19th August 2025
Stargazing is a bit like fishing or flower arranging: it’s as much an art as a hobby. And the art of stargazing is one of the most rewarding art forms out there.
Anyone can find something to love in a clear night sky. If you’re an amateur astronomer, you’ll have great fun spotting constellations. If you couldn’t care less about astronomy, you can just sit back and let nature’s exquisite, star-studded duvet hug your soul.
Cornwall is home to many of the UK’s sparkliest stargazing spots – and Newquay is close to some of the finest. In this guide, we cover a few stargazing essentials, explore some top-tier locations and explain why our coastal hotel is ideal for astral aficionados.
What do you need to get started?
Very little. That’s the beauty of stargazing: you don’t need expensive equipment or a headful of constellations to start enjoying it.
However, you will get more out of the experience if you swot up on stargazing basics before you begin. Perhaps you could invest in a beginners’ stargazing guide or simply do a bit of Googling. This way, you’ll know what to look for and what you can expect to see at certain times of the year.
The only real essential is warm, sensible clothing. See, the art of stargazing might be rewarding – but it’s hardly a summer in Costa Rica. You’ll be at the whims of the British weather, so wear a cosy, waterproof jacket and thick socks – and pack a hat and scarf.
If you’re bitten by the stargazing bug, you may want to invest in professional kit like binoculars and a telescope. But if it’s your first time, there’s really no need. The experience will be magical enough without any fancy gadgets.
5 quick tips for beginners
The art of stargazing is easy for anyone to enjoy. But you’ll get the most out of it if you keep these simple pointers in mind.
- Let your eyes adjust: experts recommend arriving half an hour early. This gives your eyes time to get used to the darkness.
- Don’t use your phone: you’ve just spent 30 minutes developing pin-sharp night vision. Don’t ruin it by staring at a bright smartphone screen. Pocket it!
- Take a light source: most of us now have torches on our phones – but it’s worth taking an old-fashioned flashlight for good measure. You’ll need this to navigate back to your car.
- Know your terrain: visit your chosen stargazing location during the day if possible. This way, you’ll be better equipped to handle tricky terrain features.
- Stay safe: don’t do anything silly. Stay away from dangerous spots like cliff edges and make sure you tell someone where you’re going. Go with a group if possible.
Feeling prepared? Great. Let’s explore some of the best stargazing spots Newquay has to offer.
Spot 1: Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps
Distance from Newquay: 4.9 miles
Carnewas is one of two designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites in Cornwall. This means it offers exceptionally clear views of the night sky, with minimal light pollution. In other words, it’s the perfect place to put the art of stargazing into action.
However, Carnewas is a clifftop location with uneven terrain, so it’s important to practice proper safety measures. Be careful as you go and stay well back from the cliff edge. Or, even better, sign up for one of the National Trust’s special guided stargazing events.
Spot 2: St Agnes Head
Distance from Newquay: 9.8 miles
Head southwest on Cornwall’s North Coast and you’ll find our second Dark Sky Discovery Site: St Agnes Head.
St Agnes Head was once an artillery range but is now a peaceful heathland blanketed with heather and gorse. Its lofty position above the Atlantic Ocean means that stunning sky views are all but guaranteed on a clear night.
Like Carnewas, however, it has steep and uneven terrain, so exercise caution.
Spot 3: Trelissick
Distance from Newquay: 13.9 miles
This National Trust property is perched beside the Fal estuary on Cornwall’s south coast. Its remote location makes it popular with stargazers, who flock to its car park on clear nights to catch a glimpse of the astral ballet.
Bear in mind that the car park officially closes at dusk, so make sure you can find somewhere safe to park nearby.
Spot 4: Crantock Beach
Distance from Newquay: 1.9 miles
Crantock is Newquay’s closest neighbour. It’s a small village with a sandy beach that’s popular with surfers, swimmers and sunbathers.
At night, however, Crantock Beach becomes a star-studded panorama. With its wide, clear skies, relatively low levels of light pollution and convenient location, it’s the perfect place for beginners to practice the art of stargazing.
Spot 5: Fistral Beach
Distance from Newquay: 0 miles
Staying here in Newquay? You’re in luck. The world-famous Fistral Beach is only a stone’s throw from the centre of town.
Fistral is most famous for its waves – the beach has long been recognised as one of the best surfing spots in the UK. However, it’s not shabby in the stargazing stakes, either. The beach scores 4 on the Bortle light pollution scale: equal to some parts of the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Nice!
Why the Pentire Hotel is perfect for enjoying the art of stargazing
Planning a stargazing holiday in Newquay? We’d love to welcome you here at the Pentire.
Our coastal hotel has plenty to offer night-sky connoisseurs. Cosy rooms? Check. Delicious dining options? Check. Fantastic facilities, including a swimming pool, spa and on-site hair salon? Check, check and check.
But the biggest boon is our location. Pentire Hotel is perched on Cornwall’s North Coast, overlooking Fistral Beach. Stay with us and you’ll have one of the county’s best stargazing spots on your doorstep – and a host of attractions, shops and creature comforts nearby.
We hope to see you on a dark, clear night very soon. Happy stargazing!
