The recent cold weather has brought clearer nights, perfect for stargazing – the twinkling of stars in the night sky, the peace and tranquillity of nature and the secrets of the night sky unfolding for you both to enjoy. What better way to fully immerse yourselves in this celestial, awe-inspiring experience than by indulging in a romantic staycation with your loved one?
A staycation in our peaceful corner of the rural England offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the wonders of nature and the beauty that is beyond our skies. Stargazing allows you both to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life without venturing far from home. The enigmatic allure of stargazing can result in an unforgettable experience that will leave you both feeling rejuvenated and connected to the vast expanse above.
At White House Cottages, we have no light pollution and are nicely tucked into the countryside, so we are able to rejuvenate in the wonders of starry nights. The displays this week have been astonishing.
The Northern Lights were seen here last Sunday. These photos by Lee Nuttall, Tony Bennett, Sam Ryan and Andy Richardson offer just a tiny glimpse of what was on show under heavenly Herefordshire and Worcestershire skies. Sometimes, you just have to stand and take it all in. Words are not enough….
Top tips to make the most of stargazing in Herefordshire
- Plan ahead – We recommend checking the weather to make sure you both have the best conditions and do some research as to when the best time is to enjoy the night sky.
- Find the best place – Your experience together will be elevated by finding the most perfect spot to enjoy the evening with your loved one. Right from our door you can take a magical moonlit walk up the lane, for open views across the night-time landscape towards the Marcle Ridge and Malverns. We offer head-torches for guests to borrow and a pair of Celestron Stargazing binoculars to observe the constellations and planets.
Less than 10 miles from us lies Mathon, a tiny rural hamlet in the Malvern Hills. Recognized as an official Dark Sky Discovery site, we sometimes head there on a clear night. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye from the churchyard. And on the drive home, stop at the Seven Stars pub in Ledbury for supper and a Nightjar, a local Wye Valley Brewery dark beer. - Set the tone – Create a cosy space for your stargazing adventure, whether that is sitting on your private patio, sitting around the enjoying the warmth of our fire-pit or cuddling up together under a blanket in one of our hammocks chairs in summer. At White House Cottages, we have hammock chairs, and a fire-pit in season in the communal garden, perfect to cosy up under blankets and enjoy the clear night sky. Guests have use our Celestron, LLC. Astromaster Telescope to observe and contemplate the cosmos.
- Learn the night sky – There are some truly inspiring educational apps and books that are perfect to help you both identify the amazing features of the night sky. Stellarium’s Free Stargazer App delivers an augmented reality experience, with overlaid stars, constellations, planets, comets, satellites and deep-sky objects.
We encourage you both to take a moment during your next visit to White House Cottages to look up at the stars, let their brilliance mesmerise you, and allow yourselves to be humbled by the vastness of our cosmic surroundings.
Happy stargazing.
