Stargazing at Rudge Farm

Starlight Stories at Rudge Farm: A Night Under the Sky

At Rudge Farm, we have a tradition. It’s not marked in the calendar or announced with a bell, but when the sky is clear and the moon is quiet, the Rudge Farm family knows exactly what to do. Coats are pulled on, scarves are wrapped twice around, and small gloved hands are stuffed eagerly into pockets. A torch is grabbed from the hook by the door, a blanket bundled under one arm, and sometimes—if you’re lucky—a midnight snack is smuggled into a woolly hat. And then, like explorers setting out into the unknown, we tiptoe into the meadow.

There, under a canopy of dark velvet sky, we find our spot—soft grass beneath, a world of wonder above. We switch off the torch, settle ourselves down, and close our eyes. Just for a few seconds. And when we open them again—well, that’s the moment the magic begins.

We’re incredibly lucky at Rudge Farm. Nestled in a Bortle Class 4 zone, we enjoy beautifully dark skies, free from the harsh glare of artificial light. This limited light pollution means the stars can really sing. And oh, do they sing. The longer you look, the more you see—first the bright, brave stars, then the fainter ones, the constellations, the passing satellites, and sometimes, the glowing trail of the International Space Station.

It takes your eyes around 15–20 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness, which is when the sky begins to unveil its secrets. And we’re patient. We lie there, quietly, sometimes munching on biscuits, sometimes whispering about Orion’s Belt or whether that twinkling speck might be Jupiter tonight.

There is always a competition—who can spot the first planet? Who can find the North Star? Has anyone seen the ISS yet? And every time we come out here, we learn something new. We keep a quiet eye on the news for solar storms, meteor showers, or unusual sightings. If it’s up there, we’ll try to spot it.

Top Tips for Stargazing at Rudge Farm:

• Turn off all the lights (yes, even the charming fairy lights outside your cottage!)

• Give your eyes time to adjust—at least 15 minutes.

• Use a red torch if you need a light—red light preserves your night vision.

• Bring a blanket, a hot drink, and a snack—comfort is key.

• Use a stargazing app to guide you, or just lie back and wonder.

For guests staying at Orchard Cottage, your own private balcony makes the perfect perch for sky-watching. Tuck up with a cup of coffee and take in the universe from your own cosy corner. But if you want the full stargazing experience, nothing beats being anchored into the middle of the meadow, wrapped in a blanket, with nothing but stardust and silence all around you.

Stargazing has become one of our favourite night-time activities. It’s a moment to pause, to ponder, and to feel very small—in the most wonderful way. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply a dreamer, we promise you this: the night skies at Rudge Farm will steal your breath and fill your soul.

We’ll bring the blanket. You bring the wonder.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/a-practical-guide-to-stargazing

Orchard Cottage – https://www.rudgefarmcottages.co.uk/rudge-farm-cottage/orchard/