Dark Skies – Starry Skies at Dalriada Luxury Lodges

Experience the wonders of the night sky from our cosy and luxurious lodges.

For a unique and memorable holiday experience, escape the light pollution of the cities and enjoy the beauty and mystery of the stars. Dalriada Luxury Lodges are ideally located for star gazing, as we are situated in Aberdeenshire, one of the darkest sky regions in the UK and Western Europe.

What can you see in our skies?

On clear nights, you can see over 2,000 stars from our lodges, compared with just a few from urban areas. You can also marvel at the Milky Way, the galaxy that contains our solar system, as it arches across the sky like a river of light. You can spot star clusters, nebulae, and even other galaxies with the naked eye or with the binoculars that we can provide for our guests.

One of the most spectacular sights is the Andromeda Galaxy, a vast island of stars similar to our own Milky Way, but 2.5 million light years away. With binoculars, you can see its arms stretching out from a bright core.

Another highlight is watching meteor showers, or shooting stars, as they streak across the sky. These are caused by dust particles from comets burning up in the Earth's atmosphere. Some of the best meteor showers to watch are the Perseids in August, the Geminids in December, and the Quadrantids in January.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, the colourful and dancing lights that are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. Aberdeenshire is one of the best places in the UK to witness this natural phenomenon.

Our dark skies are also great for nocturnal wildlife like owls and moths.

At Dalriada Luxury Lodges, we offer you the perfect base for your dark skies tourism adventure. Our lodges are spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped, with everything you need to make your stay enjoyable and relaxing. You can enjoy the stunning views of the countryside and the coast from your private patio or our viewing platform.

Don't miss an opportunity to experience the wonders of the night sky from our lodges. Book your stay today and discover why dark skies tourism is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable holiday experiences you can have.