5 of the best places to go stargazing in Suffolk

Westleton Common

One the county’s two Designated Dark Sky Sites, Westleton Common is a stargazer’s dream. Not only will you catch a glimpse of some of the brightest stars above, you’ll be able to see the Milky Way on a clear enough night.

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Dunwich on the coast, this open heathland will provide avid starspotters with good visibility on all sides and incredible dark skies above. To access it, turn off the B1126 onto Mill Street, and at the crossroads turn right onto the car park track.

Some of the ground is uneven, so take care when walking across the common at night. There is a concrete viewing area within, and is wheelchair accessible via a gravel path from the car park.

Day becomes night on Covehithe beach (Image: Archant)

Covehithe

Covehithe near Benacre is one of the best coastal spots in the region if you plan to head out with your telescope or binoculars this summer.

Its rural location makes it the perfect spot to catch of glimpse of meteor showers, full moons and planets galore.

Only accessible by foot or bike, you’ll need to park up on the street by St Andrew’s Church before making your way down the clearly marked footpath. A short trek through fields will bring you to the dunes and down onto the beach.

A photographer getting ready to capture the nighttime sky at Walberswick (Image: Andrew Mutimer/iWitness)

Walberswick

One of Suffolk’s National Nature Reserves, Walberswick is the other Designated Dark Sky Site here in the county. Its public car park – which is open all-year round - can be accessed from the B1387. Head west into Walberswick, take a right turn on Lodge Road and the car park is about a mile up on the left-hand side.

Make your way to Shingle Street as the sun sets so you can get a grab a spot for stargazing this summer (Image: citizenside.com)

Shingle Street

With stretches of unspoilt skies and minimal light interference, the coastal settlement of Shingle Street should definitely be on your list of must-visit places for your astro endeavours this summer.

So revered for stargazing, only just a couple of months ago did astronomy photographer Alison Bailey shoot some incredible shots of the Milky Way while she was in the hamlet.

Miss Bailey, who only took up astrophotography as a hobby at the start of 2021, captured the galaxy of stars as it emerged on Saturday June 5. "I could not believe how clear the Milky Way was at Shingle Street with just the naked eye. It was amazing, and I'll definitely be returning,” she said.

Dunwich

Colloquially known as ‘the lost city of England’, there’s no better place to lose yourself this summer than on Dunwich beach. Grab your stargazing equipment, wrap up warm and head to this stretch of coast for guaranteed views of stars galore.

There is a large, free public car park just near the beach, with public toilets nearby. If you turn right and keep walking, you’ll eventually make your to Greyfriars, the ruins of Franciscan friary. For any keen photographers out there, this will definitely make for a stunning shot.

Have you got a favourite stargazing spot in Suffolk that didn’t make the list? Email danielle.lett@archant.co.uk to share yours.