Laura Kerslake
23 April 2025
If you're dreaming of a break that combines natural beauty, peace and quiet, and a touch of cosmic wonder, look no further than a stargazing holiday in Wales. With its wide-open landscapes, low light pollution, and two internationally recognised Dark Sky destinations, Wales is a true haven for anyone wanting to connect with the night sky. Whether you're staring up from a remote mountainside or lying back on a quiet beach, the stars in Wales shine bright.
What makes Wales so special for stargazing is its perfect combination of accessibility and remoteness. Within easy reach of towns and cities across Wales, and England, you can find yourself beneath some of the darkest skies in Europe. Wales boasts three International Dark Sky Places, the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and the Elan Valley Estate, as well as more than 30 Dark Sky Discovery Sites right across the country. So, wherever you holiday in Wales, you won’t be far away from an incredible experience.
Many local guides and astronomy groups offer dark sky events, including night hikes, telescope tours, and astrophotography workshops. So whether you're watching to photograph the Milky Way, hoping to catch a meteor shower, or simply want to marvel at the moon, a stargazing holiday in Wales is an unforgettable experience.
Holiday cottages for stargazing in Wales
Stargazing holidays in Wales aren’t just about looking up – they’re about slowing down. From your cosy countryside cabin, beautiful costal cottage, or eco pod with a hot tub, you can sit back, relax and take in the dark skies of Wales.
To help you pick your perfect cottage for a memorable holiday, we’ve rounded up some of our top recommended holiday homes for a night under the stars.
Sky Hut – Caban y Nen, New Quay | sleeps 2
You may want to lay back and look at the stars, but did you ever imagine being able to while lying in a comfortable bed? Well, that’s exactly what you can do at Sky Hut – Caban y Nen near New Quay in West Wales. This unique cabin that was featured on the Channel 4/Netflix documentary 'Cabins in the Wild’, is quite literally made for stargazing – the roof opens up to the skies.
Nestled on a farm in the West Wales this cosy and unique glamping-observatory experience offers a wonderful stay for a couple. On site there’s a shared hot tub, games room, pizza oven, and lake with kayaks and fishing, so you’ll be spoilt for choice for daytime activities. Watch the sun go down from your patio, warmed by the fire pit, and then as the stars come out, retire to bed, open the roof and enjoy the dark skies of Wales.
Pond Cottage, Clyro | sleeps 2
At Pond Cottage not only can you enjoy a wonderful relaxing break in beautiful Mid Wales, but you also get a wonderful astronomical experience. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, Pond Cottage is a superb spot for stargazing and the owner will happily give guests a tour of the night’s sky from their private observatory – not something many holiday cottages can offer!
Perched in an elevated location overlooking the Wye Valley, this picture-perfect retreat occupies a truly magical setting. There’s a gorgeous private patio overlooking a lily pond, ideal for al fresco dining after long days out exploring the beautiful Welsh countryside. And as day turns to night you can stroll across the orchard to the shepherd’s hut to gaze at the stars or enjoy an evening in the observatory.
Book Pond Cottage - Clyro
Lapwing Stargazing Hot Tub Retreat, Rhayader | sleeps 8
As suggested by the name, this stunning Welsh lodge is perfect for a night staring at the star-filled Mid Wales skies. Nestled just outside the Elan Valley Dark Sky Place, it’s perfectly positioned to make the most wonderful spot for a stargazing in Wales. Just imagine curling up on the upstairs balcony after dark with a mug of hot chocolate in hand as you search out some constellations.
This house is also perfect for those that prefer daytime activities to night-time star shows. Its wonderful location is perfect for days out hiking, wildlife-watching, mountain biking and horse riding. And back at the house, there’s a bubbling hot tub for relaxing and a games room for competitive family fun.
Golwg y Mor, Llangrannog | sleeps 4
Tucked into the cliffs in one of the darkest sky areas on the West Wales coast, Golwg y Mor is a dream for those who want to admire the night sky. With no large towns nearby there’s very little light pollution, which makes this peaceful spot perfect for stargazing. So, whether you choose to lie back in the clifftop hot tub, or use the telescope to the lounge to search the sky, you’re sure to enjoy a beautiful starry show.
The spectacular views are just magnificent during daylight hours. With miles of open ocean right in front of the property, you could easily lose hours looking out to sea and trying to spot the area’s dolphin population. If you can tear yourself away from the view from inside, or outside Golwyg y Mor, there’s beautiful coastal villages and clifftop paths to explore.
Old Crofftau, Cantref | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
The Bannau Brycheiniog is one of the best places in the UK to spot the Milky Way, and Old Crofftau is tucked deep within this Dark Sky Reserve. Far away from the towns’ and city's lights, this charming and unique property is ideal for stargazing. Go outside on a clear night and you’re sure to be treated to a wonderful display, or if you like the idea of a cosy night of astronomy, turn off the lights, stick some tunes on the jukebox and look out of the skylights towards space.
This beautifully converted farmhouse is packed with character. Seamlessly blending traditional features and modern comforts, it certainly has the wow factor. Set out in any direction and there’s stunning walks and mountains to climb. Or relax in the stylish interiors while you marvel at the view.
Dragon's Eye - Llygad y Ddraig, New Quay | sleeps 2
Watch the stars shine bright through the dragon’s eye at this quirky property. Windows don’t come much bigger or better than at this as-seen-on-TV cabin, so you can lie back in the fabulous rotating bed and cuddle up while you enjoy the area’s dark skies. Who knows maybe you’ll even spot a shooting star to make a wish on.
Daytimes are just as fabulous at the site near New Quay. Active visitors may choose to take the kayaks out on the lake, or head out on a hike to the wonderful Wales Coast Path. Or if you want a relaxing break, maybe do a spot of fishing before relaxing in the bubbles of the shared hot tub, before enjoying a pizza cooked in the on-site oven.
Beudy Erw'r March, Dinas Mawddwy | sleeps 8
Five-star, luxury, jaw-dropping views, and incredible night skies, this gorgeous barn conversion is a spectacular location for a stargazing in Wales. Set deep within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, a Dark Sky Reserve, the views are awe inspiring during the day, but at night the skies come alive and visitors may see sights that will stay with them forever.
Ideal for families this rural abode has all you may need for a holiday to remember. Its interiors are luxe comfort, perfect for relaxing in style. And outside there’s a bubbling hot tub where you can chill while the kids tire themselves out on the wooden play equipment.
Ashtree Hall, Gower | sleeps 8
The Gower National Landscape (formally Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) was officially named an International Dark Sky Community in January 2025. The award recognises the area’s commitment to preserving its natural darkness and minimizing light pollution, making it one of the best places in the country to admire the stars. And nestled in the heart of the Gower is the equally stunning Ashtree Hall.
Overlooking Rhossili Bay, renowned for being a great place to capture a shot of the Milky Way, this gorgeous five-star property is ideal for those who want to go stargazing. After days out exploring the Gower’s beaches and countryside, or relaxing in the property’s stylish surroundings, snuggle up on the balcony with a mug of something warm and a blanket and watch the sky shine.
Stargaze from our holiday cottages in Wales
So now you know Wales is one of the best places in the UK to see the stars, it’s time to book yourself a trip to see the dark skies. Whether you want a romantic retreat with your other half in one of our rural cottages, or a stay in a family-friendly holiday home where you can teach the children about the importance of the night sky, we’ll have the perfect pad for you.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.