Star spangled planner: The best British camping places to book for stargazing
There's nothing more romantic than sleeping under canvas, with a sky full of stars - but it's no good if the sky is always cloudy with light pollution. So where exactly should you pitch your tent, if you want to catch a celestial display from the comfort of your sleeping bag?
According to new research from motorhome rental company Camptoo, who have cross-referenced the peak astronomical hours in various areas with the number of good campsites nearby, these are the best places for would-be astronomers to see annual meteor showers - which are visible now until the 23rd August, and again in October, November and December.
Beam us up, we're ready to go...
Tomintoul and Glenlivet, The Cairngorms
With peak astronomical viewing time and 25 campsites nearby, these remote areas in Scotland's spectacular Cairngorms are the perfect place to spot the current Perseid showers - but they're also an amazing place to stargaze all year round.
Watch this: Ever wonder how many stars you can see in the sky at one time?
With very little light pollution, high vantage points and wide horizons, Tomintoul and Glenlivet have both been awarded the prestigious status of ‘International Dark Sky Park’ - meaning they're two of the best places to watch the night sky in the entire world.
Coll, The Inner Hebrides
This island in the Inner Hebrides, west of the Isle of Mull, is a remote and wonderful place to stargaze. There are almost no street lights on the entire Dark Sky Island, giving you incredible views of the night sky above with just your naked eye.
What's more, the Hebrides are one of the few places in the UK where you might just catch the Northern Lights between September and April - so get the hot chocolate brewing, and keep your eyes peeled.
Northumberland National Park
This wild park in Northern England, offering 400 square miles of wonderful scenery, is the largest Dark Sky Park in the UK.
There are plenty of campsites around the park, and by day you can walk to amazing sights including Hadrian's wall, the Simonside Hills and beautiful villages such as Harbottle. Pass us the telescope...
Galloway Forest Park
Just west of Dumfries, Galloway Forest is the perfect place to camp out and see the meteor showers - or to star-spot all year around. It was actually the very first Dark Sky Park in the UK, singled out for its incredible viewing opportunities and rare stargazing conditions.
Read more: What to pack for a night of stargazing
Very few people live in the 300 square miles of forest and hills here, meaning that an estimated 7,000 stars and planets are visible without any equipment - including, usually, the silvery spangle of the Milky Way. The perfect place to pitch up and get away from it all.
Snowdonia National Park
The national park around Wales’ largest mountain, Snowdon, is not only jam-packed with campsites but an utterly incredible place to watch the night sky.
One of just ten Dark Sky Reserves in the world, the Snowdonia National Park is also the perfect place to come for a walking and climbing holiday.
Amazing views by day - even more amazing views by night. What's not to love?
Watch: Looking for an activity the whole family can enjoy? Try star gazing
