Swap city lights for cosmic sights. Explore six of the county’s most breathtaking Dark Skies spots and experience the magic of a starry night

Did you know this time of year is the best time to experience Lancashire’s night skies? With longer, darker evenings and clearer air, the stars shine brighter than at any other point in the year, offering exceptional stargazing conditions.

From sweeping views of the Milky Way to striking constellations like Orion, the county is home to a number of officially recognised Dark Sky Discovery Sites. Designated by the Dark Sky Discovery Partnership, these locations are among the UK’s best places to observe the night sky with the naked eye, combining low light pollution with easy access. The Forest of Bowland National Landscape, one of England’s darkest areas, is a standout destination and a true stargazers’ paradise.Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the Forest of Bowland and across Lancashire to help you make the most of the season.

Beacon Fell Country Park
An easy-to-access fell with plenty of paths, and beautiful views as you emerge from the trees just before the summit. This is a popular walking spot for families during the day due to the sculptures, great play facilities, visitor centre and café. But on an evening, you can step out from the trees to views as far as the eye can see over towards Blackpool and Morecambe Bay, making it an ideal location with no sightline restrictions.

Slaidburn
Looking for a stargazing spot that isn’t too far from civilisation? Slaidburn should be the perfect place for you. The village is one of the designated Dark Skies Discovery sites with the village car park, complete with toilets, offering the ideal spot to enjoy the skies. The car park is on the edge of the village, adjacent to the River Hodder, and provides open views to the north, east and south, with low hedges and bushes to screen the streetlighting.

Crook O’Lune Picnic Site
A popular and attractive picnic site with accessible toilets where the River Lune curves through tree-lined banks, the Crook O’Lune offers a multitude of walking routes. At night though, the picnic area on the north banks of the river, provides open views to the north and the east with the hills of the Trough of Bowland visible and very little light pollution, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Bowland Knotts
Close to the village of Slaidburn and Gisburn Forest is Bowland Knotts. A peak sitting at just over 420m above sea level right on the boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire, the spot offers incredible views across the Forest of Bowland. An open spot, which may require walking and offers no facilities, this one isn’t a Dark Skies site due to it being a little more of a challenge to visit but is a firm favourite with avid stargazers in the area.

Gisburn Forest Hub
A working and dynamic forest created and managed by the Forestry Commission, Gisburn Forest offers fantastic mountain-biking with great open areas which are perfect for birdwatching and walking.

There are open panoramic views and toilet facilities close by, plus a café if you head in early enough before setting up for the night.

Stargazing opportunities can be found across the forest, particularly at Stocks Reservoir where the trees make way for the water. The Forestry Commission has downloadable guides to help you begin your night sky discovery journey.

Parlick Fell
Another open to the elements spot, which requires a hike and offers no facilities, Parlick Fell sits in the heart of the Forest of Bowland. At 432m above sea level, the open fell sits in the shadow of its neighbour Fair Snape Fell but offers great views of the stars to the north. This spot, close to Beacon Fell Country Park, again isn’t a designated site due to its nature, but those with night hiking experience will love it, especially when the Aurora is out and dances across the skies..

For more ideas and inspiration, head to visitlancashire.com and start planning your own Dark Skies adventure.

Stay in the stars: Dark Sky-friendly accommodation

Several accommodation providers across Lancashire have Dark Sky Friendly status, meaning their teams are trained, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about stargazing. From rural inns to glamping escapes, these stays make it easy to enjoy the night sky once the sun goes down:

The Spread Eagle, Sawley

Bowland Retreat Lodges, Great Mitton

Orchard Glamping, Catterall

Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat, Slaidburn