January may be cold, dark, and grey, but the night sky offers a spectacular show every year: the Quadrantid Meteor Shower. This celestial event, caused by debris from an asteroid discovered in 2003, will peak between the evening of Saturday, January 3, and the early hours of Sunday, January 4.
To fully enjoy the meteor shower, you’ll want to find a spot with minimal light pollution and a clear, dark sky. Somerset boasts several excellent stargazing locations perfect for catching this dazzling display.
Safety is paramount when venturing out at night. Bring a torch, keep your phone fully charged, and avoid going alone if possible. If you must go alone, inform someone of your plans and avoid areas with poor visibility.
With temperatures expected to dip to around -1°C at midnight on Sunday, dressing warmly is essential. A flask of hot chocolate will also help keep you cozy during the wait.
Fortunately, the forecast predicts clear skies over much of Somerset, setting the stage for a fantastic viewing experience.
Top Stargazing Spots in Somerset:
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Glastonbury Tor
Rising 158 meters above sea level, Glastonbury Tor offers breathtaking panoramic views of the night sky. Though it’s a bit of a climb, the vantage point is well worth the effort for avid stargazers.
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Quantock Hills
Spanning 38 square miles, the ancient Quantock Hills provide a dark, expansive countryside ideal for meteor watching. The Quantock Hills Partnership highlights Lydeard Hill as a prime location, complete with nearby parking. Other popular spots include Cothelstone Hill Car Park, Dead Woman’s Ditch Car Park, and Quantock Hills Viewpoint Car Park.
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Bath and Surrounding Areas
While the city of Bath itself suffers from light pollution, certain areas like Roundhill in Southdown offer better sky visibility. Lansdown Park & Ride is regarded as the best convenient spot within Bath limits to escape light pollution and catch the meteor shower.
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Blackdown Hills
Situated on the Somerset-Devon border, the Blackdown Hills cover 140 square miles with elevated terrain perfect for night sky observation. This area is easily accessible from Wellington and Taunton and provides dark skies ideal for viewing meteors.
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Brean Down
Though Weston-super-Mare is too bright for clear meteor watching, a short drive brings you to Brean Down. This coastal headland provides a stunning setting to watch the meteor shower over the sea.
Prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars by choosing one of these locations. Bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy the celestial magic Somerset has to offer this weekend.