Stargazing at Bowhayes Farm: A Night Under Devon’s Dark Skies
- Howard Hughes
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
After a day exploring Devon’s rolling hills, coastal footpaths or quiet villages, there’s something special about slowing down, stepping outside, and looking up. Here at Bowhayes Farm, our guests often tell us that the stars take them by surprise — unspoiled, bright, and seemingly endless. Whether you're staying in our secluded shepherd’s hut or one of our canvas bell tents, stargazing is an experience that adds a little magic to your stay.
Why Stargaze Here?
Tucked away in the East Devon countryside, Bowhayes Farm benefits from naturally low light pollution. We’re not far from the coast, but far enough from urban glare to offer clear, uninterrupted skies. On a cloudless night, the sky feels vast and wild — the kind of view many people never see from their own homes.
We sit within the East Devon National Landscape (formerly the East Devon AONB), an area protected for its natural beauty. While the rolling hills, woodland edges and wildlife draw the eye during the day, it’s the night sky that takes centre stage once darkness falls.
When to Look Up
You don’t need a telescope or any special knowledge to enjoy stargazing — just curiosity and a moment of stillness. That said, there are a few times of year that are particularly worth marking in the calendar:
August: The Perseid meteor shower peaks mid-month and is one of the brightest, most reliable meteor displays in the northern hemisphere.
Autumn evenings: Crisp and dark early, with fantastic views of Andromeda, Cassiopeia, and the Pleiades.
Winter: Clear, cold nights often mean sharp visibility — look for Orion’s Belt, the red glow of Betelgeuse, and sometimes even the Milky Way.
Spring: Venus and Jupiter are often visible just after sunset.
Moonless nights are best for stargazing, so it’s worth checking a lunar calendar if you’re hoping for deep sky views.
What You Might See
Even without equipment, there's a surprising amount to spot:
Constellations – recognisable star groupings that have guided travellers for centuries
Meteor showers – brief bursts of shooting stars, especially in August and December
Planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mars can all be seen with the naked eye at different times of the year
The Milky Way – our own galaxy, visible on clear, moonless nights
Satellites and the ISS – keep watch for a bright, steady light moving swiftly across the sky
We recommend downloading a free stargazing app such as Sky Guide or Star Walk before you arrive. They use your phone’s GPS to help identify what you’re seeing — or at least to help settle the debate about which one’s Saturn.
And It’s Not Just the Stars…
As darkness falls, the farm shifts into a different kind of life. You’re just as likely to hear or spot:
Owls calling from the treetops
Bats flitting silently through the dusk
Foxes barking in the distance
Rabbits and deer quietly moving at the field edges
Even a quiet rustle in the hedgerow can become part of the experience — a reminder that you're sharing the space with creatures who thrive under moonlight.
Where to Stargaze on the Farm
There are a few favourite spots our guests often return to:
Outside the shepherd’s hut — elevated and tucked away, it’s perfectly placed for uninterrupted views of the night sky
Around the firepit by your bell tent — lie back on a deck chair or blanket and let the sparks compete with the stars
The orchard edge — slightly further from any lanterns or light spill, for deeper darkness and even better viewing
Just a short stroll from your accommodation, you’ll find plenty of peaceful places to sit and stargaze in comfort.
What Will I Need?
You don’t need anything fancy to enjoy stargazing at Bowhayes Farm, but here’s what we recommend packing:
Warm layers – even in summer, it cools down fast once the sun sets
A blanket or sleeping bag – perfect for lying back and staying cosy
A flask of tea, coffee or your tipple of choice
A torch – ideally one with a red light setting, to preserve your night vision
Binoculars – optional, but a great way to pick out more detail on the moon and planets
A Moment of Stillness
One of the joys of a countryside break is the chance to reconnect — with nature, with ourselves, and with a slower pace of life. Stargazing is part of that. It’s not about ticking off constellations or naming every object; it’s about taking a moment to be still, feel the earth beneath your feet, and remember how vast and beautiful our world really is.
Whether you're curled up outside your shepherd’s hut with a glass of something local, or lying back by the firepit after a long summer’s day, the stars are always there — waiting.
🌌 Book your stay at Bowhayes Farm and discover the peaceful beauty of Devon by day… and the wonder of the universe by night.
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