Throughout the year there are a number of celestial events to witness, including meteor showers, eclipses and the sightings of certain moons.
Finding the right spot to see these events is key though, as light pollution can affect their visibility and that's without the weather potentially being an obstacle.
There are spots which are more optimal for stargazing than others, and if you're interested in finding out what these are in Dorset we've listed some below.
Whether you're a whizz with a telescope or you're passionate about Astrology, we've got you covered.
Best stargazing spots in Dorset
Cerne Abbas Giant Viewpoint
Location: Acreman Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorset, DT2 7JX
Cerne Abbas is best known for its hill figure, but the viewing point for that can also be a great spot for looking at the stars.
On the Go Stargazing website, it says: "This small car park for viewing the Cerne Abbas Giant by day makes for a great location to observe the skies by night.
"Surrounding trees and bushes help to shield the location from passing car lights without affecting limiting sky views."
Its light pollution levels are also good, being at the second best specification of a rural level.
Badbury Rings Car Park
Location: Kingston Lacy, Wimbourne, Dorset, BH21 4DZ
The car park of this National Trust site makes a decent spot to view the night sky, especially as it has low rural levels of light pollution.
On the Go Stargazing website, it says: "The car park for this Iron Age hill fort is an officially recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Cranbourne Chase Dark Sky Reserve."
Fontmell Down Nature Reserve
Location: Spread Eagle Hill, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0DT
Another car park to a locally important site is the Fontmell Down Nature Reserve, whose low level of light pollution helps in abundance.
On the Go Stargazing website, it says: "Car park used by day to access the local nature reserve and by night offers fantastic panoramic views of the skies above.
"The location is an officially recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Cranbourne Chase Dark Sky Reserve."
Maiden Castle Car Park
Location: Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PP
If you're in Dorchester and want a nearby spot to visit to see the night sky then the Maiden Castle Car Park will likely be your best option.
On the Go Stargazing website, it says: "Escape the worst of Dorchester’s light pollution with a short trip out of the town to the Maiden Castle Car Park."
The site is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a semi-rural area.
Stonebarrow
Location: Charmouth, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6RA
Another National Trust site, Stonebarrow offers a good viewing place for stargazers in west Dorset.
On the Go Stargazing website, it says: "This National Trust car park offers good views to the North, East and South, with a little bit of light pollution from Lyme Regis to the West.
"Overnight camping/caravans are not allowed; however, the site is accessible to stargazers."
The site is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a rural area.
West Bexington Beach Car Park
Location: West Bexington, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9DG
If you want to stargaze by the sea then the West Bexington Beach Car Park is a recommended option to visit.
The site is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to a rural area and is accessible 24 hours a day.
Additionally, there is free parking after 6 pm so there's no worries about not being able to stay for too long.
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