Stargazing

Stargazing near Inverness

The Scottish Highlands is home to some of the darkest skies in Europe. Locations outside of the city and away from light pollution are ideal for viewing constellations and planets on a clear night. At certain times, you might even see the Northern Lights dancing across the horizon. So, bring a blanket and a telescope or binoculars, and head to one of these wonderful stargazing sites near Inverness, during your stay with us at the Kingsmills Hotel. These sites are within an hour’s drive…

Places to go stargazing near Inverness

The ideal conditions for stargazing are when the skies are at their clearest and darkest. So a dry and cloudless night works best, usually between October and March when it’s darker for longer. A night with very low moonlight is even better, so avoid a full moon where possible. You can use this dark sky calendar to choose the best nights for stargazing. The best viewing areas are far from city lights and we have listed some of our local suggestions below:

Abriachan Forest

When weather conditions are clear, this dark sky discovery site is one of the most spectacular places to go stargazing! Groups can arrange private stargazing events in locations such as Abriachan Forest with Scotland’s Night Sky or Highland Astronomy Tours.

Highlands Astronomical Society

The Highlands Astronomical Society has its own observatory, located in a semi-rural area near Culloden Battlefield. It is often open to the public when the skies are at their darkest. The society also meets monthly at the Café at Smithton Church in Inverness, where you can hear talks and chat to fellow stargazing enthusiasts.

Rothiemurchus Forest

As part of the Cairngorms National Park, this ancient forest is ideal for observing the stars. The area was rated one of the most popular stargazing spots in the UK due to its exceptional star visibility.

Book your stargazing holiday in Scotland

To book your stargazing adventure in the Scottish Highlands, reserve your room at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.