Discover a Dark Sky

A night in Northumberland offers spectacular stargazing

After an action-packed day exploring the wonders of Northumberland, you could be forgiven for wanting an early night, but as the sun sets, the vast dark skies provide even more entertainment for you and your family.

Fast becoming one of the nation’s favourite pastimes, we have a host of properties available with on-site telescopes or located in remote areas with little light pollution, the ideal characteristics for observing the night sky.

Spurred on by the BBC’s Stargazing Live, for those who want to improve on their knowledge of astronomy, or who feel unsure about where to start, now is the perfect time to renew your interest. There are several astronomical events taking place before the end of the year and for those planning on viewing the night sky, we’ve put together some simple and easy tips on what to look out for and what to take with you when trying to find an ideal spot for stargazing.

1. Find dark skies and clear horizons – try to get as far away as possible from the glare of streetlights and the glow of large urban areas. Make sure you get a good view in all directions, as you might want to see a planet as it sets in the west, a galaxy as it rises in the east, or a nebula at its highest point due south.
2. Wrap up warm – a hat, gloves, scarf, sensible shoes and warm clothing are all recommended when stargazing in the UK.
3. Bring a torch – preferably with a red filter on it (cellophane wrapped onto a normal torch is fine) to help you find your way around without ruining your night vision.
4. Find somewhere safe to observe – a flat, even area of land to avoid stumbles as you move about in the dark, away from cars and traffic.
5. Use a telescope or binoculars – If you are able to use a telescope to view the sky, or even a small pair of binoculars, you can get a great view of the Moon and explore the sky in more detail.

 

If you want to have a true Dark Sky experience whilst staying in Northumberland, make sure you visit the Kielder Observatory, situated in the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park (Europe’s largest area of protected night sky) and one of the best places in the country to stargaze.

The award-winning wooden-framed design of the observatory fits in perfectly with its forest surroundings and is home to a number of events including family-orientated talks and classes.

While a visit during autumn and winter is traditionally considered the optimum time to witness the dark sky at its best, there are things to see all year around, so check the website for any activity taking place during your break. On a clear night you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million light years away with the naked eye.

Properties near the Observatory

Annie’s Cottage 

Ref CC325017

https://www.northumbrian-cottages.info/northumberland-country/kielder-bellingham-area/anniersquo;s-cottage-cc325017

 

Tarset Tor 

Ref CC325031

https://www.northumbrian-cottages.info/northumberland-country/kielder-bellingham-area/tarset-tor-cc325031

 

Kielder Castle Cottage

Ref CC325029

https://www.northumbrian-cottages.info/northumberland-country/kielder-bellingham-area/kielder-castle-cottage-cc325029

 

Percy Boynton Cottage 

Ref CC322022

https://www.northumbrian-cottages.info/northumberland-country/rothbury-coquetdale-area/percy-boynton-cottage-cc322022

 

And if you want to get closer to the stars…

Castle Farm Cottage, Alnham near Rothbury, Rothbury & Coquetdale Area

Ref: CC316048

Castle Farm Cottage is an attractive single-storey wing of Castle Farm within the picture perfect hamlet of Alnham. Converted to an excellent standard the accommodation is mainly on one level. The living/dining/kitchen space is open plan with large hemmel windows to enhance its bright and airy ambience.

Enjoying a tranquil, rural position and surrounded by stunning countryside, this is an idyllic spot to rest and refresh. Located within the "International Dark Sky Park", the property is a fantastic place to catch a glimpse of a meteor shower, track satellites, especially the International Space Station and look at the planets of our own solar system. The owners are happy to provide specialist equipment, including an astronomical telescope, high magnification binoculars and star charts. They will also, if you wish, give you a beginner’s guide to the equipment and the brilliant skies above their garden.

Waterside,  Beadnell, Beadnell & Seahouses Area

Property ref: CC314043

Located a mere 300 yards from the wide expansive sweep of glorious golden sands at Beadnell Bay, Waterside is a modern detached property offering bright and contemporary holiday accommodation in a highly sought after coastal village.  With a comfortable lounge for adults to relax in, complete with telescope for stargazing, and a separate play room for children to chill out in, Waterside is the perfect family seaside retreat.  The contemporary dining kitchen also has an additional seating area with patio doors allowing the daylight to flood in.