Beautiful Scottish beach with golden sands named UK's best stargazing spot
It's not just stars that make this remote Scottish beach special
A beach on the rugged coastland of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland has been revealed as the best beaches for intrepid stargazers.
New research from car rental firm SIXT has revealed the top 10 UK beaches for budding astronomers, ranked by light pollution levels to help night sky lovers find the best views.
Taking the top spot is the breathtaking Luskentyre Beach on the rugged coastline of Scotland's Outer Hebrides. With golden sands stretching for miles and a backdrop of rolling dunes, it's not just the stars that make this beach special.
According to the firm, more than 13,000 searches for 'stargazing spots near me' were recorded in the past month alone, showing a growing appetite for peaceful, nature-filled evenings under the stars.
'Positioned in the rugged coastland of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, Luskentyre is the perfect place to take the family for a spot of stargazing this half term,' SIXT said.
'With miles of golden sands and picturesque dunes waiting to be explored, families can take a low-impact hike up the rocky cliffs to take in the diverse wildlife that calls the area its home before having an evening picnic along the coastline.
"You can even take your furry friend along with you for the walk, as Luskentyre Beach is dog-friendly.'
The beach is easily accessible by car and public transport, making it ideal for families looking to swap screen time for starlight.
Further south, Cornwall's popular Porthcurno Beach landed second place in the ranking.
Famous for its turquoise waters, fine white sand and dramatic granite cliffs, the beach is a winter favourite for surfers and a prime stargazing spot thanks to its secluded nooks. It's accessible on foot, by bus or by car, and between October and April, dogs are welcome too.
Tied for third place with Rhossili Bay in Glamorgan is Claigan Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye. Located just north of Dunvegan, the beach offers a magical coastal escape for families willing to take a gentle stroll down a farm track.
The beach is made from crushed white coral-like seaweed that makes the water look tropical blue when the sun comes out. A truly magical place, perfect for a family picnic and maybe a swim.
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Only 10 minutes from Dunvegan Castle, the beach is easily worked into a day trip that combines history and nature. The walk is an easy 3.6 kilometres in total, taking around 45 minutes there and back without stops.
Rank
Location
Bortle Scale
County
1
Luskentyre
1
Outer Hebrides
2
Porthcurno Beach
2
Cornwall
=3
Rhossili Bay
3
Glamorgan
=3
Claigan Coral Beach
3
Isle of Skye
=4
Fistral Beach
4
Cornwall
=4
Porthminster Beach
4
Cornwall
=4
Camber Sands
4
East Sussex
=4
Woolacombe Beach
4
Devon
=4
St Brelade's Bay Beach
4
Jersey
=4
Carbis Bay Beach
4
Cornwall
For families hoping to make the most of their evening under the stars, SIXT recommends checking tide times before heading out, as high tides can limit space.
Warm clothing and blankets are also advised, especially as coastal winds pick up after sunset. Finally, they suggest double-checking nearby sources of light, even remote spots can have unexpected glare from streetlamps or nearby homes.
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