Devon named UK's best county for stargazing and summer camping
A new study has ranked Devon as the UK's best county for summer stargazing and camping, highlighting its dark skies, hundreds of campsites and the unique opportunity to backpack camp legally on parts of Dartmoor under National Park rules
Devon has been ranked as the UK's best county for summer stargazing and camping in a new study.
The research, carried out by Admiral Casino, analysed light pollution, weather conditions, campsite availability and access to hiking routes across 35 counties.
Devon topped the rankings with an overall score of 8.5 out of 10.
It recorded an average Bortle scale rating of 4.03, indicating relatively low levels of light pollution, along with a 25.7 per cent average chance of precipitation during July and August.
The county was also recognised for having 234 campsites, including 10 identified as dark sky campsites.
Exmoor National Park's International Dark Sky Reserve was highlighted by the study as one of Devon's key locations for stargazing.
Dorset ranked second with a score of 8.4, followed by Pembrokeshire on 8.1. Cornwall was fifth with 7.9, while neighbouring Somerset shared sixth place with Carmarthenshire on 7.8.
The rankings come as interest in outdoor activities continues to grow.
According to Google Trends, searches for "stargazing experience UK" and "hiking trails near me" have both increased by more than 5,000 per cent over the past 30 days.
Dartmoor is one of the few places in England where backpack ‘wild camping’ is permitted on areas of open moorland.
Under Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) rules, campers can stay for up to two nights in authorised areas if they carry all of their equipment, camp out of sight of roads and buildings, and follow the Backpack Camping Code.
Visitors are advised to check the authority's interactive camping map before setting out, as camping is only allowed in designated areas and some locations are subject to seasonal restrictions during the ground-nesting bird season, which runs from March 1 to July 31.
Open fires and barbecues are prohibited, overnight stays in vehicles, campervans and motorhomes are not permitted outside designated campsites, and anyone heading onto the moor should also check military live firing times before travelling.
The DNPA’s advice is simple, “Leave no trace - don't light fires and take all rubbish home.”
It is recommended that all campers check the Dartmoor National Park Authority Interactive Camping Map before travelling to the moor.