Dark Skies in West Cornwall

Night sky adventures in West Penwith

What better way to spend the long winter evenings, than to revel in the beauty of our dark skies.

You could spend a late afternoon enjoying the blue hour, when the sun remains lower in the sky and you can see the landscape in dreamy, dramatic lighting, or find a spot by the coast to enjoy a spectacular Cornish sunset. You could book an archeoastronomy tour and discover the connection between ancient sites and the night’s sky or simply head out on a clear night to gaze up at the stars.

You can mix and match from the suggested activities to create a great day out during your stay. Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.

Look up; Stargazing in West Penwith

From October onwards, the darker evenings create the perfect opportunity for stargazing. West Penwith is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and has recently been designated an International Dark Sky Park (one of just seven sites in the UK). This means the area is naturally dark and has minimal light pollution.

Head out on a cloudless night and follow these helpful tips to experience nature’s spectacle in the sky. Top stargazing spots include the Merry Maidens Stone Circle in Boleigh and Carn Galver Engine House in Zennor.

Stargazing requires advanced planning as locations can be remote. Suitable for advanced levels of fitness. You can find more through Go Stargazing

Archeoastronomy and heritage walk; Archeoastronomy Cornwall

How did our ancestors try to make sense of the night sky? During this fascinating guided walk, you’ll explore the ancient sites of West Penwith to discover their connection with astronomical events. The Archeoastronomy and Heritage Walk takes you to barrows, ancient stone circles and more. Find out more about Carolyn’s tour and book here.

Essential Information

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Accessibility

Many of the activities in this itinerary will offer accessible access, however we advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to confirm.