Welsh Dark Skies Week 2026 runs from Saturday 14 February to Sunday 22 February. If you’re curious about stargazing in Mid Wales and where to enjoy truly dark skies, here’s a local guide from Coety Bach near Llandrindod Wells, Powys.

If you love quiet nights, clear views and unhurried time under the stars, then this may be one for you.

Coety Bach cabin under a clear, starry Mid Wales sky, stargazing accommodation near Llandrindod Wells

'Croeso i’r noson serennog'

A night to slow down and look up.

When did you last stop and really look at the night sky? Not a quick glance, a proper moment. Dark Skies Week is a good excuse to wrap up, step outside and enjoy the show.

Wales has some of the darkest skies in Europe, with recognised Dark Sky Reserves and Parks including the Cambrian Mountains and the Elan Valley / Cwm Elan. On a clear night you can see the Milky Way, bright planets, star clusters and the odd meteor. These protected areas help wildlife as well as stargazers by keeping light pollution low.

Panoramic view of the Elan Valley night sky with the Milky Way and labelled planets, Mid Wales stargazing — *Daffod Wyn Jones, Serddya*

What’s Happening?

There are events across Wales during the week, including guided sessions in the Cambrian Mountains. For the latest programme and how to join in, check the Discovery in the Dark website.

Cambrian Mountains stargazing weekends usually include friendly talks and skywatching for beginners and seasoned observers alike.

Dark skies are beautiful but they are extreamly important for nature.

Insects navigate by natural light. Too much artificial light throws them off course.
Some birds migrate at night using the stars. Excess light can disorient them.
Light pollution affects sleep, breeding and hunting, which impacts whole ecosystems.

Stargazing at Coety Bach

We’re in Mid Wales with minimal local light, so on a clear night you can enjoy the sky from the garden. You may see the Milky Way at certain times of year, along with bright planets when they are up. There’s nothing quite like sinking into the wood fired hot tub and watching for shooting stars.

Tip: Check the Met Office cloud cover for Llandrindod Wells before you head out, the weather can change quickly here. (Or just pop your head out of the door if you are garden or hot tub stargazing.)

Take a look at our Stargazers bundle to stay warm and comfortable while you watch the night sky.

What to Bring

Warm layers, hat and gloves
A torch with a red-light setting if you have one
A warm blanket (We do provide some too)
Hot drink in a flask
Phone on night mode, or keep it tucked away to protect your night vision

How to Give Yourself the Best Chance

Check cloud cover and wind for Llandrindod Wells on the Met Office
Choose the darkest spot in the garden, away from any lights
Turn off outdoor lights you don’t need
Let your eyes adjust for 15 minutes without looking at your phone
Keep torches dim or use a red setting if you have one

How You Can Help Protect Dark Skies

Use downward-facing, shielded lights at home
Only light what you need, and use timers or sensors
Talk about light pollution and support local dark sky projects

Elan Valley dark skies over the reservoirs in Powys, Wales, with a sky full of stars and the Milky Way, a popular stargazing spot often highlighted in Dark Skies Week events. — *Daffod Wyn Jones, Serddya*

Where to stand for the best dark-sky views in Cwm Elan (Elan Valley)

If you’re venturing out of the cabin garden and heading into the Cambrian Mountains International Dark Sky Park at the Elan Valley, try these easy, dark-sky viewpoints with clear horizons:

Craig Goch dam lay-by, wide views and calm water reflections
How to find it: Follow the Elan Valley road to Craig Goch dam. Park in the signed lay-by near the dam wall. Face away from any lights for the darkest view.
Claerwen dam viewpoint, big skies and simple parking
How to find it: Take the minor road to Claerwen dam. There is a car park by the dam. Walk a short way from the lights and look south and west for the Milky Way on clear nights.
Penbont bridge area near Claerwen, sheltered spot by the water
How to find it: From the Claerwen road, head to Penbont bridge and use nearby pull-ins. Cross the bridge and set up a little way off the road for a quieter, darker spot.
Quiet lay-bys on the mountain road towards Devil’s Bridge, sweeping, unobstructed skies
How to find it: From the Elan Valley, take the mountain road towards Devil’s Bridge. Choose a quiet lay-by away from bends, switch off interior lights, and face away from the road.

Good to know: Arrive before dark, let your eyes adjust for 15–20 minutes, keep torches dim or red, and park considerately. Pack warm layers, a hot drink and a blanket. On very clear nights you can often see the Milky Way arching across the sky.

FAQs about Wales Dark Skies Week

Where are the best places to stargaze in Wales?

You’ll get good results anywhere away from street lighting. Dark Sky areas and rural stays like Coety Bach offer the best chance on a clear night.

Do I need a telescope?

No. Your eyes are enough to get started. Binoculars are a great next step, these are provided in the cabin for your use.

Can I stargaze if it’s a full moon?

Yes, but the sky will be brighter and you’ll see fewer faint stars. Clusters and the Moon itself are still lovely.

Mid Wales stands out with some of the darkest skies in the UK, ideal for stargazing. — *Mid Wales stands out on the map, with some of the darkest skies in the UK.*

Plan your dark skies stay If you’d like a quiet base for stargazing during Wales Dark Skies Week or another clear‑sky weekend, get in touch. We’ll help you make the most of the night.

If you’re staying during Welsh Dark Skies Week, we’d love to hear what you saw. Share a photo or a few words about your evening under the stars.

We’re part of the Cosmic Collection with Serydda, supporting thoughtful astrotourism across Mid Wales.

We’re a Gold Award graded accommodation with Visit Wales.

Book your stargazing getaway here