Dark Skies

everything you need to know...

The quality of the night sky arching above the Brecon Beacons has been recognised internationally as one of the best places in the world to see stars from, in 2012 the Brecon Beacons National Park was the fifth place in the world to be recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve and is still one of only 16 Reserves worldwide.

Top 10 Darkest Spots!

Darkness is the vital ingredient for star gazing site which means these top sites are a little off the beaten track, if your satnav needs some help we have provided an address you can use with the app what3words which will work with mapping apps on your smartphone to get you to the perfect star gazing spot. If you prefer paper we have also provided an OS grid reference.

Usk Reservoir 

Enjoy the stars by this remote reservoir set among the forest and moorland of the Usk Valley, overlooking the Black Mountain.

OS map grid ref SN 833286  Sat Nav entry Car park Usk Reservoir

Nearest village Trecastle What3words reference for parking premiums.replying.aunts

Crai Reservoir 

Pull off the A4067 and admire the stars above the blackness of the reservoir.

OS map grid ref SN 886210  Sat Nav entry Crai Reservoir

Nearest village Crai What3words reference for parking wedge.scout.tomato

Llanthony Priory 

Gaze at the stars through the atmospheric ruin of the 13th Century church.
OS map grid ref SN 288278  Sat Nav entry Llanthony Priory

Nearest town Abergavenny What3words reference for parking outwards.correct.hedgehog

Hay Bluff 

Drive into the hills for a 360° panorama.

OS map grid ref SN 239373  Sat Nav entry Hay Bluff

Nearest village Crai What3words reference for parking cabbages.craziest.lots

Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre 

Accessible with parking and you can wander onto the common, a fantastic all-round stargazing spot. 

OS grid ref SN 977262  Sat Nav entry Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre

Nearest town Brecon What3words reference for parking with.leathers.tamed

Pen Rhiw Ddu 

Watch the sunset at the summit and then return to the car park to stargaze.

OS grid ref SN 730192  Sat Nav entry Mountain road car park A4069 

Nearest town Llandovery  What3words reference for parking compound.fruity.centrally

Carreg Cennen Castle 

Perched high on a limestone crag above the River Cennen, enjoy the romantic, ruined 13th century castle
creating a silhouette against the starry skies.

OS grid ref SN 668193  Sat Nav entry Carreg Cennen Car Park 

Nearest town Llandeilo What3words reference for parking lamenting.overtones.acid

Craig-y-nos Country Park and Castle Hotel 

Romantic and accessible, the 40 acre, ornamental Victorian garden now a Country Park was the grounds
of the most haunted castle in Wales which is now a hotel. 

OS grid ref SN 840161  Sat Nav entry Craig y Nos Country Park
Nearest town Ystradgynlais What3words reference for parking tram.others.foam

Sugar Loaf Mountain 

Dominating the skyline above Abergavenny it is tall enough to be above the cloud line giving access to clearer skies.

OS grid ref SN 268167  Sat Nav entry Sugarloaf, Abergavenny

Nearest town Abergavenny What3words reference for parking added.cloud.dummy

Llangorse Lake 

Enjoy the skies above South Wales’ largest lake against the sounds of otters, voles and waterfowl in the reeds.

OS grid ref SN 127270  Sat Nav entry Llangorse Lake

Nearest town Llangorse What3words reference for parking window.romantics.harshest