National Trust offering overnight stays at Orford Ness

For the first time, Orford Ness National Nature Reserve is hosting a series of astronomy-themed events including overnight stays for star lovers. 

It will combine a unique location with Suffolk's skies and guidance from Chris Greenfield, a member of the Norwich Astronomical Society. 

"Besides the weather, the challenge for most amateur astronomers in the UK is light pollution, which is becoming a growing problem as our villages, towns and cities grow," said Mr Greenfield. 

"Unfortunately, the quality of dark sky sites to observe from diminishes each year, but at Orford Ness, you get some truly wonderful views."

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A timelapse of stars over a pagoda (Image: Justin Minns)

The National Trust has held several overnight events at the former military sight before but this is the first event dedicated to astronomy. 

On Saturday, April 13, Mr Greenfield and astrophotographer Paul Howarth will give visitors tips on photographing the night sky before heading out to the shingle for a chance to try it out. 

Mr Greenfield will return on Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, June 1, where he will teach visitors about the various galaxies, nebulae and clusters that can be seen in the night sky.

Each event will include a walk out to the shingle and an overnight stay with a return ferry trip in the morning.

The sky over the Black Beacon (Image: Chris Greenfield)

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Nicola Treadgold, visitor experience officer and Orford Ness, said: "Many people know Orford Ness as a wild remote landscape during the day, but at night time it offers something completely different.

"Very few people get to experience somewhere as remote as this, and very little light pollution means it's a general place to see the night skies in all their glory."

Tickets for each event are priced at £60 plus £7.50 for the ferry crossing.