WE’VE had collective night-sky fever ever since the Northern Lights made a dazzling appearance over Britain last year.
And soon, the conditions will be just right for , and natural phenomena.
Stellar views over lake in Snowdonia
So, where exactly are the best places to ?
Sophie Swietochowski shares her top to soak up .
SNOWDONIA
AN International Dark Sky Reserve, is ideal for ramblers, with trails offering exceptional twilight views.
To spot , and maybe even shooting stars, head to the Llyn y Dywarchen viewing point 12 miles from Betws-y-Coed — the gateway to .
Try a starry dip in Cumbria
During the day, the views across an eerily still lake are spectacular, while on a cloudless night you’ll be treated to a twinkling sky.
If you’re not one for venturing out in the cold, book an escape at the two-person White Roses Retreat, in nearby village Penmachno.
Its rural garden features a hot tub, perfect for cosy evenings and stargazing while you soak.
GO: Five nights’ self-catering costs from £189pp, based on two sharing and for arrival on October 6. See lastminute-cottages.co.uk .
YORKSHIRE DALES
ONE of the best times of year to visit the Dales and North York Moors is during (October 24 until November 2).
Visitors will be able to enjoy “planet walks”, stargazing experiences and “stay and gaze” packages across both parks.
If you have a car, I recommend a stay at Cherry Blossom Cottage near Beverley, , which dates from 1833 and offers rustic charm, including log burners.
If you haven’t had your fill of stars, the enclosed garden is perfect for night-time viewing.
There are and scenic trails within walking distance.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering during the festival costs from £143.75pp, based on four people sharing and for arrival on October 25. Two pets welcome. See cottages.com .
CUMBRIA
JOGGERS won’t want to miss a guided night trail run through the vast parklands of , as part of its month-long Dark Skies Festival (beginning on October 24).
Just make sure you’re not too distracted by the twinkling from above as you power through the night.
Take a canoe on Ullswater
For those who prefer the water, the festival will also host starlit swims and late-night canoe trips on Ullswater, the second largest lake in the region.
Once you’ve worn yourself out, head back to Barn Garth cottage, where an open fire and set of snuggly sofas will welcome you in from the cold.
The cottage sleeps up to six in three comfortable bedrooms, each with a classic cottage look — think timber beams and welcoming, cosy nooks.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering is from £129.83pp, based on six people sharing and for arrival on October 24, during the festival. See cottages.com .
EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK
THANKS to minimal light pollution, the skies above in are frequently filled with shimmering stars.
From October 17, the park plays host to a festival lasting just over two weeks, with competitions for little ones as well as night-time yoga sessions with a .
The picturesque Lynmouth in Devon is a delight
There are also guided night-time e-bike tours, late sauna sessions and arts and crafts evenings.
For some of the best daytime views, check into Bayview Tower, a three-storey holiday home in the charming resort of Lynton & Lynmouth.
Its elevated position at the edge of the cliff means you can soak up excellent views of the crashing waves below and steep, green hills in the distance.
The cliffside patio is an excellent spot for soaking up the skies with a tipple or two.
GO: Four nights’ self-catering is from £196.25pp, based on four sharing and for arrival on October 27, during the festival. Pets welcome. See sykescottages.co.uk .
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
NOTHING says rural retreat more than a holiday in , where rolling hills are met by the blackest of skies which, in winter, are packed with stars.
Along with excellent conditions for night-time gazing, this area is a thanks to the vast open spaces and varied .
Spot dolphins in Moray Firth
When you’re not roaming dense forest trails, head to for your chance to spot wild dolphins jumping from the water.
book a few nights in The Larches, in the village of Culbokie, near Dingwall perched high on a hill and isolated in a peaceful field.
As well as a bubbling Jacuzzi in a sheltered decking area, the wooden house features a living room with a roaring fireplace and three bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you take in the views while snuggled underneath your duvet.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering is from £216.25pp, based on four sharing. See cottages.com .
