MAKE the most of these clear summer nights with some stargazing. Dorset and the New Forest offer some of the best places in the UK with little light pollution and open spaces. Here are six of the best places to raise your eyes to the skies.

1. Located at Durlston Country Park near Swanage is an observatory hosting a large telescope. Join the Wessex Astronomical Society for a short talk in the Learning Centre and a chance to use the telescopes. Visit wessex-astro.org.uk for details. Next event is Sunday, August 12 from 9pm to 11pm. Weather dependent, call on the day to confirm, 01929 424443. £3 per person.

2. The New Forest National Park has a high percentage of dark skies with minimal light pollution – 89 per cent of the skies above the National Park fall in the three darkest categories, compared with 63 per cent in the south east as a whole.

3. There are several places around Wimborne in East Dorset including Badbury Rings Car Park and Knowlton Church. If you head further west, the Cerne Abbas Giant is a good spot too.

4. Moors Valley Country Park runs four week courses to give participants an introduction to the night sky. Advance booking recommended, see website moors-valley.co.uk

5. Fontmell Down. At the top of this reserve, near Fontmell Magna in north Dorset, there are stunning views over the Blackmore Vale.

6. Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common. Set in the hills and vales of west Dorset, night is at its darkest in this area, and you might even spot some bats too.

n For more celestial inspiration, visit gostargazing.co.uk or darkskydiscovery.org.uk