Star gaze in Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park

At 572 square miles (1,483 square kilometres) Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. Clear views of the firmament make for a romantic, exciting and educational night’s exploration of the stars and galaxies above us.

If you’ve been exploring Northumberland’s Roman heritage during the day, head to the Dark Skies Discovery Site at Cawfields when night falls to study the same constellations that the Romans would have looked up at. The Kielder Observatory - high upon Black Fell - is another fantastic astronomical facility which holds numerous events around the year where you can peer through one of the telescopes and discuss the stars with resident astronomers.

Located in the centre of Hadrian’s Wall near Haltwhistle, Cawfields Quarry picnic spot has some of the darkest skies in England. Bring your own telescope or join a stargazing event with Newcastle Astronomical Society. Sleep in a tent, tipi or wigwam at nearby Herding Hill Farm, and continue to gaze in awe at the nighttime splendour.

Cawfields is 38 miles (61km) from Newcastle, which is 2 hours 50 minutes north of London by train.

Content provided by Visit Northumberland