A practical stargazing guide to Bodmin Moor's International Dark Sky Landscape for campers staying near Boscastle: when to go, what to look for and how to stay safe.
Bodmin Moor is one of the best places in southern England to see a truly dark sky. In 2017 it was designated an International Dark Sky Landscape by the International Dark-Sky Association (now DarkSky International), the first such designation in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now called a National Landscape. Lower Pennycrocker Farm is near Boscastle on the coast, and the northern edge of the moor is a short drive inland. This guide explains how to make the most of it.
The dark-sky designation applies to Bodmin Moor, not to our farm. That said, the farm is in the countryside away from town lights, and on clear nights the sky above the fields can be impressive too. See sunsets and stargazing in north Cornwall.
Getting to the moor from the farm
The Rough Tor car park, near Camelford, is the easiest starting point from us. It is about ten miles by road, roughly half an hour's drive on country roads. Our Camping near Bodmin Moor page and Bodmin Moor guide have more on the area.
When to go stargazing
- Darkness: In summer, Cornwall's nights are short and the sky never gets fully dark around midsummer. April, late August, September and October give properly dark skies at a reasonable hour during our camping season.
- Moon: Plan around the new moon. A bright moon washes out faint stars and the Milky Way.
- Weather: Look for a clear, settled forecast with little wind. See north Cornwall weather for campers.
Meteor showers in the camping season
| Shower | Usual peak |
|---|---|
| Lyrids | late April |
| Perseids | mid-August |
| Orionids | late October |
The Perseids are the best known and often the most reliable. Lie back on a mat, give your eyes time to adjust, and be patient.
What you can see
- The Milky Way, especially from late summer into autumn on moonless nights.
- Constellations and bright planets.
- The International Space Station passing overhead.
- Satellites and, on lucky nights, meteors at any time.
Tips for stargazing on the moor
- Let your eyes adapt. It takes around 20 minutes to see well in the dark. Use a red torch to keep your night vision.
- Wrap up. Even on summer nights it gets cold on high ground. Bring layers, a hat and a flask.
- Stay near the car park. Do not walk out onto the open moor in the dark unless you know it well. There are bogs, rocks and livestock.
- Use an app. A star-chart app helps you identify what you are seeing.
- Take binoculars. They show far more than the naked eye.
- Respect the dark. Keep headlights and torches off and low when others are watching.
Combine with a day on the moor
Make a day of it with a walk up Rough Tor in the afternoon, supper in Camelford, then stay for the stars. See camping near Camelford.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bodmin Moor a Dark Sky Reserve?
It is an International Dark Sky Landscape, designated in 2017.
When is the best time to see the Milky Way from Cornwall?
On clear, moonless nights from late summer into autumn.
Is Lower Pennycrocker Farm a dark sky site?
No. The designation is for Bodmin Moor. The farm does have open countryside skies away from town lights.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
