# Dark skies in Devon

> Officially designated dark sky places in Devon: Exmoor National Park. What to see, where to park and when to go.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies/devon
Updated: 2026-10-30

North Devon's Exmoor coast and moor are the county's darkest skies. Dartmoor is not designated but has dark corners.

## Exmoor National Park

International Dark Sky Reserve, designated by DarkSky International in 2011. Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, covering moorland, combes and coast across west Somerset and north Devon.

The park lists several Dark Sky Discovery Sites with parking, such as Webbers Post near Dunkery Beacon; Holdstone Hill near Combe Martin is another popular spot. The open moor gives wide horizons. More details: https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/stargazing

## When to go

- September to March gives long, dark nights; in June the sky never gets fully dark across much of the UK.
- Go near the new moon: see our [moon calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/moon-calendar).
- Time a visit for a [meteor shower](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/meteor-showers), such as the Perseids in August or Geminids in December.

## What to bring

- Warm layers, a hat and a flask: it is colder than you think on open ground.
- A red torch to keep your night vision.
- Binoculars: 10×50s show the Moon's craters and Jupiter's moons.
- A sky map app set to red night mode.

## Be a good visitor

Park only in proper car parks, keep to paths, close gates and take your litter home. Many sites are working farmland or nature reserves.

## Nearby local guides

Our local guides for [Exeter](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/exeter), [Plymouth](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/plymouth) and [Torquay](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/torquay) list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.

## Questions

**Where is the darkest sky in Devon?**

Exmoor National Park, an International Dark Sky Reserve.

**When is the best time to stargaze in Devon?**

Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.

**Can I see the Milky Way in Devon?**

Yes, from Exmoor National Park on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.

## Related

- [All UK dark sky places](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies)
- [Meteor showers](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/meteor-showers)
- [UK stargazing calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/uk-stargazing-calendar-2026-27)

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