Getting away from it all has quite a few upsides. And nowhere are they as sparkling clear as in the South of Scotland. October to March marks Dark Sky Season, the perfect opportunity to head to the region for a spot of stargazing.

The Galloway Forest Park was the first location in the UK to be designated a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. But ever since, local pride in our exceptional dark skies and clear displays of the stars has spread right across Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders. So, join local communities in celebrating the delights of our night skies at the South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival from the 9th to the 18th of October 2026.

Why the South of Scotland is a must-visit during the Dark Sky Festival

The South of Scotland ideal for stargazing. On clear nights, over 7,000 stars can be seen with the naked eye. Look out for the arch of the Milky Way as it spreads across forests, hills and coastlines, or join local experts and guides for a closer look at the moon and planets at a local observatory.

While there are no guarantees that the sky will be free of clouds, true darkness is just as rare as seeing the stars. Nature awakens with displays of bioluminescence on beaches and deep in forests. Have you ever watched bats flit about in their natural habitat or seen red stags up close during the rut? Nature thrives in the low light of this time of year, so look closely.

And indoors, there is just as much reason to celebrate with special menus and storytelling inspired by our solar system.