Dark Skies & Stargazing at Summerlands

Set within the Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve, Summerlands offers a remarkable place to experience the night sky. On clear evenings, step outside and discover countless stars, familiar constellations and the breathtaking beauty of the Milky Way.

Beneath Some of England’s Darkest Skies

Summerlands Caravan Park lies within the Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in England to enjoy naturally dark night skies. In October 2019, Cranborne Chase became the first National Landscape in the country to be designated in its entirety as an International Dark Sky Reserve—and the 14th such reserve worldwide.

On a clear night at Summerlands, you may be able to see the Milky Way and a remarkable array of stars above the Wiltshire countryside. With very little light pollution, the park is a wonderful location for stargazing, astrophotography or simply sitting outside and enjoying the night sky.

Summerlands has hosted many stargazing weekends organised by the Hampshire-based astronomy group HantsAstro. Members have also shared some of the incredible photographs captured during their stays with us.

Dark Skies

Summerlands Caravan Park benefits from being situated under some of the Darkest Skies in the country. The Cranborne Chase National Landscape became the 14^th International Dark Sky Reserve across the globe in October 2019 and joins a prestigious group of areas around the world that are certified by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).

Dark night skies are a thing of wonder. When did you last see the Milky Way? On a clear night it is truly amazing to gaze at the incredible array of stars above us at Summerlands.

We have hosted many Star Gazing weekends, organised by the Hampshire based astronomy group HantsAstro. Members have kindly shared some of the incredible images they have taken during their stays with us.