The Welsh coastline has been named one of the world’s best places to stargaze.
Gower, near Swansea Bay, has been officially recognised as South Wales’ first International Dark Sky Community – a programme that certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve and protect dark sites.
With some of the clearest, least light-polluted skies in Wales, Gower can now be considered one of the country’s most spectacular areas for stargazing.
Across Gower, the Milky Way stretches over the waves.
It boasts secluded beaches, rural commons, and wide-open landscapes, which offer uninterrupted skies where visitors can spot constellations, planets and on the darkest nights.
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious first-timer, Gower’s night sky offers magical experiences.
That includes summer bioluminescence – where glowing plankton illuminates shorelines at places such as Caswell, Three Cliffs and Port Eynon.
The official recognition was awarded bv DarkSky International, a world-wide organisation dedicated to showcasing the wildlife, environmental and tourism benefits of night-time in the countryside.
Gower, Swansea Bay is now official recognised as the home to some of the best stargazing spots in Wales
Gower is the first area in south Wales to achieve this status, with 99 per cent of Europe and the US now living under light-polluted skies.
It follows partnership work between Swansea Council, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, the Gower Society and local communities.
Every street light on Gower has been retrofitted with Dark Sky-compliant LED lanterns.
Plus, the new Welsh Good Practice guidance mandates dark sky friendly lighting in all new developments, further protecting the night sky here.
And it’s a great time to partake in a spot of stargazing, as Welsh Dark Skies Week takes place from February 13-22, 2026.
With this news in mind, some of the top dark sky locations in Swansea Bay have been shared.
Port Eynon boasts a dark sky gem with huge skies, a wide bay and unobstructed views across the Bristol Channel.
Three Cliffs Bay is wild and secluded, offering incredible stargazing for those willing to walk carefully through tidal pathways.
Stargazing is a great activity whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total beginner
Oxwich is easy to access, with space to spread out and facilities nearby ideal for families and night-sky first-timers.
Rhossili Bay is one of the UK’s most famous coastal viewpoints by day.
And by night, it’s an expansive stage for meteor-watching (with caution near cliff edges).
Cefn Bryn is Gower’s high sandstone ridge offering 360° skies, perfect for spotting constellations and passing satellites.
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Welsh coastline named one of the world’s best places to stargaze
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