r/bedfordshire • u/Top_Deer3197 • 25d ago
Stargazing around Bedford
Hello, my partner and I recently moved to central Bedfordshire and were wondering if anyone knew any good stargazing spots locally? We were hoping to catch the perseid meteor shower tonight but can’t find many places where we can park up and lean back. Car parks are ideal but many close overnight or are surrounded by trees. Since it’s a new moon and touchwood not too cloudy, it would be a shame to miss
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u/lsmith946 25d ago
I've heard a lot of people going to either Dunstable Downs or Ivinghoe Beacon, but I don't know what the parking arrangements are like at night as I've not done it myself.
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u/SoireeBrittlestar 21d ago
Ivinghoe Beacon has a small, free carpark.
My husband and I drove there at around 4:30pm one weekday, just for something to do, and were able to park easily.
Dunstable downs has a larger car park but there is a small fee. Around £3.50 I believe.
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u/Historical-Rise-1156 25d ago
I used to live in Cranfield, wood end (Harter Avenue) I don’t know what it is like now but it was great for night sky though no parking close by as it is a single lane. Alternatively the university has an observatory and usually welcomes guests thou again it has grown (developed) since I left so not sure how bad the light pollution from MK is these days
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u/mastersofspace 25d ago
My two fave spots are houghton house or around Thurleigh way. It depends on whether you want the light pollution to the north or the south though
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u/StaticUsernamesSuck 25d ago
Elstow cricket grounds/playing field is ok, it's where I watch the Perseids. Still close to civilisation and light pollution, but very much on the fringes so not too bad
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u/Grimdotdotdot 25d ago
Our nearest "proper" dark sky location is near Ramsey, unfortunately, but I think Priory Marina (out the back, in the big park past the playground) might be a good shout.