Stargazing in the South Downs National Park

There are 21 International Dark Sky Reserves across the world, and the UK is home to seven of them – including the South Downs National Park, which was awarded this prestigious accolade in 2016. With more than two million people living within 6.25 miles (10km) of the reserve, the South Downs is the most accessible dark sky park in the country and the park authorities are working as hard to limit light pollution and preserve its dark skies as they are to conserve the fragile ecosystems of its chalk downs. 

Pitchup’s expert guide offers hints for first-time stargazers, suggests the best spots for observing astral displays and details dark skies events held in the national park. If you’d like future generations to help in the conservation of this special dark skies reserve, introduce your kids and their friends to astronomy with a party pack full of activities to spark their interest in the cosmos. 

Best places to stargaze in the South Downs

There are 10 official Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the national park, all practically free of light pollution. Of these, Pitchup has three firm favourites:

Harting Down

Managed by the National Trust, Harting Down has wide-open spaces with views across ancient downland (you can see right to the Isle of Wight during the day) that also lend themselves to astrophotography as the Milky Way blazes its way across the night sky. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its wildflowers, in particular common spotted orchids, so please keep to waymarked paths to prevent damage to the plants. Parking is free for National Trust members, otherwise there is a small charge. 

Iping Common

Mostly under the stewardship of the Sussex Wildlife Trust, Iping Common comprises more than 100 hectares of very rare lowland heath west of Midhurst. Parking is free at the trust’s car park, and you don’t have to walk very far to be immersed in darkness for excellent viewing of the stars. The historians among you can get there earlier in the day to stroll the ancient Roman road across the common and check out the neolithic burial mounds.

Good to know: If you arrive at twilight in autumn, you might get to hear stonechats and nightjars chattering away as you get ready for nightfall. 

Old Winchester Hill

The nature reserve on Old Winchester Hill is far removed from any pollution from street or house lighting, but you’ll have to walk away from wooded areas around the car park (run by Nature England, donations expected). Bring wellies if it’s been raining as the track can get muddy. For a spectacular and rather poignant experience, walk right up to the Iron Age hill fort at the summit (it’s about 10 minutes) and gaze up towards stars that are many millennia older than your surroundings. Please be aware that sheep graze the area so you'll need to keep any dogs under tight control.

There are also several ‘unofficial’ dark skies spots that are wonderful for stargazing in the South Downs, including:

• Remote Bignor Hill near Arundel, which has 360-degree views of the night sky, and where you’ll easily see the Milky Way with your naked eye.

• The National Trust-owned Devil’s Dyke – it’s worth getting there before sunset to soak up the spectacular downland views. 

• The highest point in the park at Black Down, where the National Trust has developed a circular stargazing walk (take torches to see where you’re going).

Stargazing events in the South Downs

The South Downs authorities celebrate the park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve with a fortnight of celestial entertainment each year – if you’d like to attend, book accommodation well ahead of time as the events are extremely popular.  

South Downs Dark Skies Festival

The park’s Dark Skies Festival is held annually over a fortnight in February – when nights are long and skies are at their darkest across Hampshire and Sussex. Events include star parties where kids can make rockets and learn about constellations through workshops and talks from expert local astronomers. There’s something to suit all comers, from first-time stargazers to visitors looking to hone their astrophotography skills.

Night-sky tours

There are a number of options for indoor and outdoor tours to help you learn more about the night sky. 

• Learn from the experts on virtual journeys across the night skies at South Downs Planetarium in Chichester, just south of the park. 

• Kids will love zooming across galaxies in 4D at Winchester Science Centre on the western edge of the park. 

• Private stargazing experiences are led by professional astronomers at Dark Sky Telescope Hire.

• You can combine an interest in the dark skies with your love of wildlife on occasional night-time walks to spot owls, deer and foxes going quietly about their business. 

Pitchup’s 15 tips for successful stargazing

You don’t need any specialist gear to go stargazing, but the following suggestions will help you enjoy your celestial experience to the max.

Five top tips on how to read the night sky

• You need proper darkness to spot the stars at their best, so moonless autumn and winter nights are top star-spotting times.

• GIve your eyes half an hour or so to get accustomed to the dark so you see the night sky at its best.

• Avoid light pollution by using a red bike light or a red-light torch.

• Use a compass or smartphone apps to name the constellations and planets in the sky.

• You’ll see plenty with your naked eye, but binoculars will improve your view.

Five things to take stargazing

• Layers of clothing, hats and gloves to keep warm after dark. 

• Blankets, food and drink to stay comfortable under the star-filled skies.

• A reclining chair so you can spend time gazing upwards without straining your back. 

• A tripod for your telescope or camera. 

• A torch to find your way around in the darkness.

Five stargazing rules of etiquette

• Avoid loud behaviour. Noise will disturb other observers as well as local wildlife.

• Don’t set up too close to other stargazers. 

• If kids are with you, keep them under close supervision.

• Don’t litter; leave no trace of your presence.

• Leave any dogs in the car/at home.

Looking to spend the night outside to maximise your possible stargazing time? Book campsites in the South Downs National Park, or broaden your choice to the whole of Hampshire and West Sussex. If you’d like some more inspiration on where to go dark sky camping in the UK, read Pitchup’s guide to the basics of sleeping under the stars.