Best Viewing Spots & Tips Tonight

How to See It in Cornwall Tonight

Every August, the night sky puts on one of its most magical performances – the Perseid meteor shower. Known for its bright fireballs and frequent streaks, the Perseids are a highlight of the summer for stargazers across the UK.

This year, the Perseid peak falls tonight – and Cornwall’s wide-open coastlines, moorlands, and dark sky areas make it one of the best places in the country to watch.

When and What to Expect
The Perseids are caused by Earth passing through the debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As those particles burn up in our atmosphere, they create the shooting stars we see from the ground.

On a perfect, moonless night, you might spot up to 100 meteors an hour. But this year’s show comes with an added twist…

The Sturgeon Moon Factor
The peak coincides with the Sturgeon Moon – August’s full moon – which will make the sky noticeably brighter. This extra light will wash out some of the faintest meteors.

The good news? The Perseids are famous for producing large, bright meteors that can still punch through the moonlight. And with the right location, you can still catch plenty of shooting stars.

Tip: Use hills, trees, or cliffs to block the moon’s glare and give your eyes the best chance of adjusting to the darkness.

Best Places to See the Perseids in Cornwall
Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s best stargazing spots, with large areas recognised for their low light pollution. Here are some top choices:

Bodmin Moor – An International Dark Sky Landscape with panoramic views in every direction.
Porthcurno Beach – Soft sand, crashing waves, and a huge horizon to scan for meteors.
Kynance Cove – A tucked-away, dramatic setting perfect for late-night stargazing.
Goonhilly Downs – Vast, open heathland with minimal artificial light.
Poldark Mine – Rural and wonderfully dark, offering a clear view of the heavens.

Top Stargazing Tips
Pick a dark location far from street lights and built-up areas.
Arrive early so your eyes can adjust – aim for 20–30 minutes before you start watching.
Do not use your phone/tablet, stay away from screens!
Bring a blanket or reclining chair to make it comfortable to gaze upwards.
Dress warmly – even August nights can get chilly by the coast or on the moors.
Stay up late – the best viewing window is after midnight until dawn.
Take a flask and snacks – watching meteors is better with tea and biscuits!

A Night to Remember
Even with the full moon’s glow, the Perseids are one of the most reliable and dazzling meteor showers of the year. Whether you’re lying back on the sand at Porthcurno, wrapped in a blanket on Bodmin Moor, or perched on the cliffs above Kynance, the experience is unforgettable.

So grab your warm layers, head somewhere dark, and get ready to wish upon a shooting star – or two, or three…