Stargazing in the Clwydian Range: A Dark Skies Experience at The Old Mill

Liz Stack

Oct 7

3 min read

Updated: Oct 9

Star gazing experience including within your stay at The Old Mill Holiday Cottages, North Wales.

Dark skies, cosy blankets, hot chocolate and an evening to remember.

If you're looking for a relaxing holiday cottage in the Clwydian Range, North Wales, The Old Mill Holiday Cottages offer a chance to step away from the everyday and enjoy the countryside at your own pace.

With a choice of dog-friendly and pet-free cottages, you can choose the stay that's right for you — whether your four-legged companion is joining you or you'd prefer a cottage where no pets have stayed.

And when night falls, there's another reason to step outside.

You may even be lucky enough to see the North Lights! (Photo taken Jan 2026).

A Stargazing Experience Included With Your Stay

We've created a special Stargazing Experience at The Old Mill, giving our guests everything they need to enjoy an evening beneath the dark skies of North Wales.

Your complementary stargazing hamper includes:

2 cosy blankets
1 (Rechargeable) lantern
2 Thermos flasks
Hot chocolate powder
A bespoke illustrated stargazing guide created for The Old Mill
Access to our Celestron SkyMaster Binoculars for deep-sky astronomy, wall-mounted within the undercover seating area.

(The blankets, lanterns, flasks and guide are returnable, allowing future guests to enjoy the experience too).

Settle into our new undercover seating area, cosy up under a warm blanket, make a hot chocolate and let your eyes adjust to the darkness.

The Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is recognised as a dark skies area, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the night sky away from the glare of busy towns and cities.

Use our illustrated guide to discover constellations, look for planets and, if you're lucky, catch a shooting star or see the northern lights! Plus, with the communal Deep-Sky Astronomy binoculars available, you can take a closer look at what's above you.

There's nowhere else you need to be.

Where History Meets the Night Sky

There is something particularly fitting about stargazing at The Old Mill.

Built in 1886 by John Jones of Wern Mill, the mill has a remarkable connection with astronomy. Jones was a well-known Welsh astronomer and mathematician who contributed to mathematical and astronomical publications and was involved in compiling nautical almanacs for the British Government.

He eventually settled here at Melin Y Wern, establishing the corn mill that still stands today.

The Old Mill Holiday Cottages allow you to stay within this unique piece of Welsh heritage — a place where science, rural industry and the landscape come together - And when darkness falls, the story comes full circle.

Far from city lights, the skies above The Old Mill reveal the same constellations that once inspired its founder.

History, heritage and the night sky — all part of your stay.

A Different Kind of North Wales Break

For many of us, a good holiday isn't about fitting more into every day. It's about having time to enjoy a slower pace and the things we don't always have time for at home.

A beautiful walk through the Clwydian Range.
A comfortable cottage to relax and unwind.
Time together.

Plus, If you're bringing the dog, our dog-friendly cottages make it easy to enjoy the countryside together. If you'd prefer a pet-free holiday cottage, we have those too.

Our Stargazing Experience is an invitation to rediscover the simple pleasure of an evening outside.

Whether you're planning a romantic break, a dog-friendly getaway or simply a few peaceful days in North Wales, make an evening under the stars something to remember.

Stargazing, Whatever the Season

We love Summers at The Old Mill, but, as the evenings draw in during Autumn and Winter, darkness arrives earlier, making it easier to enjoy the night sky without staying up late. Crisp evenings can also make for particularly memorable nights beneath the stars.

So whenever you choose to visit, your Stargazing Experience is waiting.

Come for the beauty of the Clwydian Range.

Reconnect with the history of The Old Mill.

And when night falls, discover the stars.

Welcome to The Old Mill

Croeso i'r Hen Felin

Make Your Star-Gazing Experience Even More Special

For guests who want to make their star gazing experience even more special, upgrade to our optional Fire-Side Hamper which can be pre-ordered through our booking page.

It includes: