Here's where to make the most of Winchester district's dreamy dark skies
From city hills with good views to International Dark Sky Reserves, there are plenty of great places for stargazing in and around Winchester district
If you fancy yourself as an amateur astronomer, or just love gazing skywards, here are some Winchester places you're going to want to visit. You might think the bright lights of the city will obscure any celestial views, but thanks to the proximity of the South Downs National Park you actually don't need to go far to find yourself some dreamily dark skies, where views of constellations, shooting stars or mega full moons are guaranteed - just as long as the weather plays ball. Time to grab a camping chair, a blanket and a flask of something warm. You might even be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights in Winchester.
Stargazing tip: Unless you are heading out to catch a full moon or a lunar eclipse, try timing your stargazing trip around a new moon, when the skies are at their darkest. The light of a bright moon can impact visibility of other sights in the night sky.
7 great places for stargazing in Winchester
Winchester's International Dark Sky Reserve
The South Downs National Park, which makes up a great swathe of Winchester district, became officially registered as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2016. That means the park's skies have been recognised as good for stargazing - and are being protected from future light pollution. Every year the park celebrates with the South Downs Dark Skies Festival, which is usually held in February when the nights are long so your chance of spotting something exciting in the sky is higher. While the entire park is designated, some places are better than others for stargazing - keep reading to find out more.
Old Winchester Hill Dark Sky Discovery Site
A high point within the Dark Sky Reserve, Old Winchester Hill a nature reserve with an Iron-Age hill fort and Bronze-Age burial mounds. It's super rural which means low light pollution plus incredible views. By day you can spot birds and the coast to the south, while by night the twinkly milky way awaits. Star Parties are sometimes held here by the South Downs Authority and local astronomical groups.
Butser Hill Dark Sky Discovery Site
Another vista within the South Downs National Park, Butser Hill is a little further away from Winchester, but worth the trek for the big, 360 degree night time views you can find here. It's the highest observation point in Hampshire.
Winchester Science Centre Dark Sky Discovery Site
Just outside Winchester city, Winchester Science Centre is a great place to head both if you want to learn more about the night's sky at the Planetarium and if you want to see it for yourself outside. Being close to the city the light pollution is stronger here than at other places in the South Downs, so you may want to bring binoculars or head here to spot bright objects like planets or a full moon.
Farley Mount Country Park
There are plenty of good spots to stargaze outside of the South Downs Dark Sky Reserve, too. Farley Mount is a wonderful green space just on the outskirts of Winchester, with ancient woodland and chalk grass downland. Head to Farley Mount monument, the highest point in the area, for incredible views in all directions and a whole lot of sky for stargazing.
St Catherine's Hill
An Iron-Age hill fort high above Winchester, this view point is easily accessible from the city and rewards walkers with great views. The light pollution will get in the way of you seeing thousands of stars, but it's a brilliant spot for catching an especially majestic moon.
Cheesefoot Head
On the edge of Winchester, Cheesefoot Head is a natural amphitheatre with lush views of the surrounding countryside. Look outwards to spot the Isle of Wight or even Butser Hill in the distance. It's not the darkest spot, thanks to the lights of Winchester nearby, but you're still likely get an impressive eyeful of stars on a clear night.
