Kielder Observatory - Main Evening Event

Kielder Water and Forest Park
Kielder
Northumberland
NE48 1ER

0191 265 5510

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Overview

Spend an evening at the Kielder Observatory with a team of experienced astronomers and we will share with you the wonders of the Universe. We are located in the heart of the Dark Sky Park and our fantastic telescopes are available for the use of our guests. These are our main evening events which are aimed at all levels of knowledge and experience, ideally ages from 8 years upwards and last 3 hours. Generally they run from about 8pm-11pm every day, but please check our website for exact times and availability: https://kielderobservatory.org/our-events

The main difference between these events is the subject of the 45 min presentation that we provide during the event, for example: Aurora Night, Night Sky Safari and A Universe Full of Stars. We have large aperture telescopes in each of our two turrets, and some smaller portable telescopes on the viewing deck. The guests are rotated so they get the opportunity to use each telescope as well as a tour of our brand new observatory, the Gillian Dickinson Astro-imaging Academy – with its suite of instruments aimed at imaging the universe. Observations depend on the weather of course, and if observing isn't possible our science team have a well-rehearsed bad weather programme involving other interactive activities – such as meteorites, pieces of the Moon and even Mars.

Tickets must be booked in advance and we often sell out early, so please check our website for availability and to book: https://kielderobservatory.org/our-events

Access information

The observatory is all level or ramped apart from one of our turrets which has six steps. Those with limited mobility can be dropped off at the main entrance before the car is parked. A torch is recommended for the walk to the car park (approx 80 metres). There is an accessible unisex toilet on site.

Road directions

Sat-nav users beware, the observatory does not have a postcode.

Coming northbound from Bellingham the turn off for the observatory is about 1/2 mile before Kielder Village (NE48 1ER), the track is clearly marked with a brown road tourism sign labelled "Kielder Skyspace and Observatory".

Southbound from Scotland drive straight past Kielder Village (NE48 1ER) then the turn off for the observatory is about 1/2 mile after the village, the track is clearly marked with a brown road tourism sign labelled "Kielder Skyspace and Observatory".

The track will be opened to vehicles 1 hr before the event starts and it is a further 2 miles through the forest to the observatory visitor car park. If the track is not open when you arrive please wait for a staff member to arrive, the track is suitable for most vehicles but do not exceed 15mph. Disabled visitors may park beside the observatory building. We have no waiting area so if you arrive early please wait in the decking area or in your vehicle.