Why It’s Worth Staying Up for South Devon’s Night Skies

If you have no prior knowledge of stargazing, that's okay. All you'll need is a clear evening, a bit of patience, and, ideally, a dark area away from any sources of light, so that you can gaze up at the skies peacefully.

Devon Hast The Fourth Darkest Night Skies in the Country

One of the unique things about South Devon is that it has very little light pollution, so the stars are all visible and bright in the evening. Yes, there are light sources in towns, but the majority of rural areas and coastlines remain unaffected by light pollution.

When you step away from a densely populated area, the sky will be much clearer due to there being much less interference. On a clear night with no clouds, you'll see much more than expected in southern England.

A Different Way to Experience the Landscape

During the day, some areas tend to look and feel familiar, but at night, they take on a completely different vibe. Beaches, in particular, look completely different depending on the tide, as do the rock formations along them. At times, they can even seem unrecognisable, especially with the number of stars above the horizon.

Being able to spend time watching the stars helps you see even the smallest details of nature you might not have noticed before. Stargazing is an activity that’s extremely easy to do, as no special preparation, scheduling, or planning needs to take place before you begin. Once you arrive, you simply sit back, relax, and let the universe do its thing…

Stargazing Spots Around South Devon

From the coastline to the countryside, South Devon has some great places to admire the night sky. Here are three top recommendations:

●Dartmoor National Park

With its wide-open moorlands and minimal light pollution, Dartmoor is one of the best places for stargazing in South Devon.

●Start Point

Located on the southern tip of the Devon coast, Start Point offers amazing views of the night sky, with the lighthouse providing a striking backdrop.

●Slapton Sands

A peaceful beach perfect for stargazing, away from the bright lights of towns.

South Devon’s stargazing spots offer something for everyone, from coastal views to tranquil countryside. Wherever you go, the clear skies create the perfect setting for a night under the stars.

Best Time to Stargaze

During autumn and winter, the nights tend to have the clearest skies due to a lack of humidity caused by the lower temperatures. The longer nights during this period also give stargazers more opportunities to watch the stars.

Summer has its own charm. The air is typically warmer, and evenings are usually quiet. A short stargazing session during a summer vacation can be very rewarding, as long as the sky is clear.

While stargazing is about disconnecting from screens, getting there still depends on a bit of planning. Weather forecasts, travel routes, and viewing conditions are usually checked online beforehand.

For those doing this on public networks while travelling, simple precautions like using secure browsing settings, trusted weather apps, offline maps, or a VPN APK for Android can help keep things safe and reliable before putting the phone away and focusing on the sky.

You Don’t Need Much to Get Started

Stargazing in South Devon can be enjoyed with minimal equipment or know-how. Here are some simple items to up your comfort levels while stargazing:

●Warm layers

Even on mild days, the temperature near the coast can drop quickly in the evening so it’s a good idea to wear warm clothing, like a jumper or light jacket, for comfort.

●Something to sit on

You'll enjoy the view more if you have something to sit on, allowing you to relax and take your time without needing to leave early to avoid the chill from the ground.

●A warm drink

Having a warm drink like tea or hot chocolate while looking at the stars, especially on chilly evenings, creates a greater experience.

●Allow your eyes to acclimate

Your eyes will need 10 to 15 minutes to adjust to the lack of bright light in order to see the stars and planets clearly.

●Binoculars

These aren't necessary for stargazing, but using them can greatly enhance the experience when looking at the moon, stars, or planets up close.

Stargazing requires only a few simple items, and it can be one of the most relaxing and peaceful experiences you’ll have in South Devon!

Look up and Unwind

The night sky in South Devon offers us simple beauty. Whether we are with friends or without, for a couple of minutes or several hours, it's an invitation to take some time to breathe and unwind – to appreciate the quietness of the stars.

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