Best Meteor Shower Viewing Locations in the Lake District 2023

Best Meteor Shower Viewing Locations in the Lake District

The Lake District is a fantastic site to gaze at the stars any time of year. Because of the low population density distributed across a large region, there is far less light pollution obstructing views of the night sky.

On clear nights, you can witness a breathtaking canopy of 1000s of stars, and can even view the Milky Way stretching overhead (which is otherwise impossible to see from 80% of the UK). With changing night-sky views all year, every month brings different dark sky beauty. Lucky visitors may even see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) at certain times of the year.

Of course, seeing meteor showers is highly dependent on cloud cover, and clear evenings are more common in the winter than summer. Check the weather forecast before visiting one of the below locations to prevent disappointment.

ENNERDALE VALLEY

Parking: Bowness Knott Car Park, Ennerdale, CA23 3AU

This lonely valley on the western side of the Lake District is largely deserted, with the eastern end, Wild Ennerdale, one of the Lake District’s most remote locations. As a result, there is less light pollution in this area. The lakeside path is flat and well-maintained, perfect for strolling in the dark. Carry a torch with you when strolling to assist you in avoiding falling into the lake.

WASDALE VALLEY

Parking: Wasdale Head NT Car Park, CA20 1EX

The Wasdale Valley is often regarded as one of Britain’s most beautiful valleys, thanks in part to its small population and lack of distractions from the rocky environment. Like Ennerdale Valley, there is no light pollution here, but unlike Ennerdale, where driving along the lake requires permission, Wasdale Valley has a road running up to the end. There’s a campground and a tavern here, so it’s a nice spot to spend the night stargazing.

GRIZEDALE FOREST

Parking: Grizedale Forest Forestry Commission Car Parks, LA22 0QJ

Grizedale Forest is one of five Forestry Commission locations to have received Dark Sky Discovery accreditation, indicating that astronomy professionals have regarded it as providing exceptional stargazing opportunities. The woodland is located between Coniston and Windermere, with nothing in the surrounding region to cause light pollution. Throughout the winter months, the Forestry Commission hosts stargazing events. Along the road between Hawkshead and Satterthwaite are several car parks with access to the woodland.

ALLAN BANK

Parking: Grasmere has a number of pay and display car parks.

Another Dark Sky Discovery location is Allan Bank, a National Trust property near Grasmere. Despite its close proximity to the community of Grasmere, the property has relatively little light pollution above it. Throughout the winter, the resort hosts monthly stargazing events. The property may be closed in the evening for certain showers; however, a public pathway from Easedale Road in Grasmere passes near the property and will provide the same quality of dark sky viewing. It’s a short walk from the middle of Grasmere, making it an excellent choice if you stay in that region.

SKIDDAW

Parking: Underskiddaw Car Park, Gale Road, Nr Keswick, CA12 4PH (approximate post code)

Skiddaw is England’s sixth highest hill, offering panoramic views of Cumbria, the Solway Firth, and Scotland. You should not attempt to watch the Perseids from Skiddaw’s top if you are not a confident fell hiker. On the other hand, the way up is rather straightforward and well maintained, making it one of the easiest fells for nighttime ascents and descents. A youth hostel is near to the peak, so you may spend the night there. A stone shelter at the summit provides refuge from the wind.

UK Meteor shower dates 2023