# Dark skies in East Sussex

> Officially designated dark sky places in East Sussex: South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve). What to see, where to park and when to go.

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

Ditchling Beacon and Birling Gap are designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites within reach of Brighton and Eastbourne.

## South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve)

International Dark Sky Reserve, designated by DarkSky International in 2016. Named after the astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who lived in Selsey, this reserve covers the National Park across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

The park's Dark Sky Discovery Sites include Old Winchester Hill, Butser Hill, Harting Down, Iping Common, Bignor Hill, Devil's Dyke, Ditchling Beacon and Birling Gap. More details: https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies/

## 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 [Brighton](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/brighton) and [Hastings](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/hastings) list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.

## Questions

**Where is the darkest sky in East Sussex?**

South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve), an International Dark Sky Reserve.

**When is the best time to stargaze in East Sussex?**

Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.

**Can I see the Milky Way in East Sussex?**

Yes, from South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve) 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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