The North Wales spot that's the best place in UK to see Perseid meteor shower - and the best time
Several celestial phenomena lit up the sky this year, including the solar eclipse and northern lights, leading to interest in astronomical events and astro-tourism rapidly growing in popularity. Accoring to Planet Cruise, there has been a 53% increase in travellers seeking destinations to experience the Aurora Borealis, while almost a third (28%) plan to visit Dark Sky Reserves this year.
To help keen stargazers find the perfect location for witnessing the Perseids meteor shower , Planet Cruise has conducted a study to find the top global and UK destinations for astro-tourism - and Eryri has been ranked top in the UK, ahead of Wasdell (Scafell Pike) in Cumbria and Derwentwater, also in Cumbria. The factors used to rank the locations were latitude, average elevation and average light pollution.
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A Planet Cruise statement said: "Snowdonia, Wales, tops the UK rankings as the best location for stargazing. With an elevation of 700 metres and extremely low light pollution, it offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and even meteor showers. The vast national park provides numerous vantage points, ensuring an unforgettable stargazing experience."
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Lake District locations ranked in top 3 places to see astronomical event this summer
Two Lake District locations have been named in the top 3 places to view an astronomical event this summer. Derwentwater and Scafell Pike were ranked second and third in a list of the best places in the UK to view the Perseid meteor shower this summer, beaten only by Snowdonia. The meteor shower will be active until August 24 with the number of meteors increasing every night until it reaches a peak of up to 60 meteors per hour on the night of August 12. According to a survey on astro-tourism conducted by Planet Cruise, there has been a 53% rise in travellers choosing destinations to see the Northern Lights and a 28% increase in visitors to Dark Sky reserves in 2025. Read more Lake District: 5 of the best places to eat outdoors Multi-agency meeting agree action plan to tackle fly-camping Locations were ranked based on key factors such as latitude, elevation, light pollution levels, and sightings of the Northern Lights. Wasdale (Scafell Pike) was rated second in the UK with a light pollution level of zero with Derwentwater close behind at third with 0.2 light pollution. For those keen to witness this astronomical event, the best time to see the meteor showers will be between midnight and 5:30am.
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August Has 7 Major Astronomical Events Including Meteor Showers and a Mercury Sighting
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5 days ago
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The North Wales spot that's the best place in UK to see Perseid meteor shower - and the best time
Eryri (Snowdonia) has been ranked as the best place in the UK to see the Perseid meteor shower, according to research. The Perseid meteor shower is active between July 17 and August 24, with the number of meteors increasing every night until it reaches a peak of up to 60 meteors per hour on the night of August 12. The best time to see them will be between 12am-5:30am. Several celestial phenomena lit up the sky this year, including the solar eclipse and northern lights, leading to interest in astronomical events and astro-tourism rapidly growing in popularity. Accoring to Planet Cruise, there has been a 53% increase in travellers seeking destinations to experience the Aurora Borealis, while almost a third (28%) plan to visit Dark Sky Reserves this year. To help keen stargazers find the perfect location for witnessing the Perseids meteor shower , Planet Cruise has conducted a study to find the top global and UK destinations for astro-tourism - and Eryri has been ranked top in the UK, ahead of Wasdell (Scafell Pike) in Cumbria and Derwentwater, also in Cumbria. The factors used to rank the locations were latitude, average elevation and average light pollution. READ MORE: DWP pension changes that could mean people retire later READ MORE: 'Eco apart-hotel' plan for derelict Colwyn Bay landmark A Planet Cruise statement said: "Snowdonia, Wales, tops the UK rankings as the best location for stargazing. With an elevation of 700 metres and extremely low light pollution, it offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and even meteor showers. The vast national park provides numerous vantage points, ensuring an unforgettable stargazing experience." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
