Enjoy a stargazing break with family, friends and welcoming astronomers!
A “Starcamp” is an organised stargazing event that takes place at a time around a new moon when the skies are nice and dark for stargazing. Such events are often based at a remote campsite or caravan park and away from light pollution.
“Starcamping” offers a means of getting away from the city lights, away from light pollution, away from the hum-drum of day-to-day life and into a world where you can be at one with our Universe, literally!
Although Starcamps take place throughout the year the best events are held from Autumn through to Spring when fewer daylight hours allow for more stargazing time and the cold, crisp nights mean the skies above are settled making it perfect for observing, especially through telescopes.
Most of us will have to travel some distance to find a dark sky location, therefore, not only do Star-camps make an ideal short break, the journey is made all the more worthwhile when you see the Milky Way arching over you and thousands of stars visible to the naked eye. Staying over a couple of nights increases the chances you’ll get a break in the weather.
What to expect
You’ll find friendly, experienced amateur astronomers on hand and keen to share their knowledge and passion for their favorite subject. Some of these events cater to families (such as The People’s Star Parties at Kielder) however most are aimed at more serious amateur astronomers wanting to make the most of their time under dark skies.
Members of the public are always welcome however those who do attend these types of events will likely be asked to abide by strict red light rules (no white light during dark) and no noise during the mornings (due to sleepy astronomers!)
It’s not necessary to rough it either! You’ll find campsites with pitches that have electric hook-ups for fan heaters and a warm room where you can make a cuppa. There’s often a pub nearby too! Star-camps are social events and you’ll undoubtedly make new friends, when you call it a night just snuggle up under the extra duvet you packed in addition to your sleeping bags! 😉
Going camping at any time when it’s likely to be chilly is not for the faint-hearted, however, for the more adventurous amongst you, this is perhaps the best way of experiencing stargazing, and such efforts are often incredibly rewarding!
Forthcoming Starcamps
January 2023
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – January 2023
Friday 13th January 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 15th January 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
February 2023
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – February 2023
Friday 10th February 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 12th February 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
March 2023
Kielder Forest Star Camp – Spring 2023
Wednesday 15th March 2023 from 12:00pm to Monday 20th March 2023 12:00pm
Kielder Campsite, Kielder, NE48 1ER
More info
Haw Wood Farm Astronomers Week – Spring 2023
Thursday 16th March 2023 from 17:00pm to Thursday 23rd March 2023 12:00pm
Haw Wood Farm Caravan Park, Saxmundham, IP17 3QT
More info
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – March 2023
Friday 17th March 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 19th March 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
Galloway Gathering – Spring 2023
Saturday 18th March 2023 from 12:00pm to Friday 24th March 2023 12:00pm
Drumroamin Farm Camping & Caravan Site, Newton Stewart, DG8 9DB
More info
April 2023
AstroCamp – Spring 2023
Saturday 22nd April 2023 from 12:00pm to Tuesday 25th April 2023 12:00pm
Cwmdu Campsite, Crickhowell, NP8 1RU
More info
August 2023
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – August 2023
Friday 11th August 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 13th August 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
September 2023
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – September 2023
Friday 8th September 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 10th September 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
AstroCamp – Autumn 2023
Saturday 16th September 2023 from 12:00pm to Tuesday 19th September 2023 12:00pm
Cwmdu Campsite, Crickhowell, NP8 1RU
More info
October 2023
Kelling Heath Star Party – Autumn 2023
Monday 9th October 2023 from 12:00pm to Monday 16th October 2023 12:00pm
Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Holt, NR25 7HW
More info
Kielder Forest Star Camp – Autumn 2023
Monday 9th October 2023 from 12:00pm to Sunday 15th October 2023 12:00pm
Kielder Campsite, Kielder, NE48 1ER
More info
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – October 2023
Friday 13th October 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 15th October 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
November 2023
Winterfest Astro Star Party 2023
Thursday 9th November 2023 from 12:00pm to Monday 13th November 2023 12:00pm
Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Holt, NR25 7HW
More info
Galloway Gathering – Autumn 2023
Friday 10th November 2023 from 12:00pm to Thursday 16th November 2023 12:00pm
Drumroamin Farm Camping & Caravan Site, Newton Stewart, DG8 9DB
More info
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – November 2023
Friday 10th November 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 12th November 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
December 2023
Cambrian Mountains Stargazing Weekend – December 2023
Friday 8th December 2023 from 16:00pm to Sunday 10th December 2023 12:00pm
Wigwam Holidays Hafren, Staylittle, SY19 7BY
More info
September 2024
Kelling Heath Star Party – Autumn 2024
Monday 30th September 2024 from 00:00am to Monday 7th October 2024 00:00am
Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Holt, NR25 7HW
More info
Kelling Heath Star Party – Autumn 2024
Monday 30th September 2024 from 12:00pm to Monday 7th October 2024 12:00pm
Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Holt, NR25 7HW
More info
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