Stargazing in Northumberland

The Darkest Skies in England

One of our area’s best-kept secrets is its dark skies. Northumberland National Park is part of Northumberland International Dark Skies Park and is Europe’s biggest area of protected night sky. This makes the region the ideal destination for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts from all over the UK and further afield.

Picture courtesy of Callum Gladstone

Each clear night there is something different to see. Millions of stars are visible including those in the Milky Way. You can even see the Andromeda Galaxy, some 2.5 million light-years away from us. Northumberland is also the best place in England to enjoy meteor showers and fans of the moon will find the dark skies provide an inspiring backdrop to our nearest celestial neighbour.

Recommended stargazing locations in Northumberland include:

• Alwinton Car Park – NE65 7BQ
• Cawfields Quarry – NE49 9PJ
• Elf Kirk Viewpoint – NE48 1BX
• Hawkhope Car Park – NE48
• Ingram Village Hall – NE66 4LT
• Keilder Campsite – NE48 1ER
• Keilder Observatory – NE48
• Elsdon Village Hall – NE19 1AA
• Kirknewton Village Hall – NE71 6XA
• Redesdale Arms – NE19 1TA
• Rochester Roundhouse – NE19 1RH
• Stonehaugh Stargazing Pavilion – NE48 3DZ
• Tarset Village Hall – NE48 1NT
• The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre – NE47 7AN
• The Stell at Falstone – NE48 1AA
• Tower Knowe Visitor Centre – NE48 1BX

You’ll find regular stargazing events organised throughout the region, especially at the Keilder Observatory. Even if you choose to DIY your stargazing activities, the skies throughout Northumberland provide some of the best conditions possible to enjoy our spectacular stars and planets. Let us know how you get on, we’d love to see some photos!

Picture courtesy of Calum Gladstone