The 10 best stargazing spots in London for viewing stars, planets, and meteor showers
As an astronomy enthusiast myself, I’d say stargazing is one of the best ways to get lost in the cosmos. Looking up at the night sky is like taking a quiet moment away from the city noise and soaking in the universe in all its glory.
Maybe that’s why a lot of Londoners do it, too, including families and friends who want to learn more about stars and planets together or couples who’d like to catch a meteor shower streaking across the sky to make a wish.
So, the question now is this: Where do they go? Well, that brings us to the best stargazing spots in London—from tranquil parks to observatories with high-powered telescopes, these are places you want to be at to see the night sky.
1. Royal Observatory Greenwich
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Website: https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
Address: Blackheath Ave, London
Contact details: +44 20 8312 6608
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM
There’s no better place to start your stargazing journey than at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. After all, it’s one of the most historically significant astronomy sites in the world, with telescopes giving you the chance to see craters on the Moon or distant nebulae.
Home to the Prime Meridian, this iconic observatory has been at the forefront of celestial study for centuries. Even more, the planetarium offers guided shows that take you through constellations, planets, and more of the vast cosmos.
To discover more astronomical instruments, you can also visit the Octagon Room, the oldest part of the observatory, where the walls and windows are lined with them. If you’re only after a scenic day out, the top of Greenwich Park gives you the best view of London.
Pro tip:
Book a stargazing evening event to use the telescopes and have a better night sky experience. Astronomers will be there to guide you, answer questions, and share insights about stars and planets.
2. Morden Hall Park
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Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/morden-hall-park
Address: Morden Hall Rd, London
Contact details: +44 20 8545 6850
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 5 PM
Morden Hall Park is a peaceful green space with lower light pollution, making it one of the better stargazing spots within the city limits. With free entrance, you can easily enter the park’s wide open meadows that create a tranquil setting for an evening of sky-watching.
Because it’s far from the high-rise buildings of central London, the park provides clearer views of the sky, especially on crisp winter nights. Visitors have noted that major constellations like Orion and Ursa Major are often visible, along with the occasional meteor shower.
The park’s Potting Shed Café and Stableyard Café also serve light snacks and hot or cold drinks. If you’d like a cozy read under the stars, you can stop by Morden Hall Park’s second-hand bookshop, where you’ll find paperbacks and hardbacks of all genres.
Pro tip:
Visit on a weekday evening for fewer visitors and better views. Bring a reclining chair or blanket, too, as lying back will help you take in the full sky without neck strain!
3. Hampstead Heath
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Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath
Address: Hampstead, London
Contact details: +44 20 7332 3322
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 24 hours
The reduced light pollution in Hampstead Heath’s elevated areas contributes to why it’s ideal for stargazing. One example is the top of Parliament Hill, which provides expansive views of the sky, while still allowing for clear patches of dark sky overhead.
Moreover, with its scenic views of London’s skyline by day and a clear night sky after dark, it’s an easily accessible spot for nature lovers and astronomy enthusiasts. The natural setting adds to the feeling of a peaceful retreat without leaving the city.
The Heath’s relatively dark environment also makes it one of the best places in the city for meteor showers. In fact, stargazers gather here for the annual Perseid meteor shower every August for good visibility.
Pro tip:
Pack a blanket and binoculars for a comfortable stargazing night. Also, be sure to check the weather in advance to catch clear skies when you arrive.
4. Regent’s Park Hub
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Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/regents-park-primrose-hill/hub
Address: Regent’s Park, London
Contact details: +44 300 061 2300
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 AM – 4:30 PM
The Hub in Regent’s Park occasionally hosts public stargazing events. One example is the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers, a group that regularly organizes free stargazing sessions, where both beginners and enthusiasts can gather to explore the night sky.
These events offer a chance to view planets, constellations, and even distant galaxies using telescopes set up by experienced astronomers. With a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, you can learn about the cosmos while having fun.
Past gatherings have featured guided observations of Saturn’s rings, planet Jupiter at its brightest, and meteor showers. These have drawn curious visitors from all over London—maybe you’ll be one of them!
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for scheduled astronomy events to know what to expect. Before heading out, download a stargazing app to help with identifying constellations, so you can easily follow along with the guided observations.
5. Blackheath Common
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Website: https://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/ideas-and-inspiration/greenwich-areas/blackheath
Address: Blackheath, London
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 24 hours
Blackheath’s wide, open green spaces have long been a favorite spot of stargazers seeking a break from the city’s bright lights. They like it here because of the minimal light interference and clear open sky visibility, allowing anyone to enjoy spotting constellations to their fullest.
Another beautiful possible sighting in this place is the International Space Station passing overhead—a bright, fast-moving light that doesn’t blink. With the Blackheath Village nearby, you can also come across cafés and boutique shops before going stargazing.
On the other hand, the spacious area means there’s plenty of room to set up telescopes or simply lie back on the grass and gaze up at the stars. Local astronomy clubs often gather here, so you may meet fellow stargazing enthusiasts and share the experience for free.
