard behind a holiday cottage for large groups. There is a sauna and Arctic cabin in the background. The sun is setting, making way for stars in the clear sky. The courtyard is gently illuminated with a glowing sign hung on the back fence.
Dark Skies at Walnut Barn Estate
Tucked in the foothills of the Mendips, near Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, Walnut Barn Estate is perfectly situated for a dark skies escape in rural Somerset. Holiday cottages and glamping with private gardens, outdoor fire pits and footpaths on the doorstep create a peaceful atmosphere, and many options for an evening of stargazing.
Romance or Reunion? Dark Skies Are Perfect For Both
Stargazing isn’t just for the romantics, though it does bring a special something. Indulge in lazy lie-ins and candlelit dinners, followed by evenings under the stars and conversation round the fire. Plus, add some wellness to your getaway with a soak in a secluded hot tub, and even book a private massage or pamper session. Our large group accommodations also feature saunas and cold bucket showers for a revitalising experience, and are the perfect venues for hen parties, reunions and family celebrations.
Whether you’re planning a couples retreat, getting the gang together, or looking for dog-friendly holiday cottages, dark skies escapes are a great excuse to unplug and reconnect with each other.
A close view of a fire crackling in a firepit, and two marshmallows on skewers are gently toasting over the fire.
Tips for Making Your Stargazing Escape Shine
You don’t need to be an astronomy buff to enjoy a night sky full of stars. Here are a few simple tips:
Check the moon phase: New moons mean darker skies and better visibility.
Create a playlist: Set the mood before you go out with an out-of-this-world themed playlist. Get started with ‘Starman’ by David Bowie and ‘Sky Full of Stars’ from Coldplay, and see what comes up next!
Use a red torch: Red light will preserve your night vision, so you can find your drink and still see Orion.
Download a stargazing app: Check out your app store, point your phone at the sky and learn about the stars above you.
Wrap up warm: Even summer nights can bring a little chill in open spaces. Bring jumpers and blankets, and perhaps a flask of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Respect the peace: Keep noise to a minimum and lights low to protect wildlife and other stargazers.
Stars, Constellations and Planets – Oh my
What you can see in the night sky will vary depending on the time of year, but during the summer in the UK look for these celestial marvels:
Planets: Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter
Stars: Arcturus and Vega
Constellations: Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and Cassiopeia
If you’re staying in Lady’s Well Shepherd’s Hut, take the stargazer with you to the private viewing platform and identify the cosmic features of the night sky.
Your New Favourite Night Out (Without Going Out.
There’s something special about lying back, eyes on the stars, and realising just how vast the sky really is. In Somerset, this kind of nightlife is always on offer – no tickets, no queues, no noise.
So, if you’re ready to trade light pollution for the lunar phase, a dark skies escape in Somerset might be exactly what you’re looking for.