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Dark Skies in Southern Eryri

Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) is part of Eryri National Park, which was named an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2015 for the quality of its night skies. Around Cadair Idris, the Mawddach estuary, Bala and the Dysynni valley, there are very few towns and little light pollution, so on a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way, the major constellations and shooting stars with the naked eye. This guide covers the best places to stargaze in Southern Eryri, when to go and where to stay. Dark sky places to stay are listed below.

What is a Dark Sky Reserve?

An International Dark Sky Reserve is an area recognised by DarkSky International for its exceptionally dark night skies and for the work done to protect them. Eryri has a dark core where lighting is kept to a minimum, surrounded by communities that work to reduce light pollution. Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is also a Dark Sky Reserve, and the Elan Valley is a Dark Sky Park, so Mid Wales has some of the darkest skies in Britain.

Where are the best places to stargaze in Southern Eryri?

Bwlch y Groes. One of the highest tarmac passes in Wales, on the minor road between Dinas Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn near Bala. There's a small parking area near the top with wide views of the sky in every direction.
Llynnau Cregennan, the Cregennan Lakes. Two lakes on the foothills of Cadair Idris above Arthog, with a car park by the larger lake. The mountains block the glow from the coast, and the reflection of the stars on a still night is worth the drive.
Tal-y-llyn and the Dysynni valley. Llyn Mwyngil, the lake at Tal-y-llyn, sits under the southern cliffs of Cadair Idris, a long way from any town.
The Mawddach estuary. The flat estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth gives big, open skies, especially from the Mawddach Trail near Penmaenpool and Arthog.
Llyn Tegid, Bala. The largest natural lake in Wales has dark shores away from the town, with open views to the south.
The Harlech and Ardudwy coast. Looking west over Cardigan Bay, the sky over the sea is very dark, and the beaches at Harlech and Llandanwg are good places to watch the stars set.

When is the best time for stargazing?

The darkest nights are from October to March, when it gets dark early and the Milky Way is visible in the evening in autumn. Pick a clear night close to the new moon, and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust. The Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid August and the Geminids in mid December. During strong solar storms, the Northern Lights can occasionally be seen from Mid Wales, low on the northern horizon.

Tips for stargazing

Check the forecast for clear skies and go out after the moon has set.
Take a red torch, warm layers, a hat and something to sit on. It's cold at night in the hills, even in summer.
Stay on roads and paths you know, and don't walk onto open mountain in the dark without experience and a map.
Binoculars show far more than the naked eye; a stargazing app helps you find your way round the sky.

Where to stay for dark skies

Stay somewhere you can step outside and look up. Graig Wen near Arthog, on the Mawddach Trail, is close to the Cregennan Lakes, and Gwesty Pen-y-Bont is a 16th-century inn on the shore of Tal-y-llyn. Dolgellau, Bala, Tywyn and Harlech all have cottages, farm stays and glamping sites away from street lights. See more dark skies accommodation across Mid Wales.

More stargazing in Mid Wales

See our guide to dark skies and stargazing in Mid Wales, including the Elan Valley Dark Sky Park and the Cambrian Mountains. For a ready-made plan, our itineraries include a Dark Skies Weekend and a Southern Eryri weekend.

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Dark sky places to stay

Inspiration

Dark Sky Destination - Brecon Beacons
Dark Sky Destination - Elan Valley
Dark Skies Accommodation in Mid Wales
Dark Skies and Stargazing in Mid Wales

Some of the darkest skies in Britain, with the Milky Way overhead on a clear night. Here is where to go, what to look for and when.

Number of results: 76

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Dysynni Valley Cottage | Maes y Wennol

Address

Llanfihangel y Pennant, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TR

Telephone
01654 782674

admin@dysynnivalleyholidays.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Maes y Wennol in a rural and peaceful setting with no passing traffic, boasts magnificent views of the Dysynni Valley.

