Dark Skies and Panoramas

Discover the extraordinary in the Welsh Borders with world-class dark skies and panoramic views of tranquil patchwork landscapes sculpted by history.

The Welsh border country is a romantic landscape of rolling hills and hidden valleys. Find heathland and mountains, forests and woodlands and peaceful lakes in the protected National Parks. Discover the big-sky panoramas by day and stunning dark sky views by night.
Explore the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from the formidable Chepstow Castle to the romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey, as painted by Turner. Experience the picturesque rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, hike or pony trek through the charming Black Mountains. After twilight on cloudless nights, Dark Sky Discovery sites come alive with unobstructed views of far-off constellations, bright nebulas, meteor showers and The Milky Way.
Take a guided walk at dusk to discover the nocturnal wildlife, from glow-worms and foxes to bats and owls. Visit the tranquil Elan Valley, Wales’ only International Dark Sky Reserve. Photograph the stars with an expert Astro-photographer or take a ranger-led moonlit hike. Have your own personal star-gazing experience from your luxurious hotel. Cross over into England’s Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for panoramic views of a rural patchwork of ancient woodlands, natural meadows and traditional hedgerows. Explore castles, rural villages and charming market towns filled with half-timbered houses. Walk Offa’s Dyke National Trail, a route that traces the 8th century boundary between England and Wales. Discover Iron Age Hillforts among the heather-clad hills and see how Victorians shaped the landscape on a Historic Working Farm. With four Dark Sky reserves, the Shropshire Hills offer some of the country’s darkest night skies. In the right conditions, the breath-taking Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights can be seen here.

Extend the trip to include the seascapes and coastal dark skies of Pembrokeshire or the mountains of Snowdonia for the ultimate panorama from Wales’ highest peak. For the darkest skies, take the trip in early spring or autumn when the nights are longer.

At a glance

• Discover hidden heritage and history on winding backroads and tranquil walks in the beautiful, protected landscapes of Wales and England.
• Experience stargazing in world-class Dark Sky Reserves and try your hand at Astrophotography with a local expert.
• Join a guided night-time hike for a unique view of the Brecon Beacons National Park or learn about nocturnal species on a twilight nature ramble.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of traditional rural England and discover ancient hillforts of Offa’s Dyke and the Shropshire Hills.
• Retreat to the comfort of luxury historic inns and world-renowned country houses.

All of our itineraries are designed around you, so please remember that this is just a suggestion which can be tailored into something completely bespoke to you and your preferences.

Call us today on +44 (0)1646 405060 to start planning your holiday.