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Dark skies in Dorset
North Dorset's Cranborne Chase is one of the darkest places in southern England.
Cranborne Chase
International Dark Sky Reserve, designated by DarkSky International in 2019. A National Landscape of chalk downland across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset, and one of the darkest places in southern England.
Open downland near Cranborne, Tollard Royal and Win Green has big skies. More details: https://www.cranbornechase.org.uk/
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.
- Time a visit for a meteor shower, 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 Bournemouth, Poole and Salisbury list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.
Questions answered
Where is the darkest sky in Dorset?
Cranborne Chase, an International Dark Sky Reserve.
When is the best time to stargaze in Dorset?
Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
Can I see the Milky Way in Dorset?
Yes, from Cranborne Chase on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.
Key facts (summary)
- North Dorset's Cranborne Chase is one of the darkest places in southern England.
- Cranborne Chase, an International Dark Sky Reserve.
- Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
- Yes, from Cranborne Chase on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.
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