Dark Skies & Stargazing in North Cornwall
Discover a different side of Cornwall after dark
Cornwall is famous for its beaches, coastal walks and beautiful countryside, but when night falls, there is another side to discover.
Bodmin Moor, within easy reach of North Cornwall, has been recognised as an International Dark Sky Landscape for the quality of its night skies and the efforts made to protect them from light pollution. It’s a reminder of just how special a clear, star-filled sky can be when you get away from the brightest lights. Hentervene is on the outskirts of Bodmin moor, and whilst our area doesn’t officially have dark skies status, our night skies are truly spectacular. We do not have lights around the park so we do not spoil it.
At Hentervene Holiday Park, near Crackington Haven and Bude, we love the quieter side of holiday life. Alongside our surrounding countryside and nearby coast, the night sky offers another reason to slow down, step outside and enjoy the natural world.
Whether you’re already interested in astronomy or have never looked through a telescope, stargazing can be a fascinating way to spend an evening.
What can you see in the night sky?
You don’t need expensive equipment or years of experience to begin exploring the heavens. On a clear night, there is plenty to discover with the naked eye, and a small telescope can reveal details that you might never have noticed before. We provide a reflecting telescope in the Hazel Tree lodge.
The Moon
A great place to start, particularly for beginners. Through a telescope, the Moon’s craters, mountain ranges and rugged surface become much more apparent. The best views of its surface detail are often around the boundary between its illuminated and dark sides, known as the terminator.
The planets
Depending on the time of year and their position in the sky, planets such as Jupiter and Saturn can be fascinating sights. Jupiter’s brightest moons can be visible through a modest telescope, while Saturn’s rings can be a rewarding sight when the viewing conditions and equipment allow.
Stars and constellations
Start with the familiar patterns of the Plough, Cassiopeia and Orion when they are visible. With a little practice, you can begin to find your way around the night sky and recognise some of the brighter stars.
Meteor showers and Comets
At certain times of year, Earth passes through trails of debris left by comets and asteroids, producing meteor showers. These are best enjoyed with the naked eye rather than a telescope. Find a comfortable spot, look towards a wide area of sky and see what appears.
The Milky Way
Under sufficiently dark skies, particularly when the Moon is not bright, the Milky Way can appear as a pale, cloudy band stretching across the sky. How clearly it can be seen depends on light pollution, weather, the season and your viewing location.
Bodmin Moor: a special place for dark skies
Bodmin Moor was designated an International Dark Sky Landscape in 2017, recognising the quality of its night skies and the importance of protecting them for future generations.
The designation covers a defined area of the moor and a surrounding buffer zone. The open landscape, distant horizons and relatively low levels of artificial lighting in suitable locations make the moor an appealing place for stargazing.
The darker months can offer particularly good opportunities. Autumn and winter bring longer nights, while spring can also provide rewarding observing conditions.
For more information about the designation and the work being done to protect Cornwall’s night skies, visit the Cornwall National Landscape Dark Skies project.
Stargazing at Hentervene
You don’t have to be a dedicated astronomer to enjoy looking at the stars. Sometimes the pleasure is simply being outside on a clear evening, watching the sky change as daylight fades.
At Hentervene, we’re fortunate to be in a part of North Cornwall where the countryside and natural surroundings are an important part of the experience. The night sky provides another opportunity to enjoy the quieter side of a stay with us.
Guests staying at Hazel Lodge have access to a telescope, offering the opportunity to explore the Moon, planets and other celestial sights when conditions are suitable.
It’s an extra feature for the curious, whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner, a couple looking for something different to enjoy together, or a family wanting to introduce younger visitors to the wonders of space.
You don’t need to plan a dedicated astronomy break. It can be as simple as making time for a look at the Moon after a day exploring the coast.
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A few tips for a better stargazing experience
Choose a clear night!
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that. Thin cloud, mist and haze can make a considerable difference to what you can see.
Give your eyes time to adjust.
Allow around 20–30 minutes away from bright lights to become more accustomed to the darkness. Avoid looking at bright phone screens where possible.
Check the Moon’s phase.
A bright Moon can make fainter stars and the Milky Way harder to see, although it is an excellent target in its own right.
Wrap up warmly.
Even after a mild day, temperatures can drop once you’re standing outside at night. Bring an extra layer and something warm to drink.
Start with the naked eye.
Learn a few constellations before trying to find particular objects through a telescope. A free stargazing app can help, provided you keep its screen brightness low.
We provide a starter guide in Hazel Tree lodge to help.
Be patient.
Astronomy depends on the weather and the position of objects in the sky. If conditions aren’t suitable one evening, there may be another opportunity during your stay.
Enjoy the quieter side of North Cornwall
At Hentervene Holiday Park, we believe a great holiday doesn’t have to be full of activities and attractions. Sometimes it’s about enjoying the countryside, exploring the coast, spotting wildlife and finding time to appreciate the things we often overlook.
A clear night sky is one of those things.
If you’d like to combine a peaceful North Cornwall stay with the opportunity to discover a little more about the universe, Hazel Lodge offers a welcome place to begin.
Find your escape at Hentervene.