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As the nights draw in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire come into its own. Low light pollution, big open skies and a landscape made for wrapping up warm mean this is one of the best corners of the UK for stargazing, and on the right night you might even catch the northern lights.
Whether you want a guided walk after dark, a cosy stay with a view of the stars or something a little different, here’s where to start this winter.
What to look for this November
Astronomer Adrian West shares what’s worth looking up for this month.
- The darkest week: The new Moon on 9 November means dark skies through the following week, the best time for faint stars and the Milky Way.
- Fireballs: The Northern Taurid meteor shower peaks around 12 November. There are only a few meteors an hour, but they are slow and can be very bright.
- The Leonids: This shower peaks on the night of 17 November. The half Moon sets around midnight, so the hours after midnight are best.
- Saturn: The ringed planet is in the evening sky all month, and any small telescope will show its rings.
- The northern lights: The north-east is one of the best places in the UK to see the aurora when the Sun is active. Look north on clear, dark nights.
Hillgoers
Discover the Cairngorms after dark with an experienced guide. Hillgoers offers stargazing guided walks that explore the night sky, nocturnal wildlife and the landscape after sunset, with stargazing when conditions allow. Join one of their scheduled small-group experiences or get in touch to arrange a private experience tailored to your plans.
Night Golf at Trump International Golf Links
Following overwhelming demand, Night Golf returns to the championship Old Course for two evenings on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 March 2027. Armed with illuminated golf balls and guided by glowing markers, you’ll play five holes with glowing flags and dramatic coastal scenery. The experience includes a burger and a beer at The Dunes Restaurant and Bar before your tee time.
£75 per person and spaces are limited, so book early by emailing bookings@trumpgolfscotland.com or calling 01358 743300.
The Night Sky Show at P&J Live
Once you’ve looked up, come and find out what you’re looking at. Astronomer, author and presenter Adrian West brings The Night Sky Show to P&J Live in Aberdeen on Sunday 21 February 2027. Using big-screen visual effects, it takes you on a journey across the cosmos, mixing science fiction and science fact with plenty of laughs and no heavy-going science.
Mars and Jupiter are both at their best in February, so you can step outside afterwards and see them for real if it’s clear.
Logie Newton
Logie Newton offers two ways to enjoy the dark skies. Their two multi-award-winning luxury lodges have floor to ceiling south-facing windows, a decking area with a BBQ fire pit and a hot tub positioned to watch for the northern lights.
Alongside the lodges, their dark sky sauna experiences offer private and community sessions at sunrise, during the day, sunset, and post sunset dark skies, with a cold-water dip tub and a pop-up shop selling local produce. The next sauna weekends run 4 to 6 December, 8 to 10 January, 5 to 7 February and 5 to 7 March, all with views towards Bennachie.
Cairngorm Lodges and Bothies
Tucked into a low-light-pollution forest in Royal Deeside on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorm Lodges and Bothies offer self-contained eco self-catering lodges and bothies surrounded by ancient Scots pine forests. Stargaze from your private deck, then retreat to the wood-burning stove, or take a twilight stroll towards Loch Kinord and Muir of Dinnet
A 2-night stay for two starts from £275, so quote “DarkSky” when booking. Guests staying between October and March can also add the Stargazing Bothy Hamper for two, from £60, with local treats, warming drinks and items to help you find the constellations.
Pittodrie House Hotel
Escape to the heart of Aberdeenshire at Pittodrie House Hotel, where romance, tranquillity and timeless country house charm come together. Surrounded by historic grounds and rolling countryside, it’s a lovely setting for a getaway with views towards Bennachie.
Spend your days exploring the scenic trails around the hill, then settle in for delicious dining in elegant surroundings. When night falls, step outside, look up and enjoy a blanket of stars far from the distractions of everyday life. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want some time together, it’s a place to unwind and make memories.
Ardoe House Hotel
Set in 30 acres of stunning grounds, Ardoe House is a 19th-century baronial mansion with spa and wellness packages, an indoor pool, steam room and sauna.
Settle in by the crackling fire for brasserie-style food, enjoy afternoon tea made with locally sourced ingredients or dine in Blairs Restaurant. The Whisky Bar showcases over 80 varieties, and there are special winter offers to look out for.
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