- Play Hard
- 24th Oct 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Aurora hunting and moonlit sidecar rides: Northumberland’s most unique stargazing adventures
- Advertisement Feature
If you think stargazing means standing in a cold field with a pair of binoculars — think again. Northumberland has redefined the night-sky experience.
With 572 square miles of Gold Tier dark skies, Northumberland is officially the largest International Dark Sky Park in Britain and one of the best places in the UK to witness the cosmos in full, glittering glory.
There’s almost no light pollution here – just pure, unspoiled darkness that lets you see the Milky Way stretch right across the horizon.
Whether you’re after a cosy night wrapped in blankets beside a firepit, a luxury and romantic castle escape or even an aurora-hunting sidecar ride, Northumberland’s dark skies are calling.
STARGAZING EVENINGS AT THE LORD CREWE ARMS, BLANCHLAND
Friday 14th November 2025 from 7pm
Price: £50
Tucked away in the storybook village of Blanchland, The Lord Crewe Arms offers stargazing with proper Northumbrian charm. Hosted by astronomer Andy Gray, the Southern Skies evening includes an outdoor telescope session (blankets and hot drinks provided), followed by a hearty stew and pudding in the 12th-century Gatehouse.
Why not make a night of it? Rooms start from £160 bed and breakfast. Each one comes with binoculars and a guide to the stars and you can even book private stargazing sessions with Andy himself.
STARGAZING EXPERIENCE AT THE TEMPUS
Thursday 27th November 2025
Price: £295 for two
For something sleek and romantic, check into The Tempus for dinner, stargazing and an overnight stay. Hosted by Kielder Observatory, this exclusive event pairs a guided session under the stars with dinner in The Orangery and a luxurious night away, rounded off with breakfast the next morning.
STARRY KNIGHTS AT LANGLEY CASTLE, HEXHAM
Sunday 11th January 2026
Price: from £420 per couple
Few places do atmosphere like Langley Castle. Their Starry Knights experience starts with a leisurely three-course meal before a luxury coach takes you to Kielder Observatory to explore the night sky. After, you’ll return to a cheeseboard and a nightcap in the castle’s lounge, then wake up to a full Northumbrian breakfast.
DARK SKY EXPERIENCE WITH THE SIDECAR GUYS
Various dates
Cost: from £145 per person
For something totally unique, hop into a sidecar and cruise through Northumberland’s backroads with The Sidecar Guys. The Evening Experience (£145pp/three hours) includes a sunset spin and stargazing stop with hot chocolate in hand. The Full Night Experience (£295pp/six hours) adds a pub dinner and a moonlit ride through Kielder Forest Drive.
BATTLESTEADS OBSERVATORY, WARK
Various dates
Cost: from £22.50
An observatory with its own boutique hotel? That’s Battlesteads. Located in Wark, this award-winning spot is run by professional astronomers from AstroVentures, offering events for everyone from beginners to serious star-trackers. Think Aurora Hunting, Shooting Star Suppers and Astronomy for Absolute Beginners.
Sessions include telescope viewing, meteorite handling and plenty of expert guidance – all followed by locally sourced food and a pint back at the hotel bar.
TWICE BREWED INN STARGAZING, HEXHAM
Various dates
Cost: £34.50
Set beside Hadrian’s Wall, the Twice Brewed Inn is as down-to-earth as it is cosmic. Partnering with Kielder Observatory, their events mix fascinating talks, telescope time and hearty Northumbrian food.
Book Stargazing & Supper and you’ll get a table two hours before your session – perfect for a pint and a bite before heading outdoors to take in the Milky Way. And if the weather’s off? Their indoor planetarium keeps the show going.
STARGAZING EVENTS AT KIELDER OBSERVATORY, KIELDER
Various dates
Cost: from £25
Fancy a night that’s truly out of this world? Head to Kielder Observatory, tucked deep within Europe’s largest Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park.
Whether you’re gazing at the Moon’s craters through a telescope, hunting for the Northern Lights, or watching shooting stars blaze across the sky (or even searching for aliens with the little ones), this award-winning observatory promises unforgettable moments. Sip hot chocolate, quiz expert astronomers and make cosmic memories beneath some of the darkest skies in Europe.
DARK SKIES STAYS IN THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.