Top 5 Best Stargazing Locations in Scotland

Sometimes the best views can be seen in the dark.

Stars are shy after all, so the further you travel away from the light pollution of modern life, the darker and clearer the skies become, and the more incredible the night sky is to gaze up at!

And with its national parks and vast landscapes, Scotland is just the place to travel to, and take the time to admire all the stars, planets, and constellations in their true celestial glory.

As a general rule, Autumn, Winter and Spring offer the best times of year to stargaze in Scotland, as the longer days and shorter nights in the Summer months mean significantly reduced stargazing opportunities. For the darkest skies, we recommend travelling in February and March!

To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up a list of the best five spots across Scotland to go stargazing, as well as the nearby campsites and motorhomes for hire. Because why not stay a night (or a few!) and truly soak in the stellar oasis only a stone’s throw from your accommodation!

# 1 Galloway Forest Park

In 2009, Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park became the UK’s (and the world’s) very first Dark Sky Park. Today it’s one of only two Dark Sky Parks in Europe!

Park your motorhome on the edge of this ancient, secluded woodland, and gaze at the arching Milky Way and over 7,000 stars and planets. Visit one of the three visitor centres at Glentrool, Kiroughtree or Clatteringshaws for the best views in the forest.

Want to hire a van near Galloway Forest Park? Check Coco the van’s availability here .

Nearby campsite : Culzean Castle Club Site

# 2 Cairngorms National Park

With such low light pollution and incredible vantage points, the Cairngorms is recognised as one of the best places in the world to stargaze. The Tomintoul and Glenlivet area is the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world. It includes the 230 square kilometre Glenlivet Estate in the Scottish Highlands and offers the best chance for a view of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) too!

Want to hire a van near Cairngorms National Park? Check out luxurious campervan Bonnie here .

Nearby campsite: Glenmore Campsite

# 3 Glen Nevis, Lochaber

Another designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, this stunning glen is not only a place of natural beauty, but it’s also a celestial haven. While within easy reach of a major town centre, if you explore the rugged terrain and head up the forestry track towards the summit of Dun Deardail, you’ll find the blazing stars shine all the brighter! The elevation adds to the experience, as do the sounds of the forest at night.

Want to hire a van near Glen Nevis? Check out Alba the motorhome here .

Nearby campsite: Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park

4 Isle of Skye

One of the darkest places in Europe, this island is at the forefront of Scotland’s stargazing movement, so you know it won’t disappoint! Blessed with zero light pollution, this area is known for sightings of the Northern Lights.

Trying to hire a van near the Isle of Skye? Check out Nellie the Highland Campervan here .

Nearby campsite: Reraig Camping

# 5 West Coast of Kintyre

Kintyre’s west coast has been designated a Milky Way area by the UK Dark Sky Discovery partnership, meaning the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, in all its glory!

Trying to hire a van near the West Coast of Kintyre? Check out this 2-bed Mercedes Campervan (with heating!) here .

Nearby campsite: Machrihanish Holiday Park

Stargazing Tips

1. Remember to allow time for your eyes to adjust! You’ll see 10 times more stars 15-20 minutes after switching off your torch.

2. If you can, grab a pair of binoculars for the journey. Trust us, it will take the experience to the next level!

3. Use an app (like Google Sky Maps) to tell you exactly what you are seeing in the sky.

4. Scottish winter nights are known to be very cold. Remember to layer up, bring gloves, and why not bring a travel canister with a hot beverage!