Stargazing In London | 15 Best Places To See The Night Sky In The City

I’ve been around London after dark to find the best stargazing spots. From quiet parks to observatories, here are 15 places where you can truly see the night sky in the city.

Author:James RowleyOct 12, 2025

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Top Stargazing Locations In London You Should Visit

When I first thought about stargazing in London, I couldn’t imagine it was possible. The city never really sleeps, lights blaze, traffic hums, and the sky often glows orange instead of black. But after years of late-night walks through parks and quiet heaths, I learned something surprising: London has its own way of revealing the stars, if you know where to look.

Stargazing here isn’t about escaping the city; it’s about finding its hidden calm. There are corners where the light fades just enough for Jupiter, Saturn, or the moon to shine clearly. Sometimes, if the clouds stay away, you can even catch the International Space Station gliding across the sky.

I’ve spent many nights testing spots, joining astronomy groups, and figuring out where the view is truly worth the trip. I’ll share my 15 favorite stargazing locations in and around London, places where the city’s noise fades, and the night sky quietly takes over.

1. Hampstead Heath And Observatory

Address:Hampstead Heath, London NW3 (multiple access points; main entrance near Hampstead Heath Station, South End Road, NW3 2SE)

Hampstead Heath sprawls across 320 hectares of glorious green space in North London, and I've spent more nights here than any other location. The heath's size creates pockets of darkness that block surrounding light pollution surprisingly well.

The Hampstead Scientific Society runs a genuine observatory with a historic 6-inch Cooke refractor telescope dating to 1882. I've looked through this telescope on public viewing nights, and the quality of planetary views it delivers still amazes me. The observatory opens Friday and Saturday evenings from mid-September to mid-April (weather permitting).

2. Parliament Hill

Address:Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR (nearest car park: Parliament Hill Lido, Gordon House Road, NW5 1LP)

Technically part of Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hilldeserves its own entry because it's that good. This 98-meter high viewpoint in the southeast corner of the heath offers iconic views across London's skyline and equally impressive views upward on clear nights.

The elevation cuts down atmospheric distortion and gets you above much of the low-lying light pollution. The protected viewpoint means buildings can't encroach and increase light pollution. I've joined impromptu stargazing gatherings here with friendly locals and astronomy club members sharing telescopes.

3. Regent's Park Hub

Address:The Hub, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4NR

A park at night with numerous glowing lamps illuminating the lawn and a sparkling city silhouette beyond

I love this location because it proves you can stargaze successfully right in Central London. The Hub cafe sits in the middle of Regent's Park with 360-degree views rare for any London location.

The Baker Street Irregular Astronomers made this their primary base, and for good reason. The park's size creates a buffer from immediate light pollution, while the Hub's terrace provides elevation and clear sightlines. The community aspect is wonderful, regulars bring hot chocolate, share telescopes, and welcome newcomers warmly.

4. Alexandra Palace

Address:Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 7AY

"Ally Pally" towers on one of London's highest points in North London, and that elevation translates to surprisingly good stargazing. I've had excellent viewing sessions from the parkland surrounding this iconic venue.

The combination of height (the park sits around 60 meters above sea level) and expansive parkland creates viewing conditions better than you'd expect for the area. The open fields on the eastern side offer particularly dark pockets.

5. Morden Hall Park

Address:Morden Hall Road, Morden, London SM4 5JD

This National Trust property has become my go-to South London stargazing spot. The 125-acre park features some of London's darkest skies, with surprisingly little skyglow considering its urban location.

The park's location in a slight dip, surrounded by areas with good lighting regulations, creates pockets of genuine darkness. The meadows in the park's center offer excellent viewing away from path lighting. It's also free to enter, unlike some National Trust sites.

6. Blackheath Common

Address:Blackheath, London SE3 (multiple access points; main parking at Ranger's House, Chesterfield Walk, SE10 8QX)

This open heath in Southeast London has been a stargazing destination for decades. The 211-acre expanse provides plenty of room to find dark spots away from surrounding streetlights.

