Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory Kielder Observatory The Kielder Observatory is a centre for public outreach in the science of astronomy and physics.
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It serves to promote the universe to our guests, enabling people from all walks of life and levels of interest to access the visual splendour of the cosmos. Situated in probably the darkest night sky location in England, in the depths of the magnificent Kielder Forest, the observatory provides spectacular opportunities to see celestial objects such as planets, stars and galaxies in breathtaking detail.

🤔 Father's Day is nearly here...And let's be honest, how many mugs, socks, and novelty BBQ aprons does one person really...
16/06/2026

🤔 Father's Day is nearly here...

And let's be honest, how many mugs, socks, and novelty BBQ aprons does one person really need?

Why not give the gift of an experience instead? 🌌

Whether it's spending an evening exploring the cosmos together, discovering the stories hidden among the stars, or simply sharing a memorable night out, a visit to Kielder Observatory is a gift that's a little different.

Not sure which event to choose? Our gift vouchers let Dad decide on his own adventure through the universe. 🚀

After all, memories tend to last a lot longer than socks.

✨ Gift vouchers and event bookings available online.

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨🏕️ Hesleyside HutsHidden within the beautiful Hesleyside Estate in the heart of Northumb...
16/06/2026

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨
🏕️ Hesleyside Huts

Hidden within the beautiful Hesleyside Estate in the heart of Northumberland National Park, Hesleyside Huts offers a collection of unique shepherd's huts, cabins, a treehouse, and even a woodland tower retreat. Each one is designed to help you slow down, switch off, and reconnect with nature.

Think outdoor baths beneath starry skies, cosy wood-burning stoves, wildlife wandering nearby, and peaceful evenings surrounded by woodland and rolling countryside.

🛁 Outdoor baths and fire pits for unforgettable evenings
🌲 Set within a historic estate in Northumberland National Park
✨ Some of the darkest skies in England right on your doorstep

Just a short drive from Kielder Observatory, it's the perfect base for exploring Northumberland by day and experiencing incredible dark skies by night. Whether you're escaping as a couple, bringing the family, or treating yourself to a magical glamping getaway, there's a stay here to suit every adventure.

🔧🌌 Even observatories need a little maintenance now and then!We'll be pressing pause on our events from 19–25 June while...
15/06/2026

🔧🌌 Even observatories need a little maintenance now and then!

We'll be pressing pause on our events from 19–25 June while we carry out some essential upgrades and improvements behind the scenes.

Don't worry, we're not stopping for long, we'll be back from 26 June, refreshed and ready for more adventures across the universe. 🚀✨

If you need us while we're closed, please send any enquiries to [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Thank you for your patience and continued support while we give our observatory a little TLC. 💙

🚨 Last-minute availability! 🚨A cancellation means a few spaces have opened up for tonight's Discovering New Worlds event...
15/06/2026

🚨 Last-minute availability! 🚨

A cancellation means a few spaces have opened up for tonight's Discovering New Worlds event. Join us as we explore the incredible planets, moons, and mysteries being discovered beyond our Solar System. 🌍🪐✨

Book online now before these tickets disappear!

M8 and M20 - the Lagoon Nebula and Trifid Nebula ✨These objects are found in the constellation Sagittarius, in a rich re...
13/06/2026

M8 and M20 - the Lagoon Nebula and Trifid Nebula ✨

These objects are found in the constellation Sagittarius, in a rich region of the Milky Way. On the left is M20, the Trifid Nebula, named for the dark dust lanes that appear to divide it into three sections. On the right is M8, the Lagoon Nebula, a vast cloud of gas and dust where new stars are forming.

This image was captured by our astronomer Adam in 2024 using a remote observatory in Spain, combining around 10 hours of exposure data.

From the UK, these objects sit very low in the southern sky, making them difficult to observe and image well. Using an observatory further south in Spain provided a much clearer view of this beautiful part of the night sky!

Earlier this month, we celebrated the launch of our second observatory venue at Twice Brewed Inn, marking an exciting ne...
10/06/2026

Earlier this month, we celebrated the launch of our second observatory venue at Twice Brewed Inn, marking an exciting new chapter in bringing the wonders of the night sky to even more people.