Price
Price £600.00 per unit per week
Rola Cottages

Address

Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, LL37 2QJ

Telephone
07980 822004

hello@rolacottages.co.uk

Llwyngwril

Our two traditional Welsh cottages are situated on the stunning Cambrian coast with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains, close to the sandy beaches of Fairbourne, Tywyn, and Barmouth.
Hotel Portmeirion

Address

Portmeirion Village, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ET

Telephone
01766 770000

stay@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The historic Hotel Portmeirion was originally built in 1850 and developed by Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925. It offers 14 rooms and suites in the beautiful surroundings of Portmeirion Italiante Village.

Price
Price £54.50 per person per night to £290.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Garth Holiday Park | Rentals

Address

Garth Road, Machynlleth, Powys, SY208HQ

Telephone
01654 702194

info@garthapp.co.uk

Machynlleth

Garth Holiday Park is a family-run holiday park in Machynlleth, Powys, set above the Dyfi Valley with views towards Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Just a short walk from the historic market town, it offers a peaceful base for exploring Mid Wales,…

Price
Price £110.00 to £135.00 per unit per night
Penmaenuchaf Hotel

Address

Penmaenuchaf Hotel, Penmaenpool, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1YB

Telephone
01341 212121

reservations@penmaenuchaf.co.uk

Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Perched high above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, you’ll find our stone-fronted Penmaenuchaf. Inspired by the dramatic ancient landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, this grand old house has its own beautiful…

Price
Price £85.00 to £550.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Glandyfi Castle | Stay

Address

Glandyfi Castle, Glandyfi, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SS

enquiries@glandyficastle.co.uk

Machynlleth

Exclusive-use castle near Machynlleth in Mid Wales, with 11 bedrooms sleeping 22 guests in individually styled bedrooms. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and relaxed get togethers with family or friends. Dog friendly venue with 40 acres of…
Hendy Farm Holidays

Address

Hendy Farm, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9RU

Telephone
01654 710457

jones@farmline.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A warm welcome awaits you at Hendy, situated in the Snowdonia National Park. Enjoy Bed and Breakfast on a working farm with the privilege of its own halt on the Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway!

Price
Price £35.00 to £40.00 per person per night
Bryn Melyn Apartments

Address

Bryn Melyn, Panorama Road, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1DQ

Telephone
01341 280556

info@brynmelyn.co.uk

Barmouth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The location of Bryn Melyn is truly breathtaking, as it sits atop a hillside overlooking Barmouth on the Southern Snowdonia coast, with views of the Mawddach Estuary, Cadair Idris, and the sea. Despite its peaceful setting, it is only a short…

Price
Price £300.00 to £750.00 per unit per week
Hendy Farm Cottages

Address

Hendy Farm, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9RU

Telephone
01654 710457

jones@farmline.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A warm welcome awaits you at Hendy, situated in the Snowdonia National Park. Enjoy Self Catering accommodation on a working farm with the privilege of its own halt on the Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway.

Price
Price £210.00 to £850.00 per unit per week
Cefn Crib Caravan Park

Address

Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LB

Telephone
07908 654730

brees2000@aol.com

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Cefn Crib Caravan Park is a small family-run park, situated on a working farm in Snowdonia National Park. Surrounded by mountains, valleys and woodland this well maintained park offers peace and tranquility.

Price
Price £10.00 to £20.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Bala Backpackers

Address

32 Tegid Street, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7EL

Telephone
01678 521700

info@bala-backpackers.co.uk

Bala

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Hostel-style value Tourist Accommodation in 1800's character buildings, refurbished, offering essential provision with a hint of luxury. Located in the town of Bala, famous for its Lake and White Water River. Sleeps 31.