The Flamsteed Astronomy Society calls this area home, and their monthly stargazing sessions attract experienced astronomers with impressive equipment. I've looked through members' telescopes and learned more in one evening than weeks of solo practice could teach.

Blackheath Railway station (Southeastern services) borders the heath. Multiple bus routes serve the area. Free parking is available at several points along the heath's edge.

7. Blythe Hill Fields

Address:Brockley, London SE23 3QL (access via Brockley Grove or Blythe Hill Lane)

Crescent Moon and bright planet visible in the dark twilight sky above a large, illuminated rusty orange structure

I discovered this South London gem through local astronomy forums, and it's become a favorite for good reason. The park sits at 230 feet elevation, uncommon for London, which reduces atmospheric distortion.

The height advantage and relatively small size (27 acres) mean you quickly find the darkest spots. The southwest-facing slopes offer excellent planetary viewing. It's also blissfully quiet compared to more famous parks.

Catford and Catford Bridge stations (both Southeastern services) are 15-20 minutes walk. Honor Oak Park (Overground) is a similar distance. Limited street parking in surrounding residential areas. Basic park only no cafes or toilets on site. It's a simple expanse of grass with a few benches. Bring everything you need.

8. WaterWorks Nature Reserve

This former Victorian waterworks site has been transformed into a nature reserve with surprisingly dark skies for East London. I've had excellent viewing sessions here, particularly for meteor showers.

The reserve's relative isolation from major roads and surrounding green buffer zones reduce light pollution significantly. The flat, open areas provide unobstructed horizon-to-horizon views rare in London.

Walthamstow Central (Victoria Line) is 25 25-minutereduces walk. Bus routes 230 and 357 stop nearby. Free parking is available at the main entrance (Coppermill Lane). Basic nature reserve facilities only. No cafe, but portable toilets are sometimes available. The Lee Valley Visitor Centre is 15-minute walk for refreshments.

9. Greenwich Park And Royal Observatory

Address:Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ

I couldn't write a London stargazing guide without including the Royal Observatory, it's literally the home of British astronomy. While Greenwich Park itself suffers from light pollution, the observatory's public programs make it invaluable.

The historic significance, expert-led programs, and access to professional-grade telescopes set this location apart. The public viewing sessions through the Great Equatorial Telescope are unforgettable I've observed Saturn's rings in stunning clarity through this Victorian instrument.

Cutty Sark DLR station is 15 minutes walk uphill. Greenwich National Rail and DLR stations are similar distances. Multiple bus routes serve Greenwich. Parking available but limited and chargeable.

10. Richmond Park

Address:Richmond Park, Richmond, London TW10 5HS (multiple entrances; main entrance at Roehampton Gate, Priory Lane, SW15 5JR)

At 2,360 acres, Richmond Parkis London's largest Royal Park and that size creates genuine pockets of darkness. I've observed from various spots within the park and consistently get better views than most London locations.

The sheer size means you can walk far enough from edge lighting to reach surprisingly dark areas. The park's deer population adds magic to evening observing sessions, I've watched deer silhouettes pass against the starlit sky. Public toilets at main car parks. Pembroke Lodge cafe offers refreshments (daytime hours). The park is massive, so plan your location carefully to avoid long walks in the dark.

11. Ruislip Lido

Address:Reservoir Road, Ruislip, London HA4 7TY

This artificial beach and woodland area in Northwest London has become popular with astronomy clubs for good reason. The surrounding Ruislip Woods buffer the site from light pollution remarkably well.

The West of London Astronomical Society chose this as one of their regular viewing locations, and their equipment setups are impressive. The mix of open beach area and woodland clearings provides varied viewing positions.

Ruislip Lido station (Metropolitan Line) is right next to the entrance. Parking is available but limited on busy days.

12. Horsenden Hill

Address:Horsenden Lane North, Greenford, London UB6 0AS

This open space in West London reaches 85 meters, making it one of the highest points in the area. I've had consistently good observing sessions here, particularly for planetary viewing. The height advantage combines with relatively good viewing angles to create better-than-average conditions. The hill's isolation from immediate development helps too.

