Stargazing in Northumberland National Park
Overview
Stargazing – a simple yet intriguing and inspiring evening activity. The hope that a shooting star might pass, or that there will be a full moon, or seeing who can spot the biggest star – there’s so much excitement and interest in observing dark skies. We recommend stargazing between October and March, which is known as ‘observing season’ as this is the time from when clocks go back, and day light hours begin to fade and nights become longer.
Located perfectly inside the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, this site is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. Here you can see the Milky Way in all it’s glowing glory. And, if you use binoculars you will see its bright central core – a mesmerising sight that anyone would be amazed by. Because of its rural location there is no light pollution, so on a clear night you can see up to 2,000 stars at any one time, and the furthest you can see with your naked eye is 2.5 million light years away!
Price
Free!
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Vindolanda
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Housestead Roman Fort
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The Roman Army Museum
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The Garden Station
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Allendale Forge Studios
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Hexham Old Gaol
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South Tynedale Railway
A new narrow gauge railway from Cumbria into Northumberland. There's also a shop, café & Hub transport museum. Visit the Railway website
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Talkin Tarn Country Park
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Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
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Killhope
Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum, is a fully restored nineteenth century lead mine, where you can experience for yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pen