It can be truly awe-inspiring to gaze up at a clear sky full of stars and pick out the constellations, planets and other celestial sights. Suffolk’s rolling countryside and remote coastline combined with low light pollution offers the perfect destination for star and moon-gazing enthusiasts.
Pack your telescope and flask and head out to these spots for vast, clear skies, including designated dark sky discovery sites on the Suffolk Coast.
National Trust Dunwich Heath and Beach
As a National Trust site, Dunwich Heath is not only a popular area for walking and nature spotting, the Trust also regularly hosts scheduled stargazing events such as ‘Night sky observing’ where astronomers set up telescopes and are on hand to guide visitors and provide information about the wonders to be seen above. This is a great way for those who are new to star-gazing to gain some expertise before they set off to view the skies solo.
Image: National Trust Dunwich Heath
Covehithe
Accessible only by foot or bike after parking up at St Andrew’s Church, Covehithe is a remote beach located off-the-beaten-path. You can set up camp between the dunes and keep an eye on the sky above. Visitors have reported seeing celestial events such as meteor showers, blue moons and planets as well as stars, so wrap up warm and bring a flask of hot chocolate and a blanket to lay down and really take it all in.
Image: Jon Kennard
Walberswick
A National Nature Reserve, Walberswick is also a Designated Dark Sky Site, which means that it is an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Its public car park is open all-year round and can be easily accessed from the B1387. Just drive into Walberswick, take a right turn on Lodge Road and you will find the car park on the left-hand side. Take a flask of something hot, and binoculars if you have them, but with the low light pollution and vast skies, you’ll be able to see plenty of celestial bodies without any specialist equipment.
Image: Gill Moon Photography
Westleton Common
Westleton Common is the other designated dark sky site in Suffolk, and is made up of open coastal heathland just a short distance from Dunwich. It has good visibility in all directions and very dark skies stretching out above. You can hope to see bright twinkling stars, constellations and perhaps the milky way on a very clear night. This area is such a hit with stargazers that it is even frequented by members of DASH Astro Society, who run public stargazing sessions here. To find this location, turn off the B1126 onto Mill Street, and turn right into the car park when you reach the crossroads.
Image: David Powley
Herringfleet Windmill, near Somerleyton
Make your way to the unusual location of Herringfleet windmill car park by night and you may well be rewarded with a stunning photo opportunity. Another Designated Dark Skies Site, this peaceful and remote setting boasts dark skies, low light pollution and a perfect backdrop for stargazing with the grade II listed windmill standing out against the night sky. It’s a great place for a spot of astrophotography, with a difference.
Image: Gill Moon Photography
Shingle Street
Shingle Street is a well-known spot for stargazing due to its beautiful coastal location and minimal light pollution. In 2021, a photographer even managed to capture stunning images of the Milky Way rising, visible from Shingle Street with the naked eye! This is a wonderfully remote location for anyone who wants to find peace, tranquility and a huge open sky by the coast.
Image: Daniel Ian Photography
Orwell Park Observatory near Ipswich
Orwell Park Observatory is a fascinating place nestled within the grounds of Orwell Park School in Nacton, near Ipswich. It’s an historic astronomical facility established in 1874 and is still operational today. Visitors can explore the observatory via guided tours and stargazing sessions using the historic telescope.
Image: Archant