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Dark skies in West Sussex
The western South Downs, around Harting Down, Iping Common and Bignor Hill, hold the reserve's darkest core.
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.
- 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 Brighton and Crawley list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.
Questions answered
Where is the darkest sky in West Sussex?
South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve), an International Dark Sky Reserve.
When is the best time to stargaze in West Sussex?
Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
Can I see the Milky Way in West Sussex?
Yes, from South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve) on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.
Key facts (summary)
- The western South Downs, around Harting Down, Iping Common and Bignor Hill, hold the reserve's darkest core.
- South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve), an International Dark Sky Reserve.
- Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.
- Yes, from South Downs National Park (Moore's Reserve) on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.
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