Cornwall’s Most Cosmic Stargazing Spots
A blissful, sunny day on a Cornish beach is certain to lighten your troubles and lessen your cares, but a clear, starry night can be equally uplifting. Here are five of Cornwall’s most cherished stargazing locations, all of them guaranteed to leave you feeling cosmic and spellbound…
St Agnes & Chapel Porth
St Agnes & Chapel Porth is classified as one of the best stargazing locations in the whole of the UK having received ‘Dark Sky’ status; Dark Sky places are areas or sites that have been officially recognised for their low levels of light pollution and good public access. Here, among the banks of purple heather and the perched stone ruins of tin and copper mines, you can gaze at the starry skies and chart the constellations.
Carnewas & Bedruthan Steps
The majestic sea stacks that tower over the sparkling waters off Bedruthan beach form part of the dramatic landscape of one of Cornwall’s most beloved stargazing spots. When night-time falls, the sea stacks become giant, inky-black shadows under a blanket of twinkling stars and the far-distant glow of the Milky Way. Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps has also been the recipient of ‘Dark Sky’ status.
Godolphin Hill
By day, a walk to the summit of Godolphin Hill is rewarded by breathtaking views of St Ives Bay to the north and St Michael’s Mount to the south. By night, you’ll be spellbound by the starlit sky and cosmic vistas.
The Cheesewring
Travel to the eastern fringe of Bodmin Moor to the ancient parish of Linkinhorne and you’ll find Stowe’s Hill and the iconic weathered outcrop of piled granite slabs known as ‘The Cheesewring’. Legend has it that the stack came into being after a stone throwing contest between a Christian saint and a hill giant. This historical site commands sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and is a wonderful setting for a spot of stargazing across its raven-black sky.
Trelissick
Surrounded by winding garden paths, exotic plants and herbaceous borders, Trelissick is one of Cornwall’s most cherished country houses and gardens. As the shadows fall and the dappled sunlight ebbs, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the night sky over the Fal estuary and its moon-rippled waters, one of the West Country’s favourite star gazing haunts.
Take a look at our long list of heavenly Cornish holiday cottages and prepare to be starstruck.