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
Allendale Forge Studios
A co-operative group of volunteers, producers, artists and makers promoting small businesses and the beautiful North Pennines landscape through the Allendale Forge Studios Art and Craft Centre. Vis
Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
Climbing in Bellingham
Callerhues crag is popular. It’s a very bold sort of crag - but one worth tackling! Routes tend to be hard, but short.
Cycling in Alston
The hostel is a popular stop off for the Sea to Sea bike ride. The secure bike shed and drying room offer all the facilities a cyclist needs. However we do not have bikes to rent out.
Cycling in Bellingham
YHA Bellingham is a natural stop-off point on the challenging Rievers Route. There are plenty of on and off road trails in the beautiful National Park.
Cycling in Edmundbyers
We're just off the Coast to Coast cycle Route.
Cycling in Ninebanks
The Allen Valleys provide distinctive landscapes with great cycling routes.
Walking and Rambling in Alston
The Pennine Way passes through some of the most beautiful and remote countryside England has to offer. This section boasts the highest waterfall in England.
Mountain Biking in Alston
The South Tyne Trail is a great route for all abilities to enjoy traffic-free picturesque rides.
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
Derwent Reservoir
The Derwent Valley, one of the Durham Dales, is sometimes overlooked. Visit the man-made lake - lovely for sailing and fishing. Visit the Northumbrian Water web page
Talkin Tarn Country Park
An ideal place for water sports or a quiet stroll through the mature woodlands. Fishing and bike hire available. See details on the Visit Cumbria website
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
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
See the mineral mining past of the North Pennines, with underground tours and interactive waterpower demonstrations. See samples in the nearby museum and tea-room. Visit the Mine website for
Kielder Water
Home to the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe and the biggest working forest in England, covering 250 square miles.
Vindolanda
This Roman fort is just south of Hadrian's Wall and is great for learning more about the local history.