Stargazing in Northumberland
Discover the dazzling stars at our dark skies campsite
If you are interested in stargazing in the UK, our campsite is the perfect spot to observe the dark skies when glamping in Northumberland.
Our designated Dark Sky Friendly site is nestled in a rural valley, with no outside light pollution. We are committed to preserving the darkness by using responsible low level LED lighting on site so that our guests experience the best stargazing in Northumberland. We provide stargazing kits for hire for families who want to introduce their children to the joys of stargazing in Northumberland.
On a clear
night, the pristine dark Northumberland skies above our dark skies campsite come alive
with billions of shimmering stars making up our Milky Way, a plethora of
planets, dazzling meteor showers and the glow of galaxies like Andromeda that
are out of this world. We have also been extremely lucky to see the Aurora in
2024 from the site.
The best time for stargazing in the UK is
during the autumn and winter months, when the nights draw in and the skies are
darker. This makes stargazing ideal for children as they don't have to stay up
too late to enjoy the amazing wonders.
If you choose dark sky glamping we
recommend staying in one our heated stargazing pods:
Wigwam Camping Pods in Northumberland
Our Camping Pods are located in a low light area with lots of open sky right above your stargazing pods making them an ideal choice. Perfect for one-night stays. We offer fire pits to keep you toasty whilst stargazing outdoors and stargazing kits if you want to find out more. Our dog walk is a great place to watch the dark skies and as you get good views North if you are very lucky you might even spot the aurora borealis.
Castle Pod Glamping Pods in Northumberland
Our luxury glamping pods with hot tubs, our Castle Pods, exclusively for adults, have optional red lighting
around their private patio, which helps you maintain good night vision, making
them great stargazing pods for dark sky glamping. They also come with a fire pit or why not enjoy the dark skies from your private outdoor hot tub.
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You don’t need an expensive telescope to enjoy dark sky glamping, just bring binoculars and a deck chair. If you don’t have binoculars, we have star-gazing kits available for hire or simply just look up. We also offer fire pits for hire to keep you warm while you enjoy the view from our stargazing pods or touring pitch. Our Camping BBQ hut seats 20 and has a large outdoor patio area which is perfect for stargazing if you are travelling with friends and family.
Stargazing is a
great way to get the kids involved! Find out more about Stargazing for kids in Northumberland.
Less than a mile from our Northumberland campsite is Cawfields Quarry, an accessible Dark Sky Discovery picnic site and a great place to see the Northern Lights. If you would rather travel to see the skies we are lucky to have some fabulous observatories and planetariums close by, so if you want to learn from the Northumberland stargazing experts why not visit our recommendations below:
Kielder Observatory
Located approximately 1 hour’s drive from our campsite, deep within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and Kielder Forest is Kielder Observatory, a magical and unique visitor attraction whatever the weather and one of the best places for stargazing in the UK. The Kielder Observatory holds regular, public stargazing events, inviting members of the public of all ages, to engage in discussions and observations of the universe.
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
Discover the darkest skies in England for stargazing at the Northumberland National Park which was given the status of International Dark Sky in December 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association.
Watch the video clip below to learn more:
Twice Brewed Stargazing
Just a 5-minute drive from Herding Hill Farm, is Twice Brewed Brewery and Taphouse, a perfect spot for Northumberland stargazing. The local experts provide a range of courses and stargazing experiences, including Northumberland “Stargazing and Supper,” “Stargazing, Supper, and Slumber”, “Astrophotography” and “Family Astronomy”. They also have a planetarium. Please note we do not recommend walking back from the Twice Brewed Inn after dark. The Military Road is unlit, has no pavements and is a fast road.
Battlesteads Observatory
The
Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory, located in Wark, on the edge of the Kielder
Water & Forest Park is an accessible, public astronomical observatory
offering talks, activities, interactive astronomy, aurora hunting and stargazing activities to
suit anyone from the absolute beginner to the professional.
You can find
out more about the Best spots for stargazing in Northumberland.
Our Dark Sky Glamping Stargazing Tips
- Pick a good time - a crisp, clear, cloudless Winter's evening is best before the moon is fully out. Also check the phases of the moon to understand whether it will be a full moon or not. When the moon is at its brightest fewer stars can be seen
- Find a spot without any artificial light
- Dress for warmth with extra layers
- Find someplace safe - whilst it needs to be fully dark to appreciate the dark skies ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk when stargazing in Northumberland
- Let your eyes acclimatise and avoid shining bright lights; a red-light torch is good. Ensure that your phone is red light enabled
- Look up and enjoy - you don't need a telescope to enjoy the stars, simply look up on a clear night to appreciate their scale
- Be patient - make sure you are warm and comfy and sit back to wait
- Download a stargazing app such as Stellarium to
help you understand which planets and constellations are what. Locate
Polaris or the Pole Star and work from there