Stargazing in Northumberland
Attractions | Cosy | Country Pubs | Countryside | Events | Family | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Walking | Posted 2024.06.04
Were you lucky enough to catch the recent stunning display of the northern lights in the UK? If you missed it, or if you’re feeling inspired to experience more incredible night-time sights, don’t worry there are still many opportunities to see stunning night displays. In this blog will guide you to some of the best stargazing locations in Northumberland, as well as some pubs nearby with accommodation.
Northumberland is fortunate enough to have extremely low levels of light pollution, which means the county has some of the most pristine dark skies in England. This makes it one of the best destinations in the country to discover the night sky and go stargazing.
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the largest area of protected night sky in Europe, is a popular destination for astronomy enthusiasts. The whole of Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water & Forest Park make up Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. On a clear night you can look up into the night sky and see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and the Andromeda Galaxy, with the naked eye.
Stargazing spots in Northumberland
Kielder Observatory
Kielder Observatory is one of the best-known stargazing locations in the UK. The astronomical observatory is located in Kielder Forest.
The observatory runs regular events and workshops, including night sky tours, deep sky observing, and aurora hunting. Since its opening in 2008, the observatory has played host to tens of thousands of people observing the night sky, via talks, activities and telescope observing sessions. You will need to book tickets for events prior to your visit.
At the observatory is The Sir Patrick Moore Observatory, housing a 16 inch TS Ritchey-Chrétien telescope, and a Skywatcher 5 inch refracting telescope. By having the option of two different focal length telescopes it makes this observatory a good all-rounder for observing all kinds of celestial objects.
There is also the observing deck, where you can sit under the dark skies of Kielder to absorb the stunning views of the Milkyway and countless stars.
Pub to stay in: Holly Bush Inn
The Holly Bush Inn is a traditional pub found in the heart of the beautiful Northumberland National and Dark Sky Park. This 300-hundred-year-old inn not only provides cosy accommodation with its seven en-suite bedrooms, but it also serves some of the finest home cooked food in the region. Choose to eat their classic pub dishes like burgers or fish and chips or their popular Sunday roasts.
Twice Brewed Inn
Looking for the best of both worlds? Why not try stargazing at one of our member pubs, The Twice Brewed Inn. Found in the south of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, this observatory provides you with a great opportunity to stargaze whilst enjoying the home comforts of a country pub.
Start your experience of in their brand new lecture theatre room, where you can listen to an inspiring astronomical presentation. After, head outdoors for a laser guided tour of the constellations. Using their large aperture telescopes, you’ll be able to observe planets, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.
The Twice Brewed Inn Observatory has built a 360-degree immersive dome. In this planetarium you can see the aurora as if you are in the arctic circle, travel through Nebula and fly through Saturn’s rings.
Pub to stay in: Twice Brewed Inn
During your visit, enjoy the pub’s delicious and popular food, crafted from locally sourced ingredients, before settling down for the night in one of the pub’s cosy bedrooms (family-friendly and dog-friendly options available). The pub is also ideally located for exploring nearby countryside walks, including a stroll along Hadrian’s Wall to the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree.
The Battlesteads Observatory
The Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory, is an accessible, public astronomical observatory offering talks, activities, stargazing and Astro courses to suit anyone from the absolute beginner to the keen eyed professional. The observatory is located in Wark, on the edge of the Kielder Water & Forest Park.
If you are a beginner, they host plenty of events specifically for you. In these events their expert team will guide you around the cosmos. In no time at all, you’ll be able to guide yourself around some of the more easily recognisable features of the night sky; constellations, features of the moon, how to spot the planets, and other things such as aurorae, star clusters and the Andromeda Galaxy.
All of the events held at The Battlesteads Obsevatory also include the chance to handle and investigate their extensive meteorite collection, which includes pieces of asteroids, the Moon and planet Mars.
Pub to stay in: The Battlesteads
The Battlesteads Sky Observatory at The Battlesteads pub are found on the same site, meaning you can easily eat a meal at the pub, head over to watch the beautiful night sky, before going back to the pub for a restful night’s sleep. The convenience of the pubs location and the inviting atmosphere make it a popular destination for those wanting to stargaze in Northumberland.
Stonehaugh
Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion is a popular, free-to-access stargazing location in Kielder Forest in the heart of the International Dark Sky Park.
The pavillion at Stonehaugh was designed by students from Newcastle University and was opened in July 2014. The pavilion’s form is based on a spiral and provides a sheltered belvedere for nature watching and a circular open courtyard with seating where groups can gather to view and discuss the night sky. The pavilion, set in a newly planted wildflower meadow, was constructed of locally sourced, reused or recycled materials and topped with a sedum roof to increase biodiversity. It is used regularly for amateur stargazing and dark sky education events.
Pub to stay in: The Bowes Hotel
The Bowes Hotel is south of Northumberland’s International Dark Sky Park and has fantastic views of Tyne Valley. This lovely hotel has an inviting dining area and bar area, where you can enjoy a game of darts or billiards, as well as a variety of comfortable bedrooms, for when you come back from your adventure.