Discover The Best Spots For Stargazing in Northumberland

Discover the Best Stargazing in Northumberland with Herding Hill Farm 

If you're searching for good stargazing spots near me or planning a peaceful countryside getaway under the stars, look no further than Herding Hill Farm, your perfect base for stargazing in Northumberland. Located just a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall and within the boundaries of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, our award-winning campsite offers direct access to some of the most spectacular night skies in the UK. We are proud to be a Dark Sky Glamping Friendly Park and an astro-tourism destination in the North East. Our low levels of light pollution and focus on conserving the darkness of the pristine Northumberland skies, giving our guests the rare opportunity to witness the wonders of the universe from right outside their accommodation. 

Discover Dark Skies in the Northumberland National Park.

Why Stargazing in Northumberland is so special 

Northumberland is home to Europe’s largest area of protected dark skies, making it a magnet for amateur astronomers and night sky photographers alike. It was given International Dark Sky status in December 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association. With low levels of light pollution and crystal-clear skies, this region offers perfect conditions to see the Milky Way, shooting stars, planets, and even the occasional aurora borealis. 

Stargazing at Herding Hill Farm 

If you don’t feel like travelling far, the skies above our dark skies campsite are just as breathtaking and the site is perfect for dark sky glamping. On clear nights, step out of your lodge, tent, or stargazing pod with hot tub and look up—you might spot the Milky Way stretching across the sky or catch a meteor shower lighting up the darkness. We even have stargazing kits available for hire, including binoculars and blankets, to help you make the most of your celestial experience. For tips on Stargazing Activities for Kids read our blog.

Top Stargazing Spots Near Herding Hill Farm: Observatories Northumberland

Looking for good stargazing spots near me? Here are some of the most highly recommended places, including observatory Northumberland, all easily accessible from Herding Hill Farm:

• Twice Brewed Observatory is a great observatory Northumberland offering stargazing on Hadrian’s Wall. 
• Located on the Military Road next door to The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre
• Just a short walk from Steel Rigg and Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall
• Around 35 minutes’ drive from Newcastle and just 5 minutes from Herding Hill Farm
• Star-gazing events every evening including special Aurora Borealis events. Using large aperture telescopes you can enjoy a laser guided tour of the constellations
• Custom-built on-site observatory Northumberland and plentarium
• Restaurant and pub, with its own microbrewery 

• The world-famous Kielder Observatory is a magical and unique visitor attraction for Kielder stargazing in Northumberland. All Kielder stargazing observatory events sell out quickly so book early to avoid disappointment. 
• Approximately 1 hour’s drive from our Northumberland campsite. All Northumberland stargazing events at Kielder take place late at night and the drive to Kielder, down twisted and narrow roads is a real adventure in itself, whether there are stars out or not
• Built on stilts, the building is an architectural marvel and the sessions, ran by professional astronomers, interesting and informative even if the weather is not so kind
• Powerful telescopes
• Plenty of Kielder Observatory events, inviting the public to engage in discussions and observations of the Universe, astrophotography, aurora nights as well as events for young stargazing explorers
• Only open to visitors who are booked on a specific event

• Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory offers a great compromise for those not wanting the drive to Kielder Observatory but still want to be in a rural location.
• Around 25 minutes’ drive from Herding Hill Farm on the drive to Kielder in the tiny village of Wark on the edge of the Kielder Water & Forest Park 
• Perfect for those who prefer an accessible, public astronomical observatory for Northumberland stargazing. 
• Talks, activities, stargazing and Astro courses from the beginner to the professional. 
• Hotel, pub and restaurant serve locally Northumberland sourced produce

• Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavillion 
• Around 30 minutes’ drive from our Hadrian’s Wall campsite on the edge of Kielder Forest 
• Designed by students from Newcastle University
• Open to the ublic, the pavillion also holds regular events

Dark Sky Discovery Sites in Northumberland

Dark Sky Discovery Sites are a nationwide network of places that provide great views of the dark skies and which are accessible to everyone. They are located away from direct street lighting and have good sightlines that aren’t blocked by buildings or trees. The sites are generally freely accessible to the public at all times. Go Stargazing has an excellent map showing the best stargazing spots in Northumberland. We are lucky to have three Dark Sky Discovery Sites less than 5 minutes’ drive from our Haltwhistle campsite.

Cawfields Quarry

Located just 1 mile from Herding Hill Farm, the spectacular setting of Cawfields Quarry attracts visitors day and night since it is also one of the best stargazing spots in the UK. From here you can walk East to Steel Rigg along one of the quietest but most spectacular sections of Hadrian's Wall. With soaring crags, dramatic quarry backdrop and elevated views, small lake and benches it’s a picturesque spot for a picnic or for watching the dark skies of Northumberland and taking long-exposure night photography.

Walltown Country Park

Walltown Quarry and Crags is a haven for wildlife, as well as being an excellent starting point for walks along Hadrian’s Wall. The views are spectacular. There is a Visitor Centre and a Peace Labryinth which gives you a chance to walk through thousands of willow plants in 20 different colours. It is also the perfect place to view the Northumberland dark skies, with a stargazing events space.

The Sill National Discovery Centre

Located just a short distance from Steel Rigg on Hadrian’s Wall and the Twice Brewed Observatory, the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre regularly holds Northumberland stargazing events. Only five minutes drive from Herding Hill Farm these are always popular events with our guests.

Top Tips for Conserving our Dark Skies of Northumberland

• Avoid the use of artificial light outdoors wherever possible when watching the Northumberland dark skies from your stargazing pod. This includes fairy lights
• Make sure any outside lights are fully shielded or angled downwards, so that no light shines up into the night sky
• Cool-white LED lighting can be disruptive to nocturnal wildlife so choose low wattage LED lights that emit a warm-white light or the red light setting on your phone

Plan Your Stargazing Getaway 

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just want to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, Herding Hill Farm is your ideal base for stargazing in Northumberland. With our luxurious glamping pods (some with hot tubs), dog-friendly lodges, and fully serviced pitches, there’s accommodation to suit every stargazer. So next time you're Googling "good stargazing spots near me" or "best observatory Northumberland," make sure you add Herding Hill Farm to your list. We promise you an unforgettable experience beneath one of the darkest, clearest skies in the UK.

Ready to explore the stars? 

Book your Northumberland stargazing break at Herding Hill Farm today and experience the magic of the night sky like never before. Check Availability and start your stargazing adventure.