Perivale Underground (Central Line) is 20 minutes walk. Sudbury Hill (Piccadilly Line) is similar distance. Limited street parking in surrounding residential areas. From the summit, south and west offer the best views. The elevation makes a noticeable difference in clarity.

13. Nonsuch Park

Address:Nonsuch Park, Ewell Road, Cheam, Surrey SM3 8AL

This historic park in Sutton spreads across 250 acres of former royal hunting grounds. The size and relative darkness make it excellent for stargazing, though the real treasure is the associated observatory. It’s also one of the lesser-known gems among the best parks in London, offering a calm, open space that feels far removed from the city lights.

The Ewell Astronomical Society operates Nonsuch High School Observatory here, giving public access to quality telescopes and expert guidance. I've attended their talks and found them genuinely informative and welcoming to beginners.

Cheam Railway Station (Southern services) is about a 15-minute walk away. Bus routes 151 and 213 stop nearby, and there’s free parking available at several car parks within the park.

14. Kenley Observatory (Norman Fisher Observatory)

Address:Old Lodge Lane, Kenley, Surrey CR8 5EU (access via farm track follow signs)

This dedicated observatory in South London represents serious amateur astronomy. The Croydon Astronomical Society runs it as a members' facility, but they welcome public visitors on specific nights.

The 14-inch telescope is genuinely impressive, and the society members' passion for astronomy is contagious. I've learned more about practical observing techniques from conversations here than from any book.

Purley or Kenley Railway stations (both Southern services) are 20-30 minutes walk. Limited parking at the site itself parking on nearby farm lanes is typically acceptable but check signage.

15. UCL Observatory, Mill Hill

Address:Mill Hill, London (UCL Observatory)

Long exposure shot of the dark sky full of stars above a field where a telescope is set up

This working research observatory, operated by University College London offers perhaps the most professional public astronomy experience outside the Royal Observatory. The 80cm reflecting telescope is one of Britain's largest accessible to the public.

The sheer size and quality of the equipment are breathtaking. I attended a public tour and was amazed by the facility's sophistication. This is where serious astrophysics happens, yet they make it accessible to curious visitors.

Mill Hill Broadway station (Thameslink) is 15 minutes walk. Bus route 240 stops near the entrance. Limited parking is available on site.

The Reality Of Stargazing In London

London’s sky is bright, that’s the truth. On the Bortle Scale, which measures light pollution, London scores around a 7 or 8 out of 9. That means we’re surrounded by city lights that hide most faint stars. But that doesn’t mean stargazing here is useless.

Over time, I’ve learned to work with the city, not against it. You won’t see the Milky Way, but you can spot bright planets, constellations, and even the International Space Station. Once you know what to look for, London’s sky becomes more interesting than you’d expect.

I’ve tried many nighttime activities from the best things to do in London, but stargazing always feels different. The orange glow we see isn’t random it’s light from street lamps bouncing off the air. This “skyglow” hides dim objects, but the brightest ones still shine through. That’s what makes urban stargazing special: every planet or star you spot feels like a little victory.

What You Can Actually See From London

I still remember the first time I aimed my binoculars at Jupiter from Primrose Hill and saw its moons. It blew my mind four tiny dots next to a glowing planet, right above the city. Here’s what I’ve learned you can actually see from London’s parks and hills:

The Moon:Always the easiest and most rewarding target. Even with simple binoculars, you’ll see craters, mountains, and dark plains. I like observing it when it’s half full, the shadows make the surface come alive.
Planets:Venus shines brightest at dusk or dawn, Jupiter shows cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings are visible through a small telescope. Mars looks like a small orange dot, and Mercury can be seen low on the horizon a few times a year.
Bright Stars and Constellations:Orion’s Belt, the Big Dipper, and the North Star (Polaris) are all visible. Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, sparkles clearly even from central London.
The International Space Station:It looks like a bright star moving smoothly across the sky for a few minutes. Apps like ISS Detector can alert you when it’s about to appear. It’s one of the easiest and most exciting things to watch.

