Moorlands Cottage
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Things to do · Isle of Wight

Stargazing

Low light pollution means wonderfully dark, starry skies over the Back of the Wight on clear nights.

The Isle of Wight is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and light pollution is kept to a minimum, so on a clear night the skies over the Back of the Wight are remarkably dark. Brighstone Beach and the cliffs nearby are on the island’s own list of recommended stargazing spots, a few minutes from the cottage.

Autumn, winter and spring are the best seasons, when it gets dark early. Plan around the new Moon, when moonlight interferes least with faint stars, and give your eyes time to adjust.

Places & routes

  1. 01

    Closest spot

    Brighstone Beach & cliffs

    Dark, open skies looking out over the sea, just down the road from Moorlands.

    Visit visitisleofwight.co.uk
  2. 02

    With car parks

    Compton Bay & Brook Chine

    Recommended stargazing sites with parking along the Military Road.

    Visit visitisleofwight.co.uk
  3. 03

    Remote spot

    The Longstone, Mottistone

    A Neolithic standing stone on the down above Mottistone, with wide views of the night sky.

    Visit visitisleofwight.co.uk
  4. 04

    Rainy-night option

    Island Planetarium, Yarmouth

    Planetarium and observatory near Yarmouth. Nearby Fort Victoria Country Park is a Dark Sky Discovery site.

    Visit visitisleofwight.co.uk