Stargazing in the Broads
The wide open skies and peaceful landscapes of the Broads make it a wonderful place to enjoy a little stargazing. And now it’s official! The Broads National Park has been ranked third in the UK for stargazing in a 2026 study by the AA, which compared 15 national parks for light pollution, cloud cover, air quality and rainfall.
Away from the lights of towns and villages, clear nights offer the chance to spot constellations, planets and even the Milky Way. You don’t need expensive equipment either. Astronomer and Stargazing Live presenter Mark Thompson recommends starting with a good pair of binoculars and one of the many free night-sky apps to help you find your way around.
Where to go stargazing in the Broads
From quiet riverside locations to historic windmills silhouetted against the night sky, there are plenty of places to enjoy the stars across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Salhouse Broad Dark Skies Hub
One of the best places to start is Salhouse Broad’s Dark Skies Hub, home to a specially designed viewing platform where you can lie back and admire the night sky. With minimal light pollution and a beautiful setting beside the water, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy the stars.
The neighbouring Discovery Hub also has information boards about the landscape, wildlife and night sky. The viewing platform is free to use and accessible throughout the year, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to give stargazing a try.
More great places for stargazing
Herringfleet Smock Mill
This historic mill makes a beautiful backdrop against the night sky. Park on Herringfleet Road and follow the waymarked footpath for around half a mile to the mill. Alternatively, boaters can moor nearby, while Somerleyton railway station is approximately a mile away.
Three Rivers Junction, Geldeston
A peaceful spot where Geldeston Dyke meets the River Waveney. Park in Geldeston village and follow the footpath for approximately one kilometre to the river.
Beccles Marsh Trail
Follow the riverside path from Beccles Quay for around 15 minutes towards Stanley and Alder Carrs woodland, near the disused railway line. Away from the town lights, this is a lovely location for watching the night sky.
North Cove
A quiet stretch of the River Waveney, with access via Worlingham Marsh Lane or from the Broads Authority’s 24-hour mooring.
St Benet’s Abbey
A favourite location for photographers, where the atmospheric ruins create a striking silhouette against the stars. The abbey itself cannot be accessed after dark, but boaters can enjoy the view from the nearby 24-hour moorings.
Horsey Mere
Enjoy the open skies around Horsey Mere, either from a boat or near Horsey Windpump. A National Trust pay-and-display car park is located approximately 200 metres from the mill.
Dungeon’s Corner, West Somerton
South of Martham Broad on the River Thurne, this peaceful location can be reached on foot from West Somerton village or the nearby Broads Authority moorings, both around a 20-minute walk away.
Johnny Crowe’s Staithe, Catfield
One of the darker locations in the Broads, tucked away on the River Ant. Park along Sharp Street and follow the grassy track from Cobb’s Farm to the staithe.
Thurne Mill
The distinctive white windpump beside the River Thurne is another favourite for night-sky photography. Park near the Thurne Lion pub and follow the short walk along the boat dyke to the mill.
Tips for stargazing in the Broads
For the best chance of seeing the stars, choose a clear night with little or no moonlight. Autumn and winter are particularly good times to visit, when darkness falls earlier in the evening.
Wrap up warmly, take a torch (ideally with a red-light setting to preserve your night vision) and wear suitable footwear. Many stargazing locations are beside rivers and broads, so take extra care near the water and on uneven paths after dark. Check access arrangements before travelling, particularly at more remote locations.
Stargazing events and astronomy
If you’d like to learn more about the night sky, the Norwich Astronomical Society runs public events and observing evenings at Seething Observatory, where you can look through telescopes and learn from experienced astronomers.
Whether you’re an enthusiastic astronomer or simply fancy an evening beneath the stars, the Broads has some wonderful places to look up and enjoy the night sky.