Travel News
The UK has some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe and Pembrokeshire is one of the UK’s best destinations to appreciate one of nature’s most amazing spectacles.
For visitors looking to witness this phenomenon, January through to March can be the best time to observe, and because Pembrokeshire does not have a great deal of light pollution, visitors can view over 1,000 stars on any given clear night.
Venus and Mars on the western horizon at sunset and Jupiter shining in the eastern sky are just some of the remarkable sights you can witness, and if you’re lucky, sometimes you can spot the Big Dipper and Orion. You can even view The Milky Way, stretching across the sky at Broadhaven South – one of Pembrokeshire’s designated Dark Sky areas.
Located around a 30-minute drive from Broadhaven South, Bluestone national park resort, provides the perfect spot. Three nights in a cabin-style woodland lodge, with an outdoor patio area, sleeping two is priced at £327. As the sun goes down, grab a blanket and get comfy on your own private patio and wonder at the sky lighting up.
Besides Broadhaven South, Pembrokeshire’s rugged coastline provides some of the best dark sky opportunities, the UK Dark Sky Discovery Partnership – Pembrokeshire Coast Dark Skies has approved eight Dark Sky Discovery Sites, which provide the best opportunities to view.
The Grade-2 listed Georgian Manor Town House in the charming seaside market town of Garn Fawr, near Fishguard, one of the designated areas, has six rooms, starting from £125 per night, per room. The pretty garden terrace commanding beautiful views across Fishguard Bay provides guests with a front seat to view the dramatic night sky.
Musselwick Farm, a 232-acre holding on the beautiful Marloes and St Brides peninsula is a collection of restored cottages and farm buildings. An ideal base for a group of enthusiastic astronomers, or extended family looking for a winter break with a difference, Musselwick is just a short walk from Kete Martin’s Haven, Milford Haven – another Pembrokeshire destination rated for its top-notch stargazing.
For visitors looking to tie in some stargazing with a relaxing mindfulness break, Little Retreats has created a Micro Retreat this winter. Priced from just £119 per person for four people sharing a dome, the experience includes:
- A pre-light hot tub on arrival – ideal to soak and relax whilst looking up at the dark skies.
- A stretch and unwind workshop with wellbeing coach and advanced personal trainer Amber Lort-Phillips to help unwind the body and quieten the mind.
- A wellbeing guide to Pembrokeshire, full of tips on places to explore and help reset the body and mind.
- A map of local walks allowing visitors to explore the ancient magical woodlands of Lawrenny.
- A self-care goodie bag full of products to enjoy.
The eight areas are:
- Poppit Sands
- Shrinkle Haven and Broad Haven South (Pembroke)
- Kete and Martin’s Haven (Milford Haven)
- Garn Fawr (Fishguard)
- Sychpant (Preseli Hills)
- Newgale (near St Davids)
For information on any of the above, or to research and plan your next Pembrokeshire trip, go to www.visitpembrokeshire.com for ideas and full details.