The Isle of Man has welcomed the shift in seasons and we are fully embracing the blue hues and crisp air of winter. From the sounds of frosted leaves underfoot and open blue skies above to the warmth of cosy cottage fires and the tastes of freshly harvested seasonal dishes, the Island is a sensory delight at this time of year.
Soak up the stars in one of the best stargazing spots in the British Isles, at the height of its season. With 26 official dark skies sites located around the Island, the Isle of Man offers the perfect opportunity to see the breadth and beauty of the universe.
Not sure which site to pick? This blog highlights the best spots to enjoy stargazing in the Isle of Man this winter – wrap up warm, it’s officially stargazing season!
1. Catch the Orion and the Milky Way at Port Soderick
Situated close to the Island’s capital, Douglas, Port Soderick’s upper car park overlooks the beautiful waters of the Irish Sea, while providing some breath-taking views of the stars rising in the East. From here you can see a range of popular astronomical sights such as the Orion, the Milky Way, and the sky’s brightest star, Sirius. In Winter, these easterly sightings are visible from early evening. With no light pollution or noise, Port Soderick is a gemstone for stargazing, delivering some well needed peace and quiet for visitors after a busy day of exploring.
2. Enjoy a late-night adventure at Sulby Reservoir
This inland site at Tholt y Will is nestled in the rolling Northern hills, under the shadows of the Island’s only mountain, Snaefell. The site’s elevation provides spectacular stargazing against the dramatic backdrop of an undulating landscape and a serene reservoir. Sit under the stars and admire a gallery of starlit masterpieces. You can also use a handy on-site interpretation board to find out how the stars can guide you North too.
3. Search the horizon for hidden planets and shooting stars at Niarbyl
In the daylight, the secluded Niarbyl Bay offers enchanting views of the Southwest coastline towards the islet that is the Calf of Man. By night, cradled beneath steep cliffs, it provides an unsurpassed sky.
Encourage the little ones to scour the horizon for hidden planets, shooting stars and the Great Andromada Galaxy – or why not download a stargazing app to help you in your search and make the experience even more interactive for the family. The panoramic views over the Bay’s striking waters makes the stargazing experience shine that much brighter.
4. Head off the beaten track at Fort Island
Fort Island may be off the beaten track, but it is one of the Isle of Man’s most spectacular dark skies sites. Sat adjacent to Derbyhaven, the site promises clear heavens and astonishing surprises, like the Taurids Meteor Shower in the month of November. These dust grains will radiate the sky with flecks of silver light and put on a spectacular show for you. The ancient round fortress that resides on the small Island, which is only a short walk from the road, is the perfect muse for any budding photographer looking to complement a backdrop of sparkling stars.
5. Stargaze at The Sound
At the most southerly tip of the Isle of Man is The Sound – one of the Island’s most iconic stargazing sites. There’s a huge carpark, and plenty of benches and grassy areas to get comfortable. Roll out a blanket, lie back, and bathe beneath a glorious sky that stretches the entire Southeast to Southwest section of the Isle of Man. If you’re lucky you may even spot the blue-green planet Uranus in winter.
6. Enjoy uninterrupted views at Port Lewaigue
Tucked between the craggy outcrops of Maughold Head and the striking coastline of Ramsey Bay, this tiny beach offers exceptional and uninterrupted views over the Island’s Northerly horizon as well as the East and West. You can also use the onsite Interpretation Board to help you spot constellations.
7. Discover the darkest dark sky site at Smeale beach
If you’re visiting with a campervan, Smeale beach in the Northwest of the Isle of Man makes for a great staycation spot. Situated in the Ayres National Nature Reserve, the areas is one of the Island’s darkest sites, offering virtually no light pollution and providing sensational views of the stars. When conditions are right you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Related
Port Lewaigue, a small settlement on the rugged East coast of the Isle of Man, is a perfect Dark Sky Discovery spot for stargazing. The car park nestled above the sea and beach provides a great vantage point for watching the night sky, with uninterrupted views over the Northern horizon as well as the West and East.
The Island's largest and deepest reservoir lies in the shadow of Snaefell, the Island’s highest peak and offers a great trout fishing adventure. A large upland reservoir set in rugged moorland scenery in the centre of the Island.
With views casting over Castletown and Port Erin, stargazers are guaranteed sensational views over the horizon from North East to South West.
Smeale Coastal Area is one of the Island’s darkest sites with near to none light pollution. There are totally uninterrupted horizon views from South West to North East.
Niarbyl is a secluded beauty spot just south of Dalby Village on the Island’s west coast and of great geological interest. Discover the peaceful bay with its rolling hills and dramatic coastal paths leading to White Beach.
Nestled in along the Manx coastline lies Port Soderick, a small hamlet to the south of Douglas. The car park above the beach provides a great vantage point for watching the night sky, with horizon views to the North West and South.
At the Island's very southern tip is one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. Abundant with wildlife and natural wonders, this area is a hotspot for seals sunbathing on the rocky Kitterland, a small rocky islet.
Port Soderick Brooghs is the perfect spot for budding stargazers with uninterrupted views from the North East and South West.
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