Snowdonia National Park, the largest of its kind in Wales, is also a recognized Dark Sky Reserve with out-of-this-world views. No, really—the Milky Way, vibrant nebulas, shooting stars, and a veritable constellation of other celestial bodies are all visible from this vast Welsh park. Once you’re done gazing at the heavens from Llyn Geirionnydd, Tŷ Cipar, or Bwlch y Groes, return by day to summit Snowdon, go castle-hopping, or visit the park’s other top sights.

Take a self-guided tour of the Brecon Beacons or climb it’s highest peak (Pen-y-Fan) by day, before sticking around after dark to witness the skies above Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve. From the views of the Milky Way over Llangorse Lakes that you can admire with the naked eye to the castle at Carreg Crennen, there’s no shortage of stargazing spots to enjoy.

The first Dark Sky Island in the world, the Isle of Sark is a haven for stargazers thanks to the absence of both street lights and cars, as well as its remote location off the coast of Normandy. Explore this tiny isle on foot, by bike, or horse-drawn carriage, then marvel over the pitch black skies when night falls.

One of the Orkney Islands, North Ronaldsay is now recognized as an International Dark Sky Community—alongside two other Scottish communities: Coll and Moffat—as well as a top birdwatching destination for twitchers countrywide. Visit in the darker fall and winter months, when the velvet canvas of the night sky is studded with stars and planets for as far as the eye can see … and beyond. And the northern lights? You might catch a glimpse if you’re lucky.

The northern lights also make themselves known in the Cairngorms National Park—specifically the Glenlivet and Tomintoul area—which sits at the same latitude as Alaska and Norway and is the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world. Thanks to low light pollution, expect to see shooting stars, constellations galore, and even noctilucent clouds by night, before enjoying the sweeping Highlands scenery which characterizes the park by day.

Part of the first International Dark Sky Park in Ireland (Mayo Dark Sky Park)—and a Gold Tier one, no less—Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park has some of the most pristine skies in the country. On a clear night, expect to see thousands of stars twinkling overhead, as well as the Milky Way and meteor showers, from key viewing sites including Claggan Mountain Boardwalk and Letterkeen Bothy.

With panoramic viewing points and visitor centers which regularly host stargazing events (including talks from expert dark sky rangers), Galloway Forest Park is a top stargazing destination in Scotland and was the first designated Dark Sky Park in the UK. Head to the Queen’s Way or Knockman Wood to see the bright band of the Milky Way, plus upwards of 7,000 stars, before exploring nearby Glasgow.

Nestled deep in Mid Wales on the fringes of the Cambrian Mountains, the Elan Valley is a Silver Tier International Dark Sky Park where you can gaze at the stars with little to no nearby light pollution. Well-loved by cyclists and hikers by day—as well as home to six magnificent dams—this tranquil and underrated region really comes to life at night. Make for the Claerwen Dam, Teifi Pools, or Craig Goch Dam for some of the best after-dark views.

The first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, Exmoor National Park may not have the northern lights latitude of its Scottish counterparts, but this North Devon hotspot is a favorite for novice and expert stargazers alike. With dark sky events taking place year round, there’s no bad time to take a peek through a telescope and see what the heavens hold, although the annual autumn Dark Skies Festival is arguably the best.

The dark skies over Northumberland National Park will leave you starstruck. Everything from the Andromeda Galaxy to the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye in this, the largest International Dark Sky Park in the UK. Wrap up warm and stay out after sunset in fall and winter for the chance to see some truly incredible constellations and more, after spending the day exploring Hadrian’s Wall or hiking in the hills.

The stargazing legacy of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula dates back some 6,000 years, when the region’s Neolithic inhabitants built monuments to supposedly track the movements of celestial bodies. Nowadays, this Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve sits along the Wild Atlantic Way and is the ideal spot to stare at the heavens on moonless nights along the Irish coast, either alone or in the company of a stargazing guide.