Astronomy Holidays

There are a number of travel agents who specialise in astronomical holidays and tours, ranging from Northern Lights Tours, Meteor watches, Cruises and Total Solar Eclipse holidays.

For those who do not want full tours and would like a holiday where they can do astronomy but remain self-sufficient there are a number of options available.

The following places are permanent setups who cater specifically for people who would like to enjoy a holiday or break with telescopes and other equipment available to use that will enable them to enjoy some astronomy at the same time.

United States

• Arizona Sky Village.A holiday resort set up by the renowned astro photographer Jack Newton. Actively maintaining their dark skies in Arizona.  Both accommodation and telescopes are available for rent.  www.arizonaskyvillage.co.uk

Europe

• Dark Skies Tenerife.  A new venture of a 24 room hotel offering astronomy holidays and tours located in Villaflor on the flanks of Mount Teide and close to the dark skies of the National Park.  www.darkskiestenerife.co.uk
• Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve (COAA) – Located in The Algarve in Portugal, this resort is run on a Bed & Breakfast basis, with observatories and telescopes available free of charge for staying guests.  www.coaa.co.uk
• Astrofarm Knowledge Observatory – Located in the Southwest of France alongside a national park with dark skies.theknowledgeobservatory.com/
• Les Granges, France – Traditional Provence-style farmhouse for rent with all astronomical telescopes and imaging equipment available to use.  www.sunstarfrance.com

 

United Kingdom

• Astro Adventures.  Located in North Devon, England, this resort is run on a Bed & Breakfast basis, with observatories and telescopes available free of charge if you are staying.  www.astroadventures.co.uk
• Galloway Astronomy Centre. Bed & Breakfast accommodation located in The Dark Sky Park area in the Galloway Forest National Park, Dumfries, Scotland. A range of astronomical equipment is available.  www.gallowayastro.com/index.htm
• Northumberland International Dark Sky Park / Kielder Observatory.  Various accommodation types available around the park.  www.visitnorthumberland.com/darkskies/experiences  Kielder Observatory holds a series of events throughout the year.  Kielder Observatory.org
• Eddington Lodge.
  Located in North Cornwall offer self-catering holidays and short breaks.
  Have observation pods as well as a fully equipped observatory.  www.eddington-lodge.co.uk