Head for THE STARS

Stay in spectacular locations and learn about the galaxies by night at a UK stargazing festival

-  CHRIS MORLEY

Scilly Dark Skies Week

Known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, the beautiful island of St Martin's, off the coast of Cornwall, also enjoys dark and unpolluted skies that make it ideal for a weeklong celebration of astronomy. Hosted by the island's community observatory, the Scilly Dark Skies Week promises guided walks and opportunities to view the night sky through some of the world’s most powerful telescopes. And, as the event coincides with a full moon, this year’s focus will be on our closest celestial neighbour.

Use your mornings to uncover this tranquil island at your own pace. Discover spectacular flowers, rare birds, and sensational sea views along the cliff paths.

Or go island-hopping and spot seal colonies around the close-by islets of Nornour, Ganilly, and Menawethan.

WHEN & WHERE 1-7 October, St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly. Weekly tickets from £175, day tickets from £20; cosmosscilly.co.uk/ dark-skies-week

STAY Carron Farm self-catering chalet and cottages, St Martin’s, from £540 per week; carronfarm.co.uk