Star light, star bright. First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might. Have this wish I wish tonight. When everything feels up in the air, it's a good time to take a deep breath and look at the stars of Kent. No we're not talking about Orlando Bloom (although that wouldn’t be a bad thing)! We're talking about the big balls of flaming gas that light up the night’s sky, twinkling away until day.
So, whether you’re lucky enough to live nearby to one of our favourite stargazing locations or fancy staying the night in of our favourite starry locations, prepare for some beautiful sights.
An Astronomer’s Animal Adventure
It's not hard to see why we're dreaming of a night away at The Bubble at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. After a day of animal excursions, exploring the 600 acre reserve, this spot in nature is the ultimate star gazing retreat. A luxurious bubble bath, a cosy king size bed and 180 degree panoramic views...we can't wait to settle in for the night.
Medway Light Nights 2023
This two-night festival is back and will be bigger, better and brighter! Medway’s high street will be transformed into stunning colours and works of art and performance to celebrate Chatham’s landscapes and stories, highlighting the town’s growing creative community. Take a look at the 12-storey-high interactive installation illuminating the town from 6-9pm on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th of February.
Caracol Camping
Situated in an area filled with outstanding natural beauty in the High Weald of Kent and Sussex you can find Caracol Camping. Proudly boasting stunning skies without any light pollution. Forgotten your telescope? Don’t worry Caracol Camping provide a telescope for stargazing amongst the stunning meadows, and nature is never too far away with herds of deer often seen on the site. Make sure you visit when the full moon cycles as you don’t want to miss out on this experience!
Full moon cycles –
May 5th 2023 (Full Flower Moon)
June 3rd 2023 (Full Strawberry Moon)
July 3rd 2023 (Full Buck Moon)
August 1st 2023 (Full Sturgeon Moon)
August 30th 2023 (Full Blue Moon)
September 29th 2023 (Full Harvest Moon)
Canterbury Cathedral
What better place to watch the stars than the tranquil Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. In the evenings (check their website for full opening times) the Precincts are open for the public for FREE from 5pm – 9pm, making them the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of over 1400 years of history on the ground and the skies above. Why not make it a weekend away? Stay in the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, the best located accommodation in the city!
Tunbridge Wells
Just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells you can find the Tunbridge Wells Commons, a large park and woodland area… a perfect spot for star gazing! Sit on the benches that surround the Cricket pitch or sit on the Wellington Rocks and capture those glistening stars in the night sky.
A Natural Phenomenon
Imagine settling in for the evening after a day exploring North Kent, a warming mug of coffee in hand and the world at your feet. Yes, literally the world at your feet; Elmley is the only place in the UK where you can spend the night within a National Nature Reserve, snuggled up in one of five custom made luxurious Shepherds Huts.
Dungeness
The UK's only desert couldn't be a better place for seeing some of the most amazing starry nights. Dungeness is unlike anywhere else, and when you can see a sky brimming with sparkling stars all the way over the sea, open landscape and endless skyline, it's certainly a sight for sore eyes. Just check out @visitkent on instagram to see us sharing some of the best photographs of these amazing skies!
The Battle of Britain Memorial
The National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, which honours the men who fought the Battle of Britain, is not just an evocative place by day but an inspirational site at night. Photographer and friend of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, Greg Esson, took this beautiful shot, combining his interest in the stars with his admiration for the Few. This wonderful place of pilgrimage is an ideal spot for thinking about the sacrifices made by the Few while gazing at the heavens.
Knole
Set in almost 1000 acres of medieval parkland, Knole is one of the best places to escape to, from the glaring lights of the city. The land is a site of special scientific interest and is home to over 500 deer, so you’re more than likely to have some furry star gazing friends.
Romney Marsh Shepherd’s Huts
Far-reaching views and big, open skies…does that sound like the perfect combination for star gazing or what? In the quiet of The Romney Marsh, these shepherd’s huts rest on a peaceful farm near the village of Aldington, with a fire pit, deck chairs, cosy wool throws and outdoor area where you can settle in and look up at the night’s sky. With its rural location, you can expect minimal light pollution and plenty of peace and quiet, with nothing but the occasional baa from the resident sheep…well, it is a shepherd’s hut, after all.
Gravesham Light Festival - Voyage of Light
Due to the success of the Light Festival last year, Gravesham are bringing it back again… ‘Voyage of Light’. Taking place on Friday 27th January and Saturday 28th January with light installations, exhibitions and experiences taking place at a variety of locations in Gravesham.
