Bored with chocolates, roses and dining out in your favourite restaurant on what’s supposed to be the most romantic day of the year? With St Valentine’s this month take off with your partner for a weekend getaway with a difference – a journey across the galaxy to the farthest reaches of space and time.
Living in London, the chances my partner Mike and I have of exploring the wonders of the night sky are faint. But, tantalisingly, some of the best spots for star-gazing in Europe are right on our doorstep, writes Mature Times’ travel correspondent Lee Knights.
Sadly, throughout the UK, dark skies are under threat. Even in rural areas, light pollution is reducing our ability to see stars clearly. It is estimated that 85 per cent of us have never seen a truly dark sky or experienced the sense of wonder that a clear night crackling with billions of stars can give.
Outshines
For couples looking to experience the mystery of the heavens to the full, the Luttrell Arms Hotel in Dunster, north Somerset outshines others. With Exmoor National Park and Dunster Castle only a stone’s throw away, the historic hotel holds the promise of majestic views of the night time world. To coincide with St Valentine’s Day, the Hotel is offering guests its first ever Dark Sky Star-Gazing Experiences with veteran astronomer Seb Jay from 1st February this year.
The Luttrell Arms is in exactly the right spot. In 2012, Exmoor National Park became Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, in recognition of the authority’s commitment to tackling light pollution and opening up opportunities for people to enjoy the night sky. A recent study pinpointed the area as one of the best places for star-gazing in the UK.
Packing up our thermals and winter woollies, Mike and I set off for our romantic New Year’s weekend break. Arriving late on Friday night, the star of the medieval village of Dunster shone out – it was the Luttrell Arms Hotel itself.
Dating from the 15th century and later occupied by Cromwell’s Roundheads during the Civil War, the hotel and restaurant was redolent with olde worlde charm and character. The bar was a picture perfect English country pub; heavy oak beams, big comfy chairs, open, roaring log fires and friendly, attentive staff.
Authentic
Our bedroom – one of the hotel’s romantic four poster rooms – was a seamless blend of authentic period character and modern comforts. A haven of voluminous proportions, with high ceilings, tall leaded windows and even a small private library, filled with aged, leather bound books, enough to win over the weariest traveller. My reservations about four posters disappeared; not a creak to be heard, and a mattress so deep I had to climb up onto it. Ahhhhhh….
On Saturday night, we met our astronomer guide Seb Jay. There was more than a touch of Harry Potter about Seb Jay as he wielded a wand-like laser pointer around the heavens, tracing out a clear path of sparkling green light, pinpointing distant stars, constellations and star clusters.
“You see that faint light?” Seb asked, stabbing a remote star with his light sabre. “That’s Deneb, in the constellation of Cygnus, the swan. It’s one of the most distant stars visible with the naked eye. It’s estimated to be around 1,400 light years away – that means the image you see is not Deneb now, but as it was 1,400 years ago. Still, it is one of the brightest stars in the night sky.”
Then, we were able to share our first ever experience of seeing the heavens through a telescope. “You see so many stars; it simply takes your breath away. It’s like looking at diamonds sparkling on velvet. There’s so much to see, the whole life cycle of a star unfolding in front you; star nurseries where new stars are born; stars ageing as red giants, through to nebula, the remains of super novas where stars have exploded and died,” Seb explained.
It was impossible not to get caught up in Seb’s enthusiasm and not feel overwhelmed by the majestic spectacle of the night sky. Looking at the moon through a telescope was pure magic; and my down-to-earth, practical partner Mike got as carried away as I did. Hearing the boyish wonder in his voice, as Seb pointed out the pole star with his light sabre, was priceless.
Exclusive offer for Mature Times readers
Enjoy a 50 per cent discount on B&B break at the Luttrell Arms Hotel for two up till 7th February 2015, including romantic four-poster bedrooms, with prices from £70-£90 per room per night. From 23rd February to 19th March, there is a 25 per cent discount on breaks. Dogs are welcome.
Book a stay at the Luttrell Arms Hotel, Dunster, Somerset TA24 6SG. Call: 01643 821555 or www.luttrellarms.co.uk
Contact Seb Jay to arrange a Dark Sky
Star-gazing Tour or hire a telescope:, call: 07884 001815 or www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
