Starry Stays
Stellar places for stargazers to spend the night.
Book a stay in a secluded spots with panoramic views of the night sky…observe the stars from the comfort of your outdoor bath, hot tub, hammock or rooftop window.
Kaya at Blackhill Farm
You’ll find this boutique, adults-only retreat tucked in the hills between the Wye Valley National Landscape and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Pick from two yurts and a cabin, each with its own stargazing highlight. Eye the skies as you lounge in the outdoor bath, hang out in the wood-fired hot tub or cuddle up under cosy blankets on the deck net. When it’s time to turn in for the night, continue to enjoy the show, courtesy of the see-through crowns (roof windows) on each of the yurts.
Ty Gwyn Holidays
The delights of cider and stars collide at the quirky and compact Cider Shack, a gorgeous getaway in the tranquil Monnow Valley. This cider farm makes award-winning tipples, available from the on-site shop & bar.
Look to the stars as you enjoy a chilled drink in the amazing outdoor bath, famous for its appearance on the BBC show My Unique B&B, or laze in the hammock. By day, soak up the views and ramble along the warren of walks on the doorstep.
Drovers Rest
Take the kids on a wild adventure! Stay in a luxury safari lodge or cosy, restored stone cottage on this organic farm close to the bookish town of Hay-on-Wye. By day, take a guided animal safari, climb trees and build dens. In the evening, admire the twinkling skies, toast marshmallows over a campfire and roam around moonlit meadows. Time your trip to coincide with one of the farm’s fantastic feasts, from wild Sunday lunches to seasonal spectaculars, all cooked over open fires.
Ritty Retreats
Retreat to the foothills of the Black Mountains for an idyllic eco-getaway at Ritty Retreats. Set in 25 acres of wildflower meadows, the gloriously dark skies are superb for constellation-spotting. Cobnut Cabin is perfectly kitted out for nights under the stars with its firepit, hammock, stylish outdoor tub and wrap-around verandah with swing chairs. In the morning, enjoy breakfast hampers crammed with goodies made on the farm before following the stream down to Escley Brook where a little boat awaits. Boost your wellness with countryside walks, wild swimming, one to one yoga and woodworking sessions.
Field Cottage at White Heron Estate
Set in a vineyard with panoramic views stretching from the Black Mountains to the South Shropshire Hills, Field Cottage is a real rural retreat, ideal for families. In the evenings, treat yourself to a meal whipped up on-site by a local chef before retreating to the hot tub to look out for shooting stars. Days can be happily spent playing badminton in the garden, visiting the Small Breeds Farm Park and roaming Hergest Ridge.
Grown-ups will also enjoy a tour around the home of British Cassis, the luxury British blackcurrant liqueur which is made here on the family farm. Take the opportunity to walk the fields, bottle your own cassis and sample delicious cocktails.
Millie the Hut
Evenings are magical at this traditional- style shepherds hut - relax in the glow of two firepits as the nearby stream babbles in the background. The area is so dark that it is home to the Spaceguard Centre, a working observatory which is the UK’s main source of information about near Earth objects, such as asteroids. Tours can be booked.
Redhill Holidays
Immerse yourself in night sky views by staying in a geodesic dome. Redhill has four, each with perfect panoramas, including the Malvern Hills. Soak up celestial happenings as you unwind in the hot tub or watch the stars through the huge viewing windows as you snuggle up by the woodburner. Nearby, discover NT Brockhampton or sip fine ciders at Little Pomona.
Cynefin Retreats
Situated on the edge of a dark sky reserve, Cynefin Retreats is no stranger to spectacular stars. Whether you book a romantic pod for two or a larger lodge for families, sunrises and sunsets will bookend your day before the blanket of twinkly stars descends. Floor to ceiling sliding windows ensure uninterrupted views or take to the terrace, complete with hot tub and firepit. Nearby, you'll find the delightful Artistraw Cidery, Hergest Croft Gardens, and the Birches Farm Nature Reserve.
Stargazer's Wagon
Retired from circus life, this cavernous 27ft long wagon now sits in an ancient wild meadow. It’s a splendid place for a stargazing getaway, with a wood-fired hot tub for an evening seeking out comets and constellations. Recommended daytime excursions include the ‘Wedding Cake’ Church and age-old Arches in Shobdon as well as a cycle ride around the picture-perfect Black and White Villages.
The Dragons Gate
Here in the remote Golden Valley, find a hilltop retreat with views out to the Black Mountains. While away an evening under the stars, perhaps in the outdoor bath or the wood-fired hot tub. The BBQ invites al fresco dining and you are surrounded by wild walks in all directions, including nearby Garway Hill with its mountain ponies.
Dragon Orchard Retreat
Sleep under the stars in a hand-crafted yurt, set in an apple orchard. Immersed in the natural cycle of the seasons, this is a lovely place to slow down. Gaze at the stars through the stunning see-through roof or when cosying up around the firebowl. Nearby, find the pretty market town of Ledbury, Eastnor Castle and Coddington Vineyard.
Cruck Barn
With oak woodland on one side and far-reaching views on the other, Cruck Barn is a peaceful spot, miles away from the everyday hustle and bustle. This luxury, eco-friendly holiday home suits couples and families alike. Come nightfall, it’s deliciously dark - toast marshmallows over the outdoor fire and swing in the hammock as the stars twinkle and owls hoot. Spend the week antiques hunting in Leominster, visiting NT Berrington Hall or teeing off from England’s highest golf course in Kington.