Pro tip:
Blackheath Common’s open grassland that stretches for miles is great for using telescopes or binoculars. However, the area can get quite windy after dark, so dress warmly and bring extra layers to stay comfortable.
6. Crystal Palace Park
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Website: https://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/
Address: Crystal Palace, London
Contact details: +44 20 8050 7120
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Crystal Palace Park isn’t just known for its iconic dinosaur sculptures—it’s also a good location for observing the night sky in South London. Even better, its open layout and slightly elevated terrain are freely accessible to the public.
Many stargazers are drawn to the park’s Italian terraces, which make for a solid vantage point to catch the brightest stars and constellations on a clear night.
Because it’s closer to city lights than some other spots, a small telescope or a pair of binoculars can make a significant difference.
For those looking to make a night of it, you can grab a hot drink from a nearby café and take a leisurely stroll around the lakes or gardens before settling in for some stargazing. And if you’re lucky, you may even come across an astronomy event happening.
Pro tip:
Crystal Palace Park is ideal for amateur astronomers bringing portable telescopes. Make sure to arrive early, so you can find a good spot to set up, especially on clear nights when stargazers tend to gather.
7. Primrose Hill
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Website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/regents-park-primrose-hill/primrose-hill
Address: Primrose Hill, London
Contact details: +44 300 061 2300
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 24 hours
A favorite among photographers for its iconic skyline view, Primrose Hill is a decent stargazing site despite being in central London. As one of the city’s highest points, many visitors come here to enjoy both the night sky and the picturesque cityscape below.
The hill’s grassy slopes are a comfortable place to sit or lie back through the night. Since it sits at an elevation, it creates a sense of being closer to the stars, all while remaining easily accessible within the city.
Although there’s still a touch of city glow, major constellations like Orion or Ursa Major are still often visible. You can also watch meteor showers from here, including the Geminids in December.
Pro tip:
Check the lunar calendar and time your visit on a clear, moonless night for the best stargazing experience. Keep in mind that weekends can get crowded, so consider a weekday visit for a quieter atmosphere.
8. Ruislip Lido
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Website: https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ruisliplido
Address: Ruislip, Greater London
Contact details: +44 1895 556 000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 6 PM
For a quiet stargazing experience, Ruislip Lido is one of the best on the outskirts of London. This large reservoir surrounded by woodlands appeals to serious stargazers because it provides a darker sky compared to inner-city locations.
The still waters of the Lido can even reflect the Moon and the bright stars on clear nights. Being far from city lights, it’s one of the rare places near London where you can catch a glimpse of faint star clusters and even the Milky Way on particularly dark evenings.
Getting to Ruislip Lido is pretty easy, too, whether you’re taking public transport or driving—there’s parking nearby if you need it. Some visitors also bring their own food for a cozy picnic under the stars.
Pro tip:
Since this is an outdoor experience, check the weather forecast beforehand to avoid cloudy skies or expected rain. It can also get chilly near the water, so dress in warm layers and bring a flashlight to help you navigate in the dark.
9. Kenley Common
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Website: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/the-coulsdon-commons/kenley-common
Address: Kenley, South London
Contact details: +44 1372 279 083
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 24 hours
Kenley Common’s open skies, serene environment, and low light pollution check all the boxes for rural stargazing. Unlike more crowded stargazing sites, the common remains a peaceful retreat for those who prefer a quiet evening.
While there are no on-site facilities, Kenley Common’s raw natural beauty is what makes it special. The same grasslands and woodlands supporting diverse bird species and local flora by day transform into a good stargazing spot at night.
Moreover, its rolling green hills put you on a higher vantage point, improving your night sky visibility. Adding a unique backdrop to your stargazing experience are the remnants of Kenley Airfield, a historic landmark from World War II.
Pro tip:
Kenley Common is best visited in the evening when the skies are at their clearest and darkest. To fully appreciate the view, bring your own telescope or binoculars.
10. Alexandra Palace
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Website: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/
Address: Alexandra Palace Way, London
Contact details: +44 20 8365 2121
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM – 5 PM
Sitting on one of North London’s highest points, you get a panoramic view of the sky and cityscape from Alexandra Palace (or “Ally Pally”). Its wide, open space makes it easy to find a good spot to set up a telescope or sit back and enjoy.
There’s some light pollution, though, but you can still spot bright constellations and even the occasional meteor shower. Local astronomy groups sometimes host public telescope viewings here, one of which featured a closer look at Saturn’s rings.
The commute to Ally Pally is simple, as well, with several bus routes like the W3 stopping right by the palace and Alexandra Palace Station a 10-minute walk away on the Tube. Plus, nearby cafés add to the laid-back stargazing vibe.
Pro tip:
Join one of the stargazing meetups held here to connect with fellow astronomy enthusiasts. For a more guided experience, consider attending an event at the observatory—check their website for the latest schedules or upcoming programs.