Star gazing has always had something of an ethereal quality – the world suddenly seems to be a much more mysterious and beautiful place when set in its universal context.
So why not use this winter break as a chance to spend a stress-free and peaceful holiday in a starry, winter wonderland?
We at CaravanTimes, have prepared a list of what we think are the top five places for you to take your caravans and explore the mystical realms of the heavens above us.
Dalby Forest, Yorkshire
Having earned recognition as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, the Dalby Forest is a stunning 8,600-acre woodland that is an ideal spot to indulge in some astronomy lessons.
Also known as a ‘Milky Way’ class venue for stargazers, the Dalby Forest opened up to the public in 2001 and has since become a popular spot for discovering stars on clear nights due to its lack of pollution.
Enthusiastic stargazers will also be interested to know that the Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society hold monthly events in the beautiful forest. The society is also responsible for running one of the biggest star camps in the UK, Starfest.
Nearby caravan sites include: ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.robinhoodcaravanpark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Robin Hood Camping and Caravan Park and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.dalby-forest.co.uk/camping-dalby-forest.htm" target="_blank">Pexton Moor Farm Dalby Forest Camp Site
Exmoor National Park, Somerset
Surrounded by hills, the Exmoor National Park bears the prestigious title of being named as Europe’s first International Dark Skies Reserve, whilst being ranked as the second reserve in the world to get this accolade.
This world-class park offers everyone the chance to enjoy stargazing throughout year. However, it is worth bearing in mind that autumn and winter is a particularly good time to holiday here, since visitors will be able to enjoy longer and darker nights.
The most exciting moment for any visitor, however, has to be the sight of shooting stars. An almost once-in-a-lifetime event, travellers at this park may be lucky enough to spot these shooting stars during the autumn.
A never-ending array of constellations and planets also await eager astronomers at the park. All you now need are your binoculars and telescopes.
Nearby caravan sites include: Burrowhayes Farm Caravan and Camping Site , ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.porlockcaravanpark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Porlock Camping and Caravan Park and Sparkhayes Farm Camping Site.
Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway
Some of the most stunning visuals of the night sky will greet visitors to the Dark Sky Park in Galloway Forest Park.
These include the beautiful Orion Nebula, the Milky Way Galaxy and even the Andromeda Galaxy whose light has travelling towards us for nearly 2.5 million years.
With incredibly clear views of the sky along with extremely low levels of light pollution, Scotland is one of the best places to enjoy stargazing during the evenings.
In fact, even without binoculars, the twinkling stars are easily visible to the naked eye.
Nearby caravan sites include: Glentrool Holiday Park and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.glenlucecaravans.co.uk/" target="_blank">Whitecairn & Glenluce Holiday Parks.
Northumberland National Park, Northumberland
Just south of the border you will find the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, which is comprised of the whole of Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water & Forest Park.
The breathtaking scope and unpopulated nature of this park guarantees all visitors the chance to feast their eyes on an unbelievable range of stars and constellations.
Also, the Northumberland park is especially unique as it is home to the largest public observatory in Britain, located just above the Kielder Water & Forest Park.
The Kielder Observatory opened in 2008 and has since attracted more than 43,000 visitors. Staging more than 30 events a month, this observatory is definitely one of the most popular attractions in the park.
Budding astronomers should also note that the observatory will be running ‘Star Camp’ next year from 25 February to 2 March.
Giving people the chance to observe, photograph and exchange ideas, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the mysteries of the night.
Nearby caravan sites include: ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.visitkielder.com/caravan-camping/kielder-caravan-camping-site" target="_blank">Kielder Campsite and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=5109" target="_blank">Hadrians Wall Camping & Caravan Site.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys
And finally, we reach the Brecon Beacons National Park, where on a clear night you can see not only the Milky Way but also beautiful meteor showers as well.
The park recently applied to the International Dark Sky Association in order to make their entire park an International Dark Sky Reserve.
And in 2012, the park was awarded the title and has now become the fifth destination in the world (and the first in Wales) to be accredited in this way.
This status has now enabled the park to protect its environment and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
So, by visiting this park, you’re doing your bit to protect the environment while also helping to give a host of nocturnal creatures a safe place to call their home.
Nearby caravan sites include: ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.priorymillfarm.co.uk/" target="_Blank">Priory Mill Farm and ‘<' . strtolower('Array') href="http://www.pencelli-castle.com/" target="_blank">Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park.
Starry-eyed and longing for that incredible vacation yet? To get in the mood, click on the video below:
