The best UK cities for stargazing have been revealed, with Bristol topping the list thanks to its low light pollution levels.

In order to keep households entertained during lockdown, the team at Parkdean Resorts studied the light pollution levels of each major UK city to see which areas are the best for stargazing — and it's great news for city-dwellers wanting to spot constellations.

Budding astronomers in Bristol will be pleased to know that the area has the clearest nighttime sky, scoring 58.20 in the research. Meanwhile, Sheffield (59.74) and Glasgow (69.89) took the second and third spots, respectively, thanks to their truly dark, star-filled skies.

On the other hand, however, London came at the bottom of the list. "Those in the UK's capital have the worst chance of being able to stargaze, with the highest level of light pollution recorded in any major UK city. Shockingly, London's light pollution levels were almost three times worse than those recorded in Bristol," say Parkdean Resorts.

winter super moon over radley village, oxfordshirepinterest
Apexphotos//Getty Images

We might not be able to travel outside of our local area due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but these cities are definitely worth visiting once it's safe to do so. Take a look at the full list below...

  1. Bristol (58.20 light level pollution)
  2. Sheffield (59.74)
  3. Glasgow (69.89)
  4. Cardiff (73.86)
  5. Bradford (74.43)
  6. Belfast (75.28)
  7. Leicester (79.94)
  8. Coventry (84.55)
  9. Edinburgh (86.25)
  10. Nottingham (94.27)
  11. Newcastle upon Tyne (105.46)
  12. Manchester (108.05)
  13. Liverpool (109.40)
  14. Birmingham (113.90)
  15. Leeds (132.57)
  16. London (169.12)

Looking for some positivity? Get Country Living magazine posted through your letterbox every month. SUBSCRIBE NOW

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

The best thermal gloves to buy right now
Headshot of Lisa Joyner
Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.