Stargazing Cities: London is the WORST UK city for stargazing
A recent study from Parkdean Resorts reveals that London is the WORST UK city to stargaze by analysing the light pollution levels in the city centre.
Unsurprisingly, it’s not good news for Londoners. Those in the UK’s capital have the worst chance of being able to stargaze, with the highest level of light pollution recorded in any major UK city. Shockingly, London’s light pollution levels were almost three times worse than those recorded in Bristol.
But not all hope is lost, as National Trust have released a list of nearby locations perfect for stargazing once we’re able to travel further afield for any Londoners hoping to escape the bright lights.
Best UK cities to stargaze
By studying the light pollution levels of each major UK city, Parkdean has identified the best and worst cities to see the night sky.
| Ranking | Cities | Light Pollution Level
(Radiance 109 W/cm² * sr) |
Elevation
(Meters) |
Population |
| 1 | Bristol | 58.20 | 12 | 463,377 |
| 2 | Sheffield | 59.74 | 88 | 584,853 |
| 3 | Glasgow | 69.89 | 32 | 629,920 |
| 4 | Cardiff | 73.86 | 17 | 366,903 |
| 5 | Bradford | 74.43 | 116 | 539,776 |
| 6 | Belfast | 75.28 | 8 | 343,542 |
| 7 | Leicester | 79.94 | 64 | 472,558 |
| 8 | Coventry | 84.55 | 94 | 382,073 |
| 9 | Edinburgh | 86.25 | 60 | 518,500 |
| 10 | Nottingham | 94.27 | 46 | 332,900 |
| 11 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 105.46 | 48 | 302,820 |
| 12 | Manchester | 108.05 | 60 | 552,858 |
| 13 | Liverpool | 109.40 | 30 | 498,042 |
| 14 | Birmingham | 113.90 | 151 | 1,141,816 |
| 15 | Leeds | 132.57 | 54 | 793,139 |
| 16 | London | 169.12 | 17 | 8,961,989 |