Kielder Observatory - NE48 1ER
| TEL: 0191 265 5510 |
| EMAIL: info@kielderobservatory.org |
| kielderobservatory.org |
Located on a hill side above Kielder village and within the heart of the 580 square miles Northumberland and Kielder Water & Forest International Dark Sky Park, the second largest area of protected night sky in Europe, Kielder Observatory is a truly spectacular experience for all the family.
The stargazing can be breath-taking and the ‘Kielder moment’ the point where visitors look up at the glittering skies and realise that they are completely connected to this vast cosmos, yet utterly unique within it, is something really special.
Like the deck of a ship sailing above the landscape, the Observatory provides astronomers with a permanent facility in Northumberland.
Kielder Observatory hosts events to suit everyone: there are family events to entertain young explorers; relaxed events for people with different abilities; introductory events; legends behind the constellation’s events; and events focusing on phenomena such as the aurora, our moon, dark matter, and exoplanets.
Access into Kielder Observatory events is by ticket only for which pre-booking is essential. Please visit the website link above.
Access to Kielder Observatory is along a 2-mile, stone surfaced, single lane road which is opened for events one hour beforehand to ensure traffic management, but visitors can walk or cycle up to the Observatory during the day and enjoy the spectacular views.
Close to Kielder Observatory is James Turrell's Kielder Skyspace, a circular sculpture which is illuminated by a combination of natural and artificial light. Skyspace can be accessed via the same track to Kielder Observatory. During dusk, the LED lighting system is triggered and as the exterior light changes - the effect is a rich and unforgettable display of tone and colour.
Kielder Observatory is also part of the art and architecture programme. Find out more on the What to See section of this website.
