We love to enjoy the countryside in Britain – at night, as well as during the day, when there's nothing better than looking up into the blackness to pick out the twinkling stars as far as you can see. Of course you cannot do but just anywhere, so here are a few places where you can get out and find somewhere special to stay with your loved one far from the city lights where the skies are free of light pollution. Check out these featured properties – all perfect for a night amongst the stars!
Under Starry Skies
Bowland Retreat Lodges
Based in a fabulously rural Lancashire location in the Forest of Bowland – officially one of Britain's 'Dark Sky' regions, these cosy lodges offer every comfort you could need, including a hot tub and a terrace for some proper stargazing! You can also visit one of 4 designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites nearby.
Graig Wen Cottages
It doesn't get more rural than Graig Wen's lovely cottages, set in spectacular scenery close to Cader Idris, the Mawddach Estuary and nearby Barmouth and historic Dolgellau. The property is also an ambassador for the Snowdonia Dark Skies Reserve and often hosts various special Dark Skies events in the latter part of the year.
The West Arms
Situated in a majestic and rugged setting in the heart of Wales, it wold be hard to find a better and more inviting country pub than the West Arms, with great food, comfy rooms underneath a consistently magnificent night sky. It's dog friendly too!
Upper Barn
You feel like you could almost touch the stars above at this unique, self-catering eco-retreat for two in West Sussex, set in its own grounds at the top of a hill in the middle of the South Downs National Park. Huddle around the fire pit or just lie down on a log and look up!
Little Seed Field
Located on a working dairy farm in the Yorkshire Dales, these idyllic eco-friendly cabins provide an ideal opportunity to appreciate the best of North Yorkshire's darkest skies, and they even run occasional star-gazing events.
YHA Black Sail
The YHA's most remote hostel doesn't disappoint: it's basic but cosy, has no electricity, and sits among some of the Lake District's highest peaks over 2 miles form the nearest road, making it the perfect spot to take in some of the Lake District National Park's darkest skies.
The Old Stables at Godwick Hall
As one of England's most rural counties, it's no surprise that Norfolk offers some of the country's darkest skies, and there's no better place to enjoy them from than this stunning refurbished holiday cottage. They even offer special 'stargazer packages' with extras like a fire pit, basket of wood and blankets!
Randy Pike
This one-of-a-kind boutique B&Bs in Cumbria is one of our favourite Lake District boltholes, with luxury suites, great service, stunning views and an amazing chance to discover the Sky at Night. Have a meal at their restaurant down the road before retiring to your quarters with a telescope or two. Great walking nearby too!
East Cambusmoon
It's easy to reach from Scotland's central belt, but it feels like the middle of nowhere, situated not far from the loch in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Luxury, eco-friendly self-catered accommodation makes it the ideal place to cosy up and view the stars.
Cruckbarn
It's hard to imagine a better place for stargazing than this beautifully rustic rural retreat, sleeping 5, at the top of a hill deep in the Herefordshire countryside.There's a terrific foodie pub nearby, and afterwards you can gather around the fire pit and dream...
Blyth Rise Stays
These luxury lodges sit among the low-lying hills and sweeping meadows in their own private slice of the stunning Suffolk countryside. They have private terraces and fire pits for evenings spent outside, and make a perfect place to spend clear autumn nights staring at the heavens.
Main photo and home page photo by Robert Ince, courtesy of Bowland Retreat Lodges.