South Downs Dark Skies | Tottington Manor

South Downs Dark Skies Reserve

Enjoy the beauty of the Dark Skies Reserve from October to March each year.
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The South Downs National Park is officially recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve (designated in 2016), only the second in England. On clear nights you can spot constellations, planets and – in the darkest areas – the hazy band of the Milky Way.

Night sky over the South Downs with Mars and Jupiter visible
Planets over the Downs

Photo: Tom Hall (Wikimedia Commons)

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters under a darkening sky
Birling Gap, Seven Sisters

Photo: Andrew Smith / Geograph (Wikimedia Commons)

Where to stargaze

You’ll find excellent stargazing sites all across the National Park, including official Dark Sky Discovery Sites and easy-access viewpoints. Here are a few favourites to plot into your map:

  • Truleigh Hill – Wide views across the Sea and Hills near Tottington Manor
  • Bignor Hill – a classic high-point with wide horizons.
  • Birling Gap – coastal views and big skies above the chalk cliffs.
  • Butser Hill (Queen Elizabeth Country Park) – elevated, with car-park access.
  • Devil’s Dyke & Ditchling Beacon – iconic viewpoints near Brighton.
Birling Gap cliffs
Birling Gap

Photo: Simon Burchell (Wikimedia Commons)

Sunset view from Birling Gap
Seven Sisters coastline

Photo: CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

For a full, up–to–date map of stargazing spots (including parking and accessibility), check the National Park’s ’Where to stargaze’ guide.

View the stargazing map

Dark Skies Walks – 2025 & 2026

Join our guided evening walks from Tottington Manor and experience the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve at its best. Our leaders pick routes with big skies and minimal light pollution, sharing night-sky highlights along the way. Walks typically last 2 – 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace and are suitable for most abilities.

  • 2025: Seasonal walks across winter and early spring, with dates added around the South Downs Dark Skies Festival (February) and new–moon weekends.
  • 2026: A full programme of winter and festival–season walks, plus occasional summer stargazing evenings when conditions are right.
Book now More local walks

When to go

The South Downs is great year–round, but the clearest, longest nights typically run from October to March. Aim for a moonless night if you want the Milky Way; use a moon-phase app and check the weather before you set out.

Panoramic view of the Milky Way
Image: ESO / Wikimedia Commons

Quick stargazing tips

Pack warm layers

Even mild evenings feel colder when you’re standing still. Hats and gloves help!

Use a red torch

Red light preserves your night vision and is kinder to wildlife.

Look up from the shadows

Stand away from car parks or lights; even a small hill or hedge can block glare.

Let eyes adapt

Give yourself 20–30 minutes in the dark for your pupils to fully adjust.

Practical resources

Dark Night Skies (SDNPA)
Official hub for events, maps and learning.
southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies
Where to Stargaze
Interactive map of top viewing spots.
View map
Go Stargazing (guide)
Locations and clubs across the Downs.
gostargazing.co.uk
Dark Skies TAN
How the Park protects its night skies.
Technical Advice Note