Starry Starry Nights Here in The Lake District
Starry Starry Nights Here in The Lake District
With
minimal light pollution, big open skies and dazzling starry displays
the Lake District National Park enjoys some of the best stargazing
opportunities in the UK.
The logic is simple enough, the clearer and darker the night sky the better the opportunity for stargazing.
There are some great astronomical events taking place over the next few months timed perfectly for romantic or adventurous short breaks. Here at The Coppermines Lakes Cottages we have some great suggestions for stargazing holidays within the National Park, cosy cottages in idyllic locations far, far away from light pollution. Spend your days exploring the beauty of the local area and your nights admiring the heavens above. Holidays as a general rule of thumb give us the opportunity to simply switch off from the chaos of everyday life and simply relax. The good news is that stargazing is a leisurely activity which cannot be rushed. It can take up to 40 minutes for the human eye to adjust to the night sky so grab a comfy chair, blanket, hot flask and your favourite companions and settle in for the evening.
Astronomical events not to be missed this year…
August
Perseids, this summer celestial display is produced by the comet Swift-Tuttle. Whilst the shower runs annually from mid-July it will peak this year on the night of the 12th August.
October
Draconids & Orionids, October is a star gazers paradise as not one but two meteor showers light up the night skies. The first Draconids (which owes its name to the constellation Draco the Dragon) will run from the 6th-10th October, peaking on Saturday 7th October. Towards the end of the month the Orionids, created by the debris of Comet Hayley can best spotted on Saturday 21st October. The Orionids are renowned for moving fast through the night sky leaving trails and fireballs in the night sky.
November
Taurids & Leonids, November again sees two celestial displays and with the cold crisp evenings, stargazing during the month will prove to be a cosy affair. The Taurids which are renowned for producing fireballs peak on Saturday 4th November. The Leonids peak on Friday 17th November, this annual display peaks once every 33 years.
December
Geminids, at its peak the Geminids are known to produce 120 meteors per hour, giving them the title of the greatest meter show on earth. Whilst the show runs from the 7th-17th December this year it will peak on Wednesday 13th December.
Perfect properties for admiring the night sky…
The Coppermines Mountain Cottages: Situated in the scenic Coppermines Valley a stone’s throw away from the Lakeland village of Coniston lies the Coppermines Mountain Cottages. If you’re after drastic fells, scenically situated hot tubs and star lit skies, then you can’t overlook these four charming cottages. Sleeping up to 22 combined, these much loved mountain cottages are warm, comfortable & come with Wi-Fi as standard. The delightful village of Coniston is a mile away with its traditional pubs, quirky cafes and highly rated restaurants. These cottages are perfect for adventurous families and friends wishing to explore Coniston and the central Lake District. A 3 night break in Millrace Cottage (sleeping 4) 6th October to coincide with the Draconids costs £555. A 3 night break in No.4 Coppermines (perfect for two) from the 6th October weekend costs £312!
The Coppermines Mountain Cottages
Tarn Foot Cottage: A traditional Lakeland farm cottage dating back to the 1700s. Located in the heart of the unspoilt Duddon Valley amongst crags & streams, invigorating walks are available from the front door, there’s a quaint country pub down the road should be able to tear yourself away from the wood burning stove. The perfect place to switch off from the outside world, gaze at the night sky & reconnect with one another, even if just for a couple of days. A 3 night weekend break at Tarn Foot from 3rd November to coincide with the Taurids costs £278.00.
Hollin Bank Barn: Sitting above Monk Coniston lies 300 year old Hollin Bank Barn. If you’re coming to the Lake District, then you can’t overlook this cottage. It enjoys breath-taking views, looking south along the length of Coniston Water. From this homely base you could quite easily just wallow in the view, and not do anything else, it is that astonishing. Sleeping 6, this much loved family home is warm & comfortable and the best bit sans Wi-Fi so you really can switch off from the distractions of everyday life. Should you or your company desperately need an injection of civilisation then the delightful village of Coniston is a mere 5 minute drive away. The real gem is the cottage garden which makes this cottage so irresistible. Dry stone walls surround the garden, keeping the local Herdwick sheep out. Tall pines shelter the woodpeckers you may hear and rhododendrons add seasonal colour. And at the bottom of the garden, there are table and chairs in arguably the best position of any such furniture in the area – perfect for stargazing! A 4 night midweek break from Monday 11th December to coincide with the Geminids costs £415.
