Farther than you want to travel, but Glentrool is on the edge of the original UK International Dark Skies park at Galloway Forest Park. From Swindon it looks like Brecon is the nearest quality area.
And finally if anyone is ever on this side of the Irish Sea, Kinnego Marina in County Armagh is in a Dark Skies Discovery site.
Quote: Originally posted by _tich_ on 24/11/2016
Astronomy & camping? My favourite pastime.
I either go to Lucksall caravan & camping park to a star party, ok it doesnt have the darkest skies due to the lights over Hereford way but isn't to bad, or another site I go to is Pencelli Castle caravan & camping Park which does have some pretty decent dark skies. Hoping to go to Pencelli in March to a star party & again in May bank holiday just for a break & meet up with friends. But my scopes won't be to far from me.
That is some setup. I have to say I would have to wander over If I saw you using that setup. Would love to have a nosey through something like that.
I use a scope for birding on my travels but that is another level.
Forgive my ignorance, I've forgotten to have a check of this for some time. Tich, lovely image of Pleiades! Thanks very much for the tips, Lucksall sounds perfect, should be collecting the new tent in the next couple of weeks all being well so I think it will be a good place to start 2017's camping/ astronomy - if we ever manage a clear night again :)
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Quote: Originally posted by Oortrageous on 09/12/2016
Forgive my ignorance, I've forgotten to have a check of this for some time. Tich, lovely image of Pleiades! Thanks very much for the tips, Lucksall sounds perfect, should be collecting the new tent in the next couple of weeks all being well so I think it will be a good place to start 2017's camping/ astronomy - if we ever manage a clear night again :)
Thanks,
If you join stargazers lounge they organize a star party at Lucksall too with a hog roast curry night quizzes etc, they used to go in March but they have now moved it to October now but they're a friendly lot & I've learnt a hell of a lot from them.
There's also a erm cafe on site too as you'll see;
Hi Oortrageous, ( Swindon in the South West ??? ) We used to go to places like Princetown or Hexworthy on Dartmoor, but within your stated area why not try The Forest of Dean or Symonds Yat.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Any camping astronomers?
