Celestial Campsites for Summer Stargazing
Laze back and look to the skies
Get closer to nature this summer! Campers can make the most of the warm evenings and enjoy a spot of stargazing. With low levels of light pollution, you can be dazzled by the night skies, even at this time of year. In fact, astronomy experts say it's perfect for spying the tantalisingly-named Beehive Cluster and Prancing Horse Nebula, as well as delightful noctilucent clouds. Arm yourself with a stargazing app to make sure you can tell your Corona Borealis from your Sagitarrius.
Chapel House Farm, near Hay-on-Wye
Unplug from the busy routine at this tranquil campsite in the mountain wilds of west Herefordshire. Choose a pitch in 15 acres of meadows and start the day with a breakfast from the tiny farm shop. Children free to roam around the fields, building dens in the long grass and woods. Shhh! Stay still and you might spot a fallow or muntjac deer. Take a trip to the nearby book town of Hay-on-Wye or give strong legs a stretch up the steep ridge dividing England and Wales, known as The Cat's Back. In the evening, wander into the village of Craswell for dinner and a pint at The Bulls Head, or on Friday evenings indulge in pizza on the farm. Return to your tent and lie back on blankets to spot stars.
Olchon Valley Campsite, Golden Valley
Lying at over 1000 feet above sea level on the English/Welsh border is the Olchon Valley campsite. This traditional sheep farm is surrounded by stunning scenery with wooded pasture and meadow all around and the Olchon Brook meandering its way to the River Monnow. Daytime adventures include bike rides, paddles along the River Wye and a trip to the historic, riverside city of Hereford or stay on site to spot red kites, buzzards and colourful butterflies. In the evening, hang out around your BBQ or firepit (provided to all camping pitches), playing games and counting stars. Furnished yurts and railway wagons are also available.
Tresseck Campsite, Hoarwithy
Tresseck Campsite sits on the River Wye, offering an irresistible invite to spend time messing about on the river. It's easy to launch and land from the site's riverside beach, so bring your own canoes and Stand up Paddleboards or hire the necessary kit from Hereford Canoe Hire (which is handily based at Tresseck). Alternatively take a tour around the nearby town of Ross-on-Wye with its vintage shops and fabulous views from The Prospect. After you've worked up an appetite, head to the campsite cafe or local pub to refuel. Once dusk falls, chat around a real campfire and admire the gorgeous star-studded skies.
Doward Park Campsite, Wye Valley National Landscape
Tucked away amongst the trees in the Wye Valley National Landscape, there's a smorgasbord of walks and cycle routes available, direct from the door of your tent! Ten mintues away you'll find King Arthur's Cave or take a longer loop to Seven Sisters Rock for panoramic views. Relax on the river with a paddle downstream or make for one of the chilled out riverside pubs. Back at base, a locally roasted coffee for the grown-ups whilst the kids take a turn around the adventure playground. As the stars start to sparkle, wind your way up to one of the nearby viewpoints for unrestricted views of the dramatic night sky.
Birchwood Camping, near Leominster
Relax into nature with a stay at Birchwood Camping. With only 10 pitches over 6.5 acres, there's a peaceful sense of seclusion. But first, there's the decision of where to pitch your tend - the quarry, with its woodland and small stream, or the meadow, where pitches are mown into the long grass. Keep yourself entertained with trips to cider farms, bike rides around the Black and White villages and a mooch around the lovely town of Leominster. Rustle up dinner on the pizza oven and watch the flickering flames of the campfire, before setting your sights on the magnificent night skies.
Woodside Lodges Country Park, near Ledbury
At Woodside Lodges, you can choose to set up camp in the cider mill field, the orchard field or next to the largest lake. Water is a theme here, with a selection of lakes welcoming a wide range of activities, from wild swimming and paddleboarding to fishing and pond dipping. It's also a haven for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for herons and kingfishers, through to butterflies and damsel flies. Time it right and you'll see new-born lambs bouncing around the fields too. Whilst you are here, visit the independent town of Ledbury, take a tour of glorious Eastnor Castle and enjoy plenty of hikes in the hills. In the evening, there's an abundance of starry constellations to spot.
