Kielder Observatory
A public observatory in one of Britain's darkest skies. Night sky events often sell out, and the sky may show the Milky Way or even the aurora.
Kielder Observatory was founded in 2008 on Black Fell in Kielder Forest, one of the largest dark-sky reserves in Europe. It mainly opens for night events that must be booked in advance. Astronomers guide visitors and use telescopes to view planets, nebulae and the Milky Way, and there are special aurora-watching sessions in autumn and winter. Tickets must be bought in advance on the official website, and popular sessions sell out quickly. It gets very cold on the hilltop at night, so bring a warm coat. The final few kilometres are a gravel forest track, so drive with care.
Opening hours
Night activities by reservation only
Nearby sights
- Kielder Water & Forest Park
- Birdoswald Roman Fort
- Thirlwall Castle
- Walltown Crags
- Roman Army Museum
- Lanercost Priory
- Cawfields Quarry
- The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre