The Astronomy Centre

The Astronomy Centre sits on the edge of Rossendale, and on a clear Saturday night it's genuinely worth the trip. You're looking at proper dark skies here - no light pollution nonsense - which makes a real difference when you're trying to spot anything beyond the Moon and Venus.

It opens at half seven on Saturday evenings, running until midnight. The setup is straightforward: telescopes, knowledgeable staff who actually know their stuff, and space to stand about without being packed in. Families with kids aged eight and up will get something out of it, though younger ones may find it slow going if the night's cloudy.

Bring warm clothes. I can't stress this enough. Standing about staring upward in Lancashire in winter is properly freezing, and there's not much shelter. The admission cost isn't listed on their end, so ring ahead before you go.

If you're staying at Rossendale Holiday Cottages - just 3.5 miles away - it's a natural evening activity rather than an all-day thing. You'd do your day walking in the surrounding hills, then head down for a couple of hours of stargazing. Old Chamber Camping, five miles out, works similarly well. Both give you decent dark skies nearby without being isolated.

The real question: go only if skies are clear. There's nothing worse than paying to stare at cloud cover. Check the forecast first, or ask the staff when conditions are best.