Last weekend, millions of Brits witnessed one of nature’s miracles right on our doorsteps; the Northern Lights. It’s rare to spot the Aurora Borealis here, especially as far down as southern England and Wales, but sightings of the ‘stunning’ display were reported right across the country.
There are some locations in the UK, though, where you can experience the wonders of the universe pretty much every night – and if you’ve caught the stargazing bug, it could be worth a visit on your next staycation.
Photography retailer Jessops analysed Britain’s 19 dark sky reserves, where light pollution is at a minimum, to find the best locations for an astonomy-themed break. Based on the number of stargazing events, viewing locations across the region and accommodation options, Northumberland Dark Sky Park took top spot.
Not only does it offer a variety of observation points for watching the skies, the area is packed with attractions for every type of tourist.
Northumberland has low levels of light pollution, boasting what the CPRE called the most ‘pristine dark skies’ in England. In 2013, 572 square miles of Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water and Forest Park became a Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s protected to preserve its natural beauty.
On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy (2.5 million light years away) with the naked eye from here, while there are 20 observation points and 19 annual events to make the most of your trip.
Among the best spots for stargazing, Kielder Observatory boasts a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor, with one visitor, Liz M, saying: ‘I am not exaggerating when I say it was jaw-dropping. There was one point when I suddenly became aware that my mouth was wide open in amazement… It really is mind blowing.’
Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory is another highlight for amateur astronomers, with talks, activities, drop-in sessions and courses available year-round. On Tripadvisor, Stevo1812 called it an ‘awesome’ experience, while Ricky M added: ‘Incredible… I’d recommend this to anyone, seeing the sky likes you’ve never seen it before was amazing.’
Stargazing is just one part of a holiday in this beautiful part of England. Northumberland is full of history, and no trip to the area would be complete without a visit to Alnwick Castle. This is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK and combines magnificent medieval architecture with stories of knights, a gunpowder plotter and more. It was also the filming location for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films.
Bamburgh Castle, Warkworth Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle are also must-sees for history buffs, as is Hadrian’s Wall, which you can hike, or learn more about via Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum and Vindolanda Roman Fort & Museum.
If you get the weather, mark out your schedule for a day at the beaches of Seahouses, Alnmouth or Beadnell Bay. As well as beautiful views and sandy shores, you can try some of Northumberland’s fresh seafood and try kitesurfing or paddleboarding (if you’re brave enough).
Just off the North Sea is the Farne Islands, where tourists can swap stars for spotting inquisitive seals, clown-billed puffins, and some 100,000 other seabirds that inhabit the nature reserve.
Additionally, you can explore Holy Island – the tiny tidal island of Lindisfarne, which is off from the mainland twice a day due to the sea covering the causeway in and out. Head up to Lindisfarne Castle or wander around Gertrude Jekyll Garden, stopping for food and a spot of Lindisfarne Mead in the quaint village before you head back to the mainland.
If you’re planning a trip to Northumberland, the region is home to everything from hotels to unique shepherd’s huts. The UK’s National Parks have a partnership with Sykes Holiday Cottages, so you can choose from the 951 properties in Northumberland to suit your needs. Alternatively, the Heart of Hadrian’s Wall Tourism Association and Visit Northumberland showcase everything from B&Bs to historic coaching inns.
From its iconic castles to the sweeping stretches of golden sands and rolling hills, we’ll never forget how lucky we are to call Northumberland home.
If you prefer a more off-grid getaway, there are 44 official campsites where you can pitch a tent or set up a motorhome – and some also have ‘glamping’ facilities so you won’t forgo all your home comforts. The Redesdale Arms has also been awarded ‘Dark Sky Stay and Gaze’ by Northumberland Tourism, acknowledging the facilities on offer to allow guests to observe the night skies in Redesdale.
The best thing to do is work out the observatory or viewing point you plan to stargaze from, then look for accommodation close by. Particularly if you plan to visit Northumberland’s more remote attractions, it may be best to take a car. It takes around six hours to drive to Northumberland National Park from London or the south east, while you’re looking at under two hours’ journey from either Carlisle or Edinburgh.
The Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus AD122 links some of the region’s major attractions to Newcastle and Carlisle, alongside services from Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach.
Astronomical events happen all year round, but the best months are during autumn and winter when the evenings draw in early. Despite this, the weather is usually better in the summer months, with average maximum temperatures of 18°C in July compared to less than 7°C in December and January.
Check out the website for Kielder Observatory, Battlesteads Observatory or Twice Brewed Stargazing to get a feel for the events happening throughout the year, or try the SkyView Free if you want to know what to expect from the skies on your visit.
Via Jessops.
