A night beneath the stars

Holidays offer the chance to rest: to make moments for new and different things. Away from the bright lights of built-up areas, the clear night sky unfolds. Our focus shifts upward and our horizon expands.

Stargazing is an activity that’s open to all. For couples, there’s a timeless romance to a night under the stars. And for families, there’s the excitement of being outdoors in the dark, wrapped up warm, as you search for sky-high treasures. At certain times, conditions may even create the majestic theatre of a meteor shower or the Northern Lights.

On the right night, any location can become a stargazing hotspot; you need only look up to tap into this most incredible of views. However, locations particularly well suited to celestial wanderlust are officially recognised as Dark Sky Discovery Sites. Looking for the best places to go stargazing in Sussex? These Dark Sky sites offer ideal conditions.

This status is awarded to areas of low light pollution; where night’s blanket is allowed to fall. As well as being a gift to stargazers, it’s also wonderful for native wildlife, which can return to the natural rhythm of each day.

Though they occur throughout the UK, a number of Dark Sky Discovery Sites are on the south coast, from the sweeping South Downs to the chalk cliffs of Birling Gap.

Just seven miles from Brighton, Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex. It’s a scenic spot to explore during the day, but its lofty vantage point and rural location also make it a fantastic rest point for skywatching.

Set within the South Downs, Devil’s Dyke is a popular beauty spot among walkers and cyclists. However, visiting under the cover of night opens up an entirely new perspective. As the sun sets, the Dyke’s far-flung views extend into the skies, creating a magical panorama.

Part of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, Birling Gap lies on an undeveloped stretch of the East Sussex coast. This unspoilt location means that on a cloudless night, starlight shines over the sea with remarkable clarity.

Cared for by Sussex Wildlife Trust, Iping Common is a tranquil heathland habitat not far from Midhurst. By day, you may see a whole chorus of birds and insects, but by night, the common’s car park area changes to become a star-spotting haven.

Seeking out designated dark skies creates a sense of adventure, but for a more indulgent experience, you can always look closer to home. In fact, many of our properties offer the perfect setting for stargazing in Sussex, right from your terrace or hot tub. The majority of our boltholes are based within country estates, chocolate-box villages, and coastal locations, which form ideal environments for watching the stars.

Here, comfort wins the day. These luxurious properties often feature beautiful gardens, outdoor terraces and even hot tubs or fire pits; meaning you can settle yourself for a luxuriously laid-back evening. Who could resist a night on the treehouse deck of Fallows? Or gathered as a group around the fire pit at Marama?

It’s easy to be side-tracked by constellation confusion. How do I recognise Ursa Major? Am I seeing a planet or a star? If you’re new to stargazing and astronomy, choosing just a few constellations to spot will make the time far more rewarding.

While some stars appear as a flicker, others seem to shine more brightly within our gaze. This is no trick of the light: depending on its physical makeup and distance from Earth, certain stars really are easier to identify. The brightest star in our sphere is Sirius, also known as the Dog Star. It’s especially easy to see in winter months, but you can find it by locating Orion’s Belt: a strip of three stars in a row. Sirius is the bright, twinkling star you’ll see below this belt, and slightly to the left.

Also known as the Big Dipper, the Plough is one of the most recognisable star formations. In mythology, its seven lights were thought to trace the body and tail of Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Despite its name, it most closely resembles a saucepan with a long handle.

Described as “island universes”, galaxies are simply incredible. These hazy clusters may contain around a trillion stars, based millions of light years away. Visible from Earth, the Milky Way is a spiral galaxy that often appears to the naked eye as a faint band or smudge of light. It’s easiest to find when the moon is dim (such as during a new moon), and from an area with little light pollution.

As the easiest celestial landmark to spot, the moon can be overlooked. However, this view is actually ever changing, according to its cycles and circuits. For this reason, mindful moon watching – especially on different nights – can be a pleasing way to while away time.

Telescopes and cameras can certainly enhance your experience, but on a clear night, your own eyes are enough to appreciate the heavens’ brilliance. So, rather than worrying too much about kit, keep things low-key by settling down with a comfy chair or a cosy blanket.

While inherently peaceful, stargazing is also a social activity. Gathering as a pair or group, this is a window for easy conversation and shared stories. To keep things flowing, why not assemble a simple midnight picnic? Small bites such as olives, smoked nuts and artisan crisps are ideal for easy eating without lighting.

Find the perfect place to watch the skies come alive. Explore our collection of beautiful boltholes, perfect for stargazing escapes.