Kielder Water and Forest Park encompasses over 230 square miles of some of the most spectacular scenery in the United Kingdom. Home to a variety of outdoor pursuit camps and activity centres, the Forest is home to the Kielder Observatory, in Europe’s second largest dark sky protected reserve.

The forest itself produces 25% of England’s domestically grown timber, is home to over 50% of all England’s red squirrels and counts a multitude of deer, wild goats, goshawks and buzzards amongst its natural residents.

But more to the point, it’s got some of the nation’s least light polluted skies! Small telescopes seem to swell in aperture as tough targets glow against an inky backdrop. Objects such as Messier 33, a galaxy deemed by many to be invisible to the naked eye, can be clearly seen from the observatory site on moonless nights.

The Northern Lights

At a latitude of 55 degrees north, the observatory is famed for its ability to see spectacular northern light displays, when the solar activity reaches levels suitable (known as the KP index, with KP levels of 5 or higher, we regularly see the aurora).

On the back of this, we regularly host aurora events, and have wowed visitors with the subtle hues of greens , reds and crimsons caused by the Sun's energetic particles slamming in to our atmosphere, creating that mystical magical glow.

Hadrian's wall

Hadrian's Wall, a Unesco World Heritage Site is within a  few miles of the observatory site, offering visitors who like to take long and relaxing walks or cycle rides, a chance to experience heritage and history on a scale that can only be found in what is widely regarded as one of the UK's most beautiful counties. With the lowest population density of any in the UK, the level of light pollution measured during the International Dark Sky survey reached a staggering 23.5 out of a maximum of 24. Making us one of the darkest places in continental Europe.

With the Mily Way arching overhead, shooting stars flying across the sky, and the possibility of witnessing one of nature's finest spectacles, in the Northern Lights, a visit to Kielder should be on everyone's "to do list". Indeed, our staggering reviews on the website Trip Advisor are testament to just how highly regarded the observatory is as part of the fantastic range of facilities in and around the Kielder National Park and surrounding area.

Facilities near to the Observatory

Kielder Village lies only a short drive from our observatory, with its famed castle, a top visitor attraction,  a local village shop, numerous Bed and Breakfast facilities, a first class public house, serving great good, and a nearby campsite, offering visitors comfortable accommodation.

The Kielder Campsite, which pays host to regular star parties has a good range of facilities, including laundrette, pay phone, hot and cold showers, dish washing room and children's play area. A warm room will be open so campers can get the chill from their bones during observing sessions.

Just five minutes walk from the campsite, you'll find the Duke's Pantry Tea-room at Kielder Castle which operates extended opening times during Star Camp. It serves excellent home-made meals. The Angler's Arms pub is also a short stroll away.

Kielder Forest and Water Park, which is where our observatory is located, is also is 17 miles north west of Bellingham. Click here for a map. Which has a wider range of shops and facilities, including a well stocked supermarket.

Kielder Village and our observatory have limited mobile phone reception, so please be aware of this, when making travel arrangements to and from us. We also advise visitors to switch off mobile phones during presentations unless it is essential you have them on.

Further afield

Northumberland is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful counties in all of the United Kingdom. Take a look at the fantastic range of things to do as part of your visit to the observatory and its surroundings here at the Visit Northumberland website.