Price
Price £25.00 to £65.00 per person per night
Yr Hen Stablau

Address

Pantlludw, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JR

Telephone
01654 702218

stablau@selfcateringcottagewales.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

31 Jan 2026to31 Oct 2026

Yr Hen Stablau in southern Snowdonia just I mile from Machynlleth, sleeps 6 and has ground floor wheelchair access. The cottage is an energy efficient building renovated with local slate and timber. Beautiful garden,1 mile to Wales Coast Path and 8…

Price
Price £590.00 per unit per week
Graig Wen | Cottages

Address

Graig Wen, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL39 1YP

Telephone
01341 250482

hello@graigwen.co.uk

Arthog

Dog-friendly self-catering cottages near Dolgellau, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with direct access to the Mawddach Trail. Eco-conscious, peaceful and surrounded by wild scenery, they suit families seeking outdoor adventures and couples looking…
Dysynni Valley Shepherd’s Hut

Address

Bodilan Fach Farm, Llanfihangel y Pennant, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TR

Telephone
01654 782674

admin@dysynnivalleyholidays.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

New for 2021, a Shepherd's Hut in in the perfect location in Southern Snowdonia for a family or keen walkers, climbers, fishing enthusiasts. Created for those looking for a beautiful location to relax.

Price
Price £55.00 to £75.00 per unit per night
Tan-y-Fron Holiday Park

Address

Arran Road, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Snowdonia National Park, LL40 2AA

Telephone
01341 422638

info@tan-y-fron.co.uk

Gwynedd

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Tan-y-Fron Caravan & Camping Holiday Park is situated in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, a few minutes walk from the market town of Dolgellau.

Price
Price £10.00 to £76.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Coedmor Cottage and Coedmor Barn

Address

Coedmor, Caerdeon, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1TL

Telephone
01341 430332

coedmorenquiry@hotmail.co.uk

Barmouth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Charming units nestled between the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and Cader Idris mountain range. Minutes away from Barmouth and Dolgellau the cottages are ideally situated for walking, fishing, bird watching or just relaxing.

Price
Price £320.00 to £530.00 per unit per week
Cefn Crib | Cabins

Address

Cefn Crib, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LB

Telephone
01654 791203

sian@cefncrib.co.uk

Machynlleth

Stay in one of Cefn Crib's cosy cabins in Pennal, near Machynlleth. The shepherd's hut and glamping pod both sleep two and offer private decking with countryside views. Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful Mid Wales escape. Book your stay

Price
Price £120.00 per unit per night
Lounge Holidays

Address

Tywyn & Barmouth, Southern Snowdonia, LL36 9AE

Telephone
01654 710533

theteam@lounge-holidays.co.uk

Southern Snowdonia

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Lounge Holidays are a family run business based in southern Snowdonia and can accommodate the solo travel to the large family holiday, from one-bed apartments to seven-bedroom beach houses with hot tubs.
Aber Cottage Guesthouse

Address

Smithfield Street, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1DE

Telephone
07976 518687

bwthynyraber@gmail.com

Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Aber Cottage is a 250 year old listed building situated in the picturesque market town of Dolgellau, in the heart of Wales' beautiful Snowdonia National Park. The guest house offers quality en-suite accommodation with private parking.

Price
Price £90.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Cae Du Farm Holidays

Address

Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9ND

Telephone
01654 711234

caedufarmholidays@gmail.com

Gwynedd

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Cae Du Farm Holidays - Self Catering with 2 units sleeps 6-16
Located in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park the property has spectacular views over the Dysynni Valley and Cardigan coast. Perfect location for a relaxing country holiday

Price
Price £80.00 to £1,314.00 per unit per night
Dinas Caravan Park

Address

Dinas, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PH

Telephone
01341 241585

hideawayinthehills@outlook.com

Llanbedr

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Dinas Caravan Park is a small, quiet park with 8 static caravans for hire. Located in Southern Snowdonia between Harlech and Barmouth on the Ardudwy Way long distance path in the Rhinog foothills. 3 miles from sandy beaches and castle.

Price
Price £42.42 to £80.00 per unit per night