Look up! Dark Skies and stargazing staycations with Landal

As the nights draw in, now’s the time to enjoy the quiet magic of nature at night and, with over 200 Dark Skies Parks worldwide, there are so many amazing places to choose from. Landal, the after dark aficionados, have compiled a list of top locations and special events for stargazing this autumn, whether you’re a serious astrotourist or simply a budding stargazer.

In the UK

Landal Woodland Lakes, Yorkshire
Nestled between the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Landal Woodland Lakes is the perfect retreat to experience stargazing in some of the UK’s darkest skies. Daytime activities including archery and seas scooters will keep all the family entertained, whilst the resort is a peaceful paradise at nighttime. Lodges set around shimmering lakes and bubbling hot tubs on the decking provide an ideal spot to relax and look up at the wonders of a starry sky.

Local Dark Skies Event: North York Moors & Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Fringe Festival (24 October – 2 November 2025) - A stellar fringe festival across both National Dark Skies Parks offering night walks, stargazing experiences, and “stay and gaze” packages for all ages and abilities.

Landal Ullswater Heights, Lake District
An award-winning resort, Landal Ullswater Heights is situated on the gateway to the Lake District National Park which boasts 912 square miles of protected landscapes with stunning lakes, waterfalls, mountains and picturesque villages. Take in the beauty of the cosmos from your own luxury lodge – grab a fresh wood fired pizza from the lakeside bar and sit back to stargaze all evening in incredible natural surroundings, or head out to enjoy the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival nearby.

Local Dark Skies Event: Cumbria Dark Skies Festival (24 October – 21 November 2025) - A stellar fringe festival across both National Dark Skies Parks offering night walks, stargazing experiences, and “stay and gaze” packages for all ages and abilities.

Landal Barnsoul, Dumfries and Galloway
Landal Barnsoul is nestled in acres of Galloway Forest Park wilderness, making it a prime position for the ultimate astronomy break. Immerse yourself in nature as you find tranquillity and relaxation in your own cosy cabin, surrounded by lush forests and grasslands. During the day, adventurers can explore the rugged forest terrain on foot or by bike, discover the history of nearby castles, or explore the breath-taking beauty of the Scottish coastline.

Local Dark Skies Park: Galloway Forest Park - This was one of the first in the world to earn Dark Skies designation. On a clear night, over 7,000 stars and planets are visible here with the naked eye, alongside the bright band of the Milky Way arching across the sky.

Landal Marwell Resort, Owslebury
Landal Marwell Resort is literally a stone’s throw from South Downs National Park, making it the ideal base to unwind in secluded woodland lodges before heading out to experience the area’s incredible dark skies. On-site younger astronomers can be kept entertained during the daytime at the Adventure Barn, children's soft play centre. There is also an outdoor adventure playground and instructor-led activities including archery and junior quad bikes.

Local Dark Skies Park: South Downs National Park - A National Park with star-studded skies overhead that are as valuable as the beautiful rolling landscapes beneath them. Explore The New Forest, Southampton, Portsmouth and historic Winchester with a host of discovery sites and planetariums nearby. A visit to Butser Hill observing site is a must as the highest point in Hampshire and a great spot to seek out the stars.

In The Netherlands

Landal Natuurdorp Suyderoogh
Located in the middle of Lauwersmeer National Park, Landal Natuurdorp Suyderoogh offers an unobstructed view of starry skies. See the Milky Way and try to spot a shooting star, or hire a telescope at the resort to look deeper into the universe. Explore the quiet, picturesque surroundings during the day whilst you watch birds in their natural habitat as they enjoy the flowery vegetation around the resort.

Local Dark Skies Events: Lauwersmeer National Park (17th October, 21st November, 20th December) - Led by a guide from the Forestry Commission, experience the night in Lauwersmeer National Park - a water-rich nature reserve, which is one of the darkest places in the Netherlands.

Landal Beach Park Schuttersbos
The unique island location of Landal Beach Park Schuttersbos on Terschelling makes it a quiet and cosy haven with quaint thatched style cottages. Hire a bike and go wildlife spotting in the nearby nature reserves, build sandcastles on the beach or visit one of the many attractions on your doorstep including the aquarium and World War II Bunker Museum. Sit outside at night and look up in wonder at the unspoilt velvet sky.

Local Dark Skies Park: De Boschplaat - A specially recognised nature reserve stretching over 40km, De Boschplaat was the first Dark Skies Park in The Netherlands. With eight locations especially designated for nighttime visitors, this is the best spot on Terschelling for incredible views of the stars.

In Germany

Landal Arber
A natural paradise for hiking, cycling and outdoor adventures, this spectacular resort is set in acres of Bavarian Forest. Tackle the Goldsteig, Germany’s longest long-distance hiking trail, or conquer 8000-metre peaks as you explore breath-taking scenery, before heading back to relax in the sauna or swimming pools next to the resort. Just a short drive takes you to the National Park – the ultimate place to stargaze.

Local Dark Skies Park: Bavarian Forest National Park - Nestled in a densely wooded area in south-eastern Germany, this national park is surrounded by a low mountain range landscape shaped by idyllic river valleys and gentle hills. An unspoilt haven with unobscured views of a truly dark sky.

Landal Wirfttal
Landal Wirfttal is a tranquil holiday retreat set in the beautiful Eifel region, ideal for unwinding in nature. With a recreational lake perfect for pedal boating and sunbathing, an indoor pool with children's area, and outdoor activities like beach volleyball and mini golf, there's plenty for all to enjoy. Savour a delicious meal of regional dishes at the cosy on-site restaurant before heading out to see the stunning night sky.

Roompot Eifelpark Kronenburger See
Roompot Eifelpark Kronenburger See is a scenic holiday resort in the heart of the Eifel, surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and the tranquil Kronenburg Lake. It offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Get out in the great outdoors with hiking and cycling routes to explore the Volcanic Eifel’s crater lakes, or simply unwind back at the resort with a relaxing swim before you tuck into a delicious warm Apfelstrudel.

Local Dark Skies Park: Eifel National Park - A dark sky oasis surrounded by a sea of light. Eifel National Park is a stunning Dark Skies Park, which despite being near major locations such as Bonn and Cologne, provides a light-pollution free natural space for spectacular stargazing. Close to a number of Landal resorts, this is the ideal spot to get a great view of the cosmos.

Landal Hochwald
A charming holiday resort perched in the scenic Hunsrück region, Landal Hochwald offers year-round nature experiences and family-friendly fun. Stroll through the woods to spot local wildlife or head into Hunsrück Hochwald National Park for hiking and cycling routes. Avid explorers can take on the challenge of Erbeskopf, the highest mountain in Rhineland-Palatinate, and thrill-seekers will love the HighLive climbing forest with exciting courses and obstacles to complete.

Landal Sonnenberg
Nestled on a wooded mountain plateau above the Moselle River, Landal Sonnenberg in Leiwen offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by vineyards and natural beauty. With accommodation from cosy bungalows to camping pitches, the resort is perfect for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The tranquil hillside setting and sweeping views of the valley below are the perfect spot to sit and sample renowned Moselle wines, whilst younger ones feed deer in the on-site game reserve.

Local Dark Skies Park: Eiweiler Star Village - A peaceful village in Germany’s Saarland region, Eiweiler is celebrated for its dedication to preserving the brilliance of its night skies. Surrounded by forests and farmland, this valley community offers a tranquil setting for viewing nighttime celestial wonders including at the Peterberg Observatory located nearby atop Mount Peterberg.