While lighter nights tend to put people off stargazing during the summer, some may not realise there are amazing stargazing opportunities in the warmer months. Wales offers quiet areas with low light pollution, making it easier to spot stars and planets.
Transport for Wales (TfW) is encouraging locals and visitors to leave the car behind and explore Wales’ top stargazing spots sustainably. Wales offers a great public transport system which is accessible up and down the country. To encourage people to stargaze in a more Eco-friendly way.
From the world-famous ‘Dark Sky Reserve’ to our dramatic coastlines, summer stargazers will not be disappointed in Wales. With clear views of the Milky Way, meteor showers and iconic constellations like Scorpius and Sagittarius, summer is perfect for seeing the stars without the winter chill.
Lucinda Morgan, Communications Business Partner at Transport for Wales commented:
“In Wales we are lucky to have some of the clearest skies in Europe, making it a great place for stargazing, and we’re even luckier that our favourite dark sky destinations are accessible by public transport.
Using our bus and train services, you can leave the car behind, travel sustainably and enjoy a summer stargazing trip.”
TfW’s favourite summer stargazing spots
- Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park – the first spot in Wales to be given the International Dark Sky Reserve. Carreg Cennen Castle is an excellent spot to take in the Milky Way framed by Medieval ruins. You can easily access this spot by using either the TrawsCymru T4 or T6 bus services which go through Bannau Brycheiniog.
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – famous for its quiet coastal views, it’s a great spot for stargazing. Newgale Beach offers a two-mile stretch of golden sand facing the western sky, perfect for spotting summer meteors over the Atlantic. You can access Newgale using the fflecsi or TrawsCymru T5 and T11 services, which are easy to use bus services to get you all around even those smaller towns.
- Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – a designated Dark Sky Reserve with plenty of meteors spotted. Llynnau Cregennan is set between the slopes of Cader Idris with twin lakes for the ultimate viewing experience. To get around you can use the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service, our two fflecsi zones, or the TrawsCymru T2, T3. T10 or T22 to travel all around Eryri.
Top tips for stargazing in Wales
- Protect your night vision – stay off your phone for at least 20 minutes beforehand, or switch it to red light mode so it doesn’t affect your night vision.
- Timing is everything – get a spot set up for around 11:00 PM to make the most of the stars.
- Go green – leave the car at home or plan a night away for an environmentally-friendly session
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