Four great hostels for stargazing in the UK

Located in the heart of Northumberland Dark Sky Park, one of the largest protected dark sky areas in Europe, YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall is a haven for stargazers. Free from light pollution thanks to its remote rural setting, it offers breathtaking views of the night sky. On a clear evening, you can spot up to 2,000 stars with the naked eye and marvel at the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. 

With a pair of binoculars, you can even make out the galaxy’s bright central core, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Remarkably, some of the celestial objects visible from here are up to 2.5 million light years away, making it the perfect place to explore the wonders of the universe.

Stay at YHA The Sill

This moorland hostel’s selling points come as thick and fast as a meteor shower. There’s the location, for one — situated on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park — then there’s the hostel itself, a charming, converted old railway goods shed. Expect exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and a cosy atmosphere. For ramblers, climbers and cyclists, it’s a glorious setting. 

After sundown, the low-slung moorland translates into the most atmospheric of stages for stargazing, with the calls of nightjars and the hoots of tawny owls often providing a soundtrack in the darkness. As with many of our hostels, the property can be booked on Exclusive Hire until mid-March, when individual guests can then take their pick from a selection of private rooms. Camping is also available, and with this being a dog-friendly option here at YHA Okehampton (Partner), you can even stargaze with your four-legged friends.

Stay at YHA Okehampton (Partner)

The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is a special place at any time of the year, covering 520 square miles of peaks, ridges, waterfalls and woodlands. Tucked into the folds of the park on the banks of the Talybont Reservoir you’ll find this ever-popular hostel with its farmhouse stonework, old fireplace and sturdy wooden beams. From here, the delights of the Brecon Beacons — from show caves to stand-up paddleboarding — are readily explored, with hiking and biking routes stretching off to all corners.

The Brecon Beacons National Park has been an International Dark Sky Reserve since 2012, a designation which means not only does it offer exceptional starry nights but it also has specific protection for minimising light pollution. The hostel itself is available on Exclusive Hire year-round, with a total of 39 beds and perks that include a log-burning stove and a ready welcome for dogs. And if the weather’s not playing ball, the award-winning Llangorse Multi Activity Centre is just a couple of miles away, offering indoor rock climbing and bouldering, high-level cargo nets and even a huge indoor zip line.

Stay at YHA Brecon Beacons Danywenallt

It’s now been almost 12 years since YHA South Downs opened its doors in East Sussex, and this farmhouse hostel still sets the standard when it comes to location. Sitting right on the famous South Downs Way — the 100-mile-long National Trail that snakes along the chalk escarpments of the South Downs — it also has substantial grounds of its own. Climbing, biking and rambling are all big draws, and if you need a bit of urban buzz to complement the outdoor scenery, Brighton is just 25 minutes away by rail.

But while the seaside city provides a definite sparkle of its own, nothing compares to the twinkling eternity of the night sky, and the South Downs National Park is another to be designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. It even holds its own annual Dark Skies Festival — the 25th edition in 2025 will take place between 13th and 23rd February — and guests at the hostel can, as elsewhere, hire out a Dark Skies kit. Shared rooms, private rooms, camping pods and a premium bell tent are all on offer, as is the chance to hire the whole 27-bed farmhouse.

Stay at YHA South Downs