Norfolk’s wonderful rural expanses make this part of East Anglia a must-see destination for stargazers and those in love with night. The combination of clear nights and dark skies is perfect for marvelling at stars, planets and asteroid showers. One of the best stargazing sites in Britain is in the village of Great Ellingham, an official Dark Sky location. The glorious absence of light pollution means it’s been given ‘Milky Way Plus’ status. So if you’re a keen astronomer, romantic or poet, it’s well worth a visit to this small Breckland village. Infinite star fields sharpen the velvet skies on cloudless nights. But before you head outside, make sure you check the phases of the moon. Bright moonlight certainly has its own mysterious blue-silver beauty and makes for a magical night walk, but it also swallows the glow of smaller stars.

Great Ellingham has its own hard surface Astro pad with 360 degrees view, giving great potential for exploring the constellations and planets. Need to borrow a telescope? Check out Great Ellingham’s Breckland Astronomical Society who organise public events during the year. Their website has lots of information and inspiring images of stars, nebulae and planets, as seen from Norfolk.

Before setting off for a night of stargazing, try the Crown in Great Ellingham for fabulous Norfolk food and a hot drink. Layer up your insulation before heading outside into the darkness! Now you’re ready to embrace the magic of the night…