What You Won’t See (And Why That’s Fine)

You won’t see the Milky Way from London. The city lights drown it out completely. Faint galaxies and nebulae are also hidden, even with a telescope. I’ve tried from every dark corner I could find they just don’t show up here.

But I’ve learned not to be disappointed. City stargazing teaches patience and focus. You start noticing small details the movement of planets, how stars change with the seasons, how the moonlight hits buildings differently each month. And when you finally visit a dark-sky area, you’ll appreciate it even more.

When To Go Stargazing In London

Best Seasons

Timing makes all the difference. Winter is by far the best time for stargazing in London. From late September to early March, nights are long, the air is clear, and the views are sharper. Yes, it’s cold, but it’s worth it. December and January are my favorite months for spotting constellations like Orion and the Winter Triangle.

Summer is trickier, true darkness never really comes between May and July. Still, warm nights make it comfortable, and you can often see bright planets like Venus or Jupiter. Spring and autumn are good middle grounds, with decent darkness and milder temperatures.

The Moon And Its Phases

The Moon can help or hinder your stargazing. I plan my sessions around its phases:

New Moon:The best time for dark skies and more visible stars.
Full Moon:Too bright for faint stars, but perfect for studying the Moon’s surface.
First or Third Quarter:My favorite times the shadows make the lunar craters pop beautifully.

You can check Moon phases easily with free apps like Moon Phase Calendar or Sky Guide.

Major Celestial Events

I never miss a few key events each year they look great even from the city:

Perseids Meteor Shower (August):The most popular one. You might see 10-20 meteors per hour on a clear night.
Geminids Meteor Shower (December):Cold but spectacular, with bright, slow-moving meteors.
Lunar Eclipses:The Moon turns red and can be seen across the city.
Planetary Conjunctions:When two planets appear close together, often near the Moon these are stunning to the naked eye.

For upcoming events, I check the Royal Observatory Greenwichcalendar every January it’s one of the best astronomy resources in the UK.

Essential Gear For Stargazing In London

Starting Without Equipment

You don’t need expensive gear to start. I spent my first few months just using my eyes. Once your eyes adjust to the dark (after about 20 minutes), you’ll be surprised how many stars appear. Learning constellations by eye helps you understand the sky naturally.

I use the Stellarium or SkySafari app to identify what I’m seeing just point your phone at the sky, and it labels stars and planets in real time. It’s simple and accurate.

Binoculars: The Best First Step

If you want to upgrade, buy binoculars before a telescope. A 10x50 pair is perfect for London. With them, I’ve seen Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s oval shape, and amazing details on the Moon.

Good brands like Celestron and Olympus offer solid models under £70. Avoid “zoom” binoculars they’re usually poor quality.

Telescopes (When You’re Ready)

If you’re ready to go deeper, choose carefully. I recommend small Dobsonian or Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes they work well in the city. A basic model like the Heritage 130P gives great planetary views and is easy to set up.

Avoid cheap department-store telescopes that promise huge magnifications. They’re shaky and disappointing. Plan to spend at least £150-£300 for something reliable.

Helpful Apps And Tools

These are the apps I use all the time:

Stellarium Mobile:Real-time star maps with red night mode.
SkySafari:Excellent for planning what to watch.
ISS Detector:Tells you when the Space Station is visible.
Clear Outside:Shows cloud and sky clarity forecasts.
Light Pollution Map:Helps find the darkest nearby spots.
PhotoPills:Great for photographers planning night shots.

With these tools, you’ll always know what’s happening in the sky even before you look up.

Final Thoughts

Stargazing in London has taught me that even in a city full of light, the night sky still finds a way to shine through. You won’t see every constellation, but you’ll catch moments that feel unforgettable a bright planet, a passing meteor, or the moon hanging above the skyline.

It’s not about escaping the city; it’s about noticing its quiet beauty. So next time the clouds clear, find one of these spots, look up, and let London surprise you.

If you’ve found your own secret stargazing spot, share it the city’s sky always has room for one more dreamer.

James Rowley

Author

James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place. His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations. His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.

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