Porlock Common on Exmoor has been named as one of the ten best spots in the UK for stargazing.

Dark Sky sites like Porlock Common are officially recognised for their low levels of light pollution and good public access.

Exmoor was designated as Europe’s first ever International Dark Sky Reserve, in 2011, with the low levels of light pollution recognised as one of the area’s defining qualities.

Porlock Common has an unobstructed 360 degree view of the night sky, with particularly good views to the south and west. The common is joined by other UK sites including the North Yorkshire Moors, Snowdonia and the Cairngorms.

Porlock Common provides the ideal setting for many planetary observations. Constellations can also be distinguishable amid the large number of visible stars.

To celebrate the splendours of starlight in the UK, astronomer and science communicator Dr Jenifer Millard worked with Land Rover to decide the top ten best stargazing spots across the UK, plus when to visit and what to bring for the most epic experiences.

“It’s worth stargazing all year round because our view of the cosmos slowly changes night-by-night,” said Jenifer. “As Earth moves around the Sun on its orbit, we look out onto different parts of the Universe. Some constellations, and the astronomical objects they host, are only visible at certain times of year.”

For more information, visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/stargazingMore on places to view the night sky: https://www.landrover.co.uk/explore-land-rover/one-life/adventure/best-stargazing-spots-uk.html