Scotland enjoys some of the darkest skies in Europe & you can stargaze from the comfort of our unique dome
Escape the digital world and enjoy an amazing stargazing experience
In 2009 the Galloway Forest Park was designated a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. On a clear moonless night, the sky is illuminated by thousands of stars easily seen with the naked eye. At the right time of year the Milky Way can easily be seen. If you spend 10 mins looking up you will usually see a few shooting stars and there are always satellites visible flying by, if you visit during one of the meteor showers it will be an unforgettable experience. Due to the Dome being inside the Dark Sky Park there are no external lights, however torches will be provided.
Watch this video from Visit Scotland below.
About Galloway Forest Park
Located in southwest Scotland spanning 777 km2 of forested glens, lochs and some of the highest hills in southern Scotland. Here, there are few buildings and even less light pollution. That's why the International Dark Sky Association chose it to be the very first forest park in the UK to be honoured with Dark Sky Park status.
Located just under an hour-and-a-half by car from Glasgow and Dumfries. With the closest towns of Ayr 35 mins by car to the North and Newton Steward 40 mins to the South. Due to the remoteness of the Dome (the nearest Train station in Maybole is 12 miles away and the nearest bus stop in the village of Straiton is 5 miles away the best way to reach the Dome is by car. Hire Cars are available at Prestwick Airport a 45 mins drive away.)
Ket facts
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Over 7000 stars visible with the naked eye
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The Largest Forest in the UK
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Over 250 Lochs and Lochans
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Over 1 Million Trees
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Often Referred to as ‘the Highlands of the Lowlands’
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27 Way Marked Trails
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Home to an abundance of Wildlife