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Five Amazing Spots to Visit in the Lake District Which Are Better After Dark

19 October 2017

Lake in the dark

 

The thousands of people who come to visit the Lake District every year usually only see its spectacular scenery in the light of day. Choosing to spend the evenings winding down in one of the area’s cosy pubs or award-winning restaurants.

However, there’s a whole different side to the Lakes once the sun goes down. The scenery looks far more dramatic in the moonlight.

Here are just some of the places worth visiting after dark in the Lakes. But do remember to stay safe and watch your step while you’re out and about!

 

Allan Bank

The former home of one of the Lakes’ most famous sons, William Wordsworth, Allan Bank is one of the best places in the region to stargaze. A place with low light pollution and the stunning Lake District fells providing the perfect backdrop.

Allan Bank has been awarded ‘Dark Sky Status’. This means that it’s removed from significant light pollution and offers great sightlines of the sky at night. This means you can get some of the best views in the county on a clear night. Including the Orion constellation.

Just a short walk up from the centre of Grasmere Village, there are regular stargazing events held up at Allan Bank, so be sure to keep an eye out.

 

Wasdale

Another fantastic stargazing location, the Wasdale valley is surrounded by mountains and is a serenely quiet place to come and spend some time.

Wasdale is known as one of the most impressive parts of the Lakes. It is surrounded by huge mountains such as the famous Scafell Pike, as well as Wast Water, the deepest lake in England.

 

Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre

Low Gillerthwaite is found right in the heart of the Ennerdale valley. England’s most remote and quiet valley, which is beautifully calm in the dead of night.

While this can make it a little bit of a challenge to find (the nearest public road is about two miles away), it’s totally worth it when you arrive.

It’s also another Dark Sky Discovery site. With regular stargazing events including talks for both adults and children and telescopes for you to try and spot the planets and stars.

 

Friar’s Crag

Looking down over Derwent Water, Friar’s Crag is perfectly framed by the surrounding fells and mountains. It is a very tranquil place to come and look up to the skies above.

If you listen closely you’ll be able to hear the call of the local Tawny owls as you make your way up to this viewpoint. From there you should be able to see over 4,000 stars. Including the Milky Way and the ‘Summer Triangle‘ constellation on a clear night.

Friar’s Crag is one where you do need to be careful though, with an unprotected edge which could be a hazard!

 

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale is known for its sculpture trail, with over 90 sculptures to see across its 4,000 hectares of woodland. But it’s equally notable amongst stargazers too!

It’s something a bit different, with the spectacular hills and fells being replaced with wild forest, but it’s equally as impressive.

Regular stargazing events are held, organised by well-known astronomer Robert Ince, as well as the Petzl Night Run, an opportunity to get out and about in a truly unique setting, with a 10km run for adults and a 1km run for the little ones.

 

Even if you’ve visited these places before, they’re all well worth going back to after the sun has gone down and you’re guaranteed to get a totally different experience, so be sure to check them out next time you’re stopping at any of our Lake District holiday and leisure parks.