Things To Do In Kielder

Explore the best things to do at Kielder from Herding Hill Farm 

Looking to escape the crowds and discover one of the most magical, remote places in the UK? Just under an hour from our Northumberland campsite, Kielder Forest in Northumberland offers everything from adventure-packed outdoor activities to serene stargazing experiences. Whether you’re staying in a luxury lodge, stargazing pod, or a fully serviced pitch at our award-winning campsite near Kielder, Kielder makes for the perfect day trip. Herding Hill Farm is a beautiful one-hour drive from Kielder Water and Forest Park and is ideally placed to enjoy the rest of the Northumberland National Park. 

What is Kielder? 

Kielder Forest in Northumberland is the largest man-made woodland in England, covering over 250 square miles of rugged Northumberland landscape. It surrounds Kielder Water, a vast, tranquil reservoir that forms the centrepiece of Kielder Water & Forest Park. Together, they create a unique destination for nature lovers, walkers, cyclists, families, and stargazers alike.

So - what makes Kielder Forest so special? Here’s your guide to why you should stay at our campsite near Kielder, the top things to do at Kielder, and why it’s one of the region’s hidden gems.

Top Things to do at Kielder

1. Stargazing at Kielder:  A Dark Sky Wonderland

Stargazing at Kielder is world-class. The area sits in the heart of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, one of the largest protected dark skies in Europe. Thanks to the minimal light pollution, you can see thousands of stars with the naked eye—and sometimes even the Northern Lights!

Kielder Observatory

If stargazing at Kielder is your ultimate wishlist, don’t miss a visit to the world-famous Kielder Observatory, perched high above the forest, a magical and unique visitor attraction for Kielder stargazing. Built on stilts and seeming to float in the darkness, the building itself is an architectural delight and the sessions interesting and informative even if the weather is not so kind. Join expert-led stargazing at Kielder events, solar viewing sessions, or astrophotography nights. It’s an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The Kielder Observatory is only open to visitors who are booked on a specific event.

Tips: 

• Book Kielder Observatory tickets in advance—events sell out quickly!
• If you are attending one of the midnight stargazing events, please make sure you wrap up warm. 

Herding Hill Farm is open all year unlike other campsites near Kielder and with the skies being at their clearest during the Winter months we ensure that you can make the most of stargazing at Kielder.

2. Watersports on Kielder Water

No Northumberland camping trip is complete without a visit to Kielder Water, the largest manmade lake in Northern Europe. Built in 1974 the reservoir was created to support the booming industrial economy. Construction finished in 1981 and Kielder Water was officially opened by the Queen. Several homes, farms and a school were flooded to make way for this huge body of water. Two hydro-electric generators were also installed at Kielder dam to convert latent energy into electricity for the national grid.

Feeling adventurous? Head to Kielder Waterside where nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, explorers, walkers, cyclists and families will all find something to do:

• Kayaking 
• Paddleboarding 
• Canoeing 
• Electric bike hire 
• Boat tours across the reservoir

For the more adventurous there are numerous activities including Segways, zip wires, high ropes, archery, crossbows, fencing, Water Walkerz, Sea Scooters, Snorkelling, Body Zorbs, Crazy Carts and Crazy Trikes.

3. Explore Miles of Scenic Trails 

Whether you're on foot or two wheels, Kielder Forest in Northumberland offers miles of waymarked trails, perfect for all abilities. Cycle around the shoreline of Kielder Water on the 26-mile Kielder Lakeside Way, or take a gentle family walk through peaceful pine-scented woods with incredible wildlife sightings along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, deer, and even ospreys! The Trails Guide published by Kielder has a variety of suggestions of walks and rides. An extensive network of off-road tracks makes it perfect for mountain bikers.

4. Wildlife at Kielder Forest Park

Kielder Forest in Northumberland will take you back to nature, Over 250 square miles, the largest working forest in England, it is one of Britain’s largest nature reserves with a thriving wildlife including rare red squirrel, deer and some rare birds. Kielder Forest is home to around half of the UK’s red squirrel population. From the end of March, if you are very lucky you may even spot an osprey hunting over Kielder Water. There are Ospreys at Kielder between end April and middle August.

Bakethin Nature Reserve is a perfect spot to watch otters, with two nature hides including the ‘Bakethin Hide’, a new wildlife watching space delivered in collaboration with Newcastle University’s School of Architecture.

Located at Leaplish Waterside, the Kielder Birds of Prey Centre has one of the largest collections of birds of prey in the North of England and is home to over 70 birds including eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and vultures. The Centre offers a variety of courses and experiences including an introduction to falconry, an owl experience and hawk walks.

5. Kielder Culture; Art & Architecture in the Forest

If you enjoy combining Northumberland glamping with a spot of culture, the Kielder Art and Architecture Trail starts from Kielder Castle Visitor Centre and contains a number of sculptures and open-air art installations in the surrounding Kielder Forest and Kielder Water. A great way to do the trail is on bikes. Most pieces are fully accessible to visitors and along the 26-mile Lakeside Way. You can see:

• Award winning futuristic shelter ‘Kielder Belvedere’ by Softroom Architects
• James Turrell’s light sculpture chamber ‘Kielder Skyspace’ which lets you see the sky above
• Discover the story of Freya and Robin in Studio Weave’s ‘Freya’s Cabin’
• Contemplate the play of water on the waves in Chris Drury’s ‘Wave Chamber’
• Silvas Capitalis ("The Forest Head") – a giant wooden face you can step inside 
• Belvedere – a shiny mirrored shelter reflecting the changing landscape 
• Janus Chairs – sculptural seats with stunning views over the water
  

Looking for campsites near Kielder? 

While there are a few campsites near Kielder, many guests choose to stay at Herding Hill Farm for a more luxurious base. Just a 1-hour scenic drive away, our 5-star Haltwhistle campsite offers: 

• Choice of camping pods and ensuite glamping pods 
• Stargazing pods with hot tub
• Luxury hot tub lodge 
• Spacious tent and touring pitches 
• Stunning countryside views 
• Luxury amenities including sauna and indoor campers kitchen
• Animal petting farm and children's playground
•  Easy access to both Kielder Forest and Hadrian’s Wall