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You are here: Experience and Enjoy > Natural Attractions > Stargazing > Dark Skies in Southern Eryri

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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Ty Bach

Address

Warren Parc, Penegoes, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8NN

Telephone
01654 702054

info@warrenparc.co.uk

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Ty Bach is a small cosy cottage set within our family run Caravan Park, 2 miles from the ancient market town of Machynlleth. An ideal base to explore the beautiful Dyfi Valley and Mid Wales.

Price
Price £395.00 per unit per week
Nyth Robin Touring Site

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Dates

From:

31 Mar 2026to30 Oct 2026

Small, friendly, eco touring site, just outside the pretty seaside village of Aberdovey in mid-Wales, and within the Snowdonia National Park. Secluded site set in 7 acres of private woodland with short walks.
There are just 9 touring pitches…

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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
Bryn Elltyd Eco House

Address

Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3TW

Telephone
01766 831356

info@ecohouse.wales

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Eco Friendly, Bryn Elltyd is carbon neutral. All energy inputs from renewables, located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park at the foot of the Moelwyn mountains, this is an ideal location to explore North Wales.

Price
Price £166.00 to £170.00 per unit per night
Vanner Holiday Cottages

Address

Llanelltyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HE

Telephone
01341 422854

enquiries@vanner.co.uk

Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Semi-detached cottages, stone built, 17th century listed buildings, situated on the banks of the river Mawddach, within a conservation area which includes 15th century Vanner Farm House & Cymer Abbey.

Price
Price £450.00 to £700.00 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…
Cefn Crib | Llety Cynnes Cottage

Address

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

Telephone
01654 791203

sian@cefncrib.co.uk

Machynlleth

Llety Cynnes is a renovated self-catering holiday cottage in Pennal, near Machynlleth, sleeping up to five guests. Enjoy modern, comfortable accommodation, a private patio and views across the Dyfi Valley. Ideal for families, couples and small…

Price
Price £150.00 per unit per night
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
Nyth Robin | Glamping Holidays

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Dates

From:

31 Mar 2026to30 Oct 2026

Nyth Robin Glamping offers fabulous holidays in a variety of unique accommodation options. You can choose from a family-friendly bell tent, yurt, or dome, a cosy woodland cabin, a unique vintage caravan, or a quirky converted horsebox!
All the…

Price
Price £80.00 to £130.00 per unit per night
Islawrffordd Holiday & Touring Park

Address

Islawrffordd Holiday & Touring Park, Talybont, Ffordd Glan mor, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL43 2BQ

Telephone
01341 247269

info@islawrffordd.co.uk

Ffordd Glan mor, Barmouth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Islawrffordd Holiday Park is a family run luxury Holiday park - an ideal setting for a holiday in Southern Snowdonia. Luxury Super Pitches & facilities include superb toilet facilities, restaurant, bar & private access to a sandy beach,
Tynllwyn Caravan Park

Address

Bryncrug, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9RD

Telephone
01654 710370

tynllwyncaravanpark@gmail.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Tynllwyn is a small family run site with the Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway gently winding past and Rhydronen station only 50 yds away. A haven for bird watchers, walkers & cyclists.

Price
Price £395.00 to £535.00 per unit per week
Garden Cottage at Torrent Walk Cottages

Address

Plas Hen, Brithdir, Dolgellau, United Kingdom, LL40 2RG

Telephone
01341 422783

richards@torrentwalkcottages.com

Brithdir, Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Dog Friendly Self-Catering Cottage - Sleeping 5 in 3 rooms with beautiful views over Cader Idris, Snowdonia.
Real log fire and Wifi available.
Great for couples, short breaks, family escapes and walking holidays. Dogs accepted at a surcharge of…

Price
Price £630.00 to £830.00 per unit per week
Castell Deudraeth

Address

Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 770000

post@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Castell Deudraeth 4-star hotel located on the grounds of Portmeirion, in Southern Snowdonia. The hotel has 11 spacious and contemporary rooms and suites,
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
Min-y-Don Holiday & Touring Park

Address

Beach Road, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UG

Telephone
01766 780286

info@minydonpark.co.uk

Harlech

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The 15-acre park, which has 112 caravan holiday homes and 82 touring caravan and motorhome pitches, nestles below Harlech Castle, alongside the famous Royal St David's Golf Club and just a short walk from one of the best beaches in Wales.

Price
Price £28.50 to £30.50 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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
Cae Du Campsite

Address

Rhoslefain, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9ND

Telephone
01654 711234

caedufarmholidays@gmail.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Campsite has panoramic sea views of Ynys Enlli and the Llyn Peninsula and the Self Catering accommodation overlooks the Dysynni Valley with coastal views as far as Pembrokeshire on a clear day.

Price
Price £15.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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
The Wynnstay

Address

Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8AE

Telephone
01654 702941

croeso@wynnstay.wales

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Wynnstay Machynlleth is a charming old Coaching Inn. The restaurant appeals to gourmets, hungry locals and travellers. Open fires, log stoves, excellent wines and real ales. "This one is different", said Martin Bright in The Observer.

Price
Price £65.00 to £120.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Cefn Crib | Vans & Touring

Address

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

Telephone
01654 791203

sian@cefncrib.co.uk

Machynlleth

Touring caravan and campervan pitches in Pennal, near Machynlleth, with hard-standing and grass pitches, modern facilities and easy access to the Dyfi Valley and coast. Ideal for touring Mid Wales. Book your pitch.