Nocturnal Nature: Star Gazing and Night Walks in the New Forest
There is something so magical and beautiful about the New Forest at night, especially on a clear-sky star-filled night; the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife waking at dusk, the New Forest transforming and coming alive in a wholly different way.
This winter, take advantage of the chilly season’s crisp evenings and twinkling dark skies and step into the National Park to experience star gazing and night walks right on our New Forest hotel doorstep.
Couples on a romantic break, keen photographers and families alike, immerse yourself in the beauty of the New Forest and enjoy a night time adventure on your next Hampshire hotel getaway.
A true feast for the senses, a night walk will engage and excite and due to our areas low light pollution, our dark skies are just the spot for star gazing or listening to the wildlife; our National Park is bursting with rich habitats. Hear the call of the owls, the ponies as they move through the heather and the rustle of small mammals foraging by night.
You’ll be delighted to learn that, ‘the night sky viewed from the New Forest National Park is the seventh darkest out of the 10 National Parks within England’, according to the New Forest National Park authority. Whilst our New Forest location, outside of London and between the large town of Bournemouth and the city of Southampton, sits in a patch of lower light pollution, giving our nocturnal-nature seekers and star-gazers, higher chances for star-spotting.
What can you see in the sky this time of year?
During the winter in the New Forest, you can look out for major constellations such as Cassiopeia, Orion and the Pleiades star cluster. On clear nights you may spot planets with the naked eye, and admire the “river of light” that is the Milky Way.
During your walking break in December, you may be in luck to observe two meteor showers: the Geminids, one of the year's best, and the minor Ursids. During January 2026, the main meteor shower for the New Forest National Park area is the Quadrantids, which will be until mid-January.
Top tips for night walks & stargazing
• Use the red light setting on your torch – using the red light helps to preserve your night vision, ideal for nights out stargazing.
• Visit Gostargazing.co.uk to find top spots near you. Here at our Beaulieu hotel, you can find areas such as the below Forestry Commission car parks but generally, most nearby dark heathland car parks will have a good chance of stargazing:
o Roundhill Car Park, approx. 5-miles away
o Bolderwood Car Park, approx. 11-miles away
o Stoney Cross Car Park, approx. 13-miles away
• Go to the Toothill Observatory – just 14-miles from our Beaulieu hotel, discover the fascinating Toothill Observatory, passionately run by the Solent Amateur Astronomers, who welcome the pubic to enjoy their regular talks or to visit during regular open evenings over the ‘observing season’, August through to May every year. No bookings are required, just check the schedule and turn up. There is a nominal cash-only fee of £5 for adult non-members, and facilities include toilets, free parking and impressive equipment including a 14″ Meade telescope.
• Book an extra special bespoke guided twilight or night walk with Wild New Forest and fall in love with the New Forest National Park by night. Wild New Forest is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that was created by people passionate about conserving and sharing wildlife, educating and supporting the next generation of naturalists. As well as guided tours and regular talks and events, they will arrange bespoke guided walks for those who request them - contact them today: info@wildnewforest.co.uk or visit Wild New Forest.
• Book a private guided stargazing session with Stargazingexperiences.co.uk. They offer 1-hour and 2-hour stargazing experiences near Burley throughout the year, when it is clear enough to go ahead. It’s recommended that you choose 2 or 3 dates initially due to weather, then when a date is set, the experience begins at the specified stargazing location with a laser-guided tour of the stars and constellations. Then use of their large telescopes for a journey out across the universe, seeing star systems, star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies far beyond our own, as well as the moon and/or planets if the are visible at the time, with background stories to accompany each view. A 1-hour stargazing experience is £180, 2-hours, £225 for a maximum group of 15 people.
Mindful strolls under the stars
For those looking for a less formal approach, or plan to bring your four-legged friend to our dog-friendly hotel and wish to enjoy some dark sky walks, simply step outside of our Beaulieu hotel for mindful moments; look up, listen, and enjoy a walk at dusk or twilight.
Stroll through the village, along the Beaulieu River, or venture out over the heathland and into the woodland to experience a feast for the senses. Watch the flickering reflections of the moon and stars in the water, feel the crisp cold air as you take a deep breath in. Acknowledge the grounding, earthy aromas of the season; damp soil, moss, lichen; crushed leaves, fungi, pine needles, fir, resin. And the sweet fragrance of Winter Heliotrope as it blooms through the winter.
Whether you wish to book a guide, stroll under the stars or simply set out to listen to the nocturnal sounds of nature, plan your winter walking break in the New Forest now. Don’t wait for spring to get out, you can experience unforgettable and magical moments over the winter on a family-break or a romantic couples escape.
Balance chilly days walking with time spent in front of roaring log fires, indulgent afternoon teas and romantic dining experiences, then go home full of wonder having experienced our National Park in a whole new way.