Dark Sky Park
Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve
- Darkness
- Bortle 3–4
- Designation
- Dark Sky Reserve — DarkSky, 2011
- Size
- 693 km²
- Location
- Somerset & Devon
When Exmoor was designated in 2011 it became the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe. The national park covers 693 square kilometres of moorland straddling the Somerset–Devon border, offering some of the most accessible genuinely dark skies in southern England — within a few hours of Bristol, Cardiff and London.
Low population density, minimal road lighting and strict planning controls keep Exmoor dark despite its accessibility. Brendon Common, Dunkery Beacon and Wimbleball Lake are favourite observing spots, and many local campsites and B&Bs are certified Dark Sky Friendly. It’s an excellent reserve for Milky Way photography and meteor showers.
