Shropshire's Ultimate Stargazing Guide
Embark on a journey through the cosmos and explore the beauty of the night sky
Fancy a spot of stargazing? Bishop’s Castle and Beyond has been ranked the fourth best stargazing spot in the country.
If you dream of seeing the Milky Way or catching a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis, then you’ve come to the right place. Shropshire is home to several stargazing sites. Four are official Dark Sky Discovery sites, as ranked by the Royal Astronomical Society, due to its remoteness and absence of light pollution. The sites also qualify for the darkest Milky Way class rating. This means it is possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Hundreds of people flock to these locations every year. Amazing views of the northern, eastern, and southern horizons are all visible at a number of locations. And you don’t need any equipment to enjoy these magnificent sights. But if you wish to bring binoculars or a telescope, they will only enhance your viewing experience. You can also capture some spectacular photos, but a tripod is recommended.
Here are some of the best sites the area has to offer.
Bury Ditches Car Park
Lower Down, Clun, Shropshire, SY7 8BD
This site is owned by the Forestry Commission and offers walking access to the Bury Ditches Hill Fort. Ranked as a “Rural” site due to its low level light pollution.
Stiperstones Car Park
Bridges, Church Stretton, SY5 0NL
Ranked as “Rural” for stargazing, this site offers low-level light pollution and a perfect place to view the night skies with spectacular views from the nearby nature reserve.
The Bog Mine Car Park
The Bog, Stiperstones, Shropshire, SY5 0NG
Offering a unique site to gaze at the stars, this car park is located at a lost mining village on the edge of Stiperstones National Nature Reserve. The car park is accessible 24 hours a day and is free.
Carding Mill Valley
Carding Mill, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6JF
The car park is owned by the National Trust and is free and open between sunset and 9am. Classified as “Rural” and only suffering from low-level light pollution, you also get to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Murray
Photo courtesy of Stephen Murray
Cross Dyke Car Park at Boiling Well
Burway Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6
An official Dark sky discovery site, this is a National Trust car park, but has no access to toilets.
Pole Cottage Car Park
The Port Way, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6JG
Owned by the National Trust, this site offers great views of the horizon and is an official Dark Skies site. There is no camping allowed on the site, but there are nearby camping facilities at Carding Mill Valley.
Shooting Box Car Parks
Ratlinghope Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6JG
Another official Dark Skies site, this car park offers one of the best sites for stargazing and is one of the most Instagrammable sites in the UK, with views of the Milky Way and even the Northern Lights possible from September to March.
With our impressive list of sites, you will always find somewhere to glimpse the night sky in all its majesty. Perfect if you’re contemplating a winter break and are looking for something a little different.
Organized events are held throughout the year at many of these sites, visit the Shropshire Astronomical Society’s Facebook page and the Long Mynd Dark Skies Facebook page for more details. Go Stagazing is a helpful resource when trying to decide what time of year is best for viewing. If you would like a chance to see the Northern Lights, visit AuroraWatch UK to learn when it might be visible.