Joining us for the occasion was Robson Green, who officially unveiled a plaque for the observatory's new telescope bearing his name and helped launch the venue in spectacular fashion.

In our latest podcast episode, Robson shares his passion for Northumberland, dark skies, and the importance of inspiring curiosity about the universe.

Listen now and relive a fantastic day of celebration, astronomy, and community spirit.

🔗Link in the comments below.

An important travel update for those travelling up to Kielder via Bellingham. We have had reports that the diversion sig...
10/06/2026

An important travel update for those travelling up to Kielder via Bellingham.

We have had reports that the diversion signs have been removed and that the road has reopened. We will continue to update guests when we have more information.

09/06/2026

🔭🚙 When astronomy and adventure collide...

Our Director of Astrophotography, Dan Monk, recently had the opportunity to put the Jeep Avenger Stargazer through its paces! The Avenger is a unique concept vehicle designed specifically for exploring the night sky.

Complete with a smart telescope mounted in the sunroof, dedicated stargazing equipment storage, and everything needed for a night under the stars, it's a vehicle that certainly caught our attention...

Jeep created the one-off concept in partnership with DarkSky UK to encourage more people to get outside and connect with the Universe.
Safe to say, it felt right at home beneath Northumberland's dark skies.

Check out Jeep's reel below and let us know: if you could take one astronomy road trip anywhere, where would you go? 🌌✨

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨🏡 Black Burn LodgeNestled on the edge of Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders, Black Bur...
09/06/2026

🌿 Summer Stays under Dark Skies✨
🏡 Black Burn Lodge

Nestled on the edge of Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders, Black Burn Lodge offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by rivers, woodland, and wide-open countryside. With just three stylish en-suite rooms, it's a place where comfort and tranquillity go hand in hand.

Think scenic walks from the doorstep, quiet moments overlooking the Liddel Water, and evenings spent unwinding in the cosy studio lounge as the stars begin to appear.

🌿 Riverside setting with woodland walks nearby
🔥 Relaxing lounge with a wood-burning stove
✨ Peaceful Borders skies and countryside views

Within easy reach of Kielder Observatory, it's an ideal base for exploring the Scottish Borders and Northumberland by day, before looking up at some of the darkest skies in the UK by night.

A welcoming stay where nature, comfort, and dark skies come together.

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞🦖 Godzilla Spotted on the Sun? (Well... Sort Of)Before anyone starts evacuating Tokyo...
08/06/2026

☕ ASTRO AM: Rise, Shine & Explore 🥞
🦖 Godzilla Spotted on the Sun? (Well... Sort Of)

Before anyone starts evacuating Tokyo, we should clarify that Godzilla has not been spotted stomping across the Sun.

But astrophotographer Mark Johnston recently captured an enormous plume of solar plasma rising from the Sun's surface that looked remarkably like the King of the Monsters himself. 🌞🦖

The footage, captured on 31 May, shows a giant structure looming above the Sun's edge. It followed another spectacular observation by Johnston on 22 May, which captured streams of plasma falling back towards the Sun in a phenomenon known as coronal rain.

The towering structure was a solar prominence, a giant loop of superheated gas held aloft by the Sun's magnetic field. These dramatic features can stretch hundreds of thousands of kilometres into space and often change shape as they're buffeted by the Sun's constantly shifting magnetic forces.

In this case, the prominence happened to resemble a familiar giant Kaiju silhouette peering over the edge of the Sun. As soon as you see it... it's difficult to unsee it.

Our brains are wired to find familiar shapes in random patterns, it's a phenomenon known as pareidolia. It's the same reason people spot animals in clouds or faces on the Moon. 🌙☁️

Of course, while the Godzilla resemblance is fun, the science behind it is no less impressive. These enormous plasma structures are part of the Sun's dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere, helping scientists understand the magnetic activity that can sometimes lead to solar storms and aurora displays here on Earth.

Honestly, the Sun seems determined to keep finding new ways to entertain us...

One day it's launching solar storms at Earth. The next it's auditioning for a monster movie!

Address

Black Fell
Kielder Forest
NE481HD

Telephone

+441912655510

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