Kielder Observatory

Building Kielder Northumberland

Kielder Observatory

Building In Kielder, Northumberland

Award winning observatory within Northumberland Dark Sky Park

Where do I start with somewhere that has so much to offer? Kielder Observatory is just a fantastic place to go - if you're into astrophotography, astronomy or learning the secrets of the universe, a visit here is a must.

The observatory opened in 2008 and has welcomed thousands of visitors to the extensive list of events which are held here every year. The idea to create an observatory at Kielder was the brainchild of amateur astronomer Gary Fildes who advocated for the observatory to be built in the forest. Kielder had always been a popular place for stargazing due to it's dark skies and the idea was welcomed with hundreds of thousands of pounds raised to help with it's construction.

The area where the observatory is situated sits within the largest 'Dark Sky Park' in the whole of Europe, which is some accolade! It means that on a clear night, your view of the stars is unspoilt by light pollution and you can enjoy some fabulous stargazing.

I've visited the observatory on two occasions now, and both talks I have been to have been outstanding. Several years ago I attended an astrophotography course where I learned all about how to take images of the night sky, the settings needed, where to position your camera for star trails and shots of the Milky Way, and many other tips. My photos were average at best, but the instruction was brilliant!

More recently we attended a talk called 'Discovering New Worlds' about life on other planets, which was fantastic again. A big shout out to all of the staff working that night (23rd May 2025!) as they were so friendly, professional and full of knowledge, but explained things so well to us lay people. Do we think there is life on other planets now? Most definitely!

Also during the evening we got to check out their very fancy telescope in the 'Sir Patrick Moore' observatory turret, though it was too cloudy for us to do any real time stargazing sadly. The telescope is a '16 inch TS optics f/8 Ritchey-Chretien reflector' which is a seriously impressive piece of equipment.

It is linked to a computer which has a map of the entire visible sky on it. If you want to see a particular star or planet, you click on the one you want to see and the telescope will turn to point towards it. Impressive stuff. The telescope is angled at 55 degrees, which is the latitude of Kielder, making it a research grade telescope. It is used in professional astronomical research including spotting exoplanets, supernovas and plotting asteroid paths helping to keep us safe!

When the telescope needs to face a different direction from it's normal position, the turret is turned by hand, which is quite a workout for the staff. No need for arm day at the gym if you work there.

There is another smaller observatory turret at Kielder which is named after astronomer Caroline Herschel and houses a '16 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain style' telescope. I have yet to have a peek in here, so it's a good excuse for another visit.

Also included in our talk last time was a hot drink and a chance to buy some treats in the gift shop. I am a sucker for a tote bag and stationery so I was in my element, but you could also purchase mugs, clothing, photographs and lots more.

Kielder is obviously very remote and the observatory is completely off grid being powered by wind and solar energy. There is also no running water, however there is an eco loo (phew!) and there are signs telling you not to drop anything down it as it will lost into the abyss forever. There are reminders around Kielder that the nearest hospital is 90km away at Cramlington, so try not to drop a meteor on your foot when you're handling one during a talk.

An absolutely fantastic experience, and if you want to book onto an event or find out more about the equipment, visit: Kielder Observatory

A huge thank you to Dan Monk from Kielder Observatory, for giving us permission to use his stunning photographs of Kielder at night.

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How To Find Kielder Observatory

Where Is Kielder Observatory?

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Lat / Long

55.232064, -2.615801

What three words

losses.sneezed.vowed

Where To Park For Kielder Observatory?

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Lat / Long

55.232037, -2.617031

What three words

casino.whisker.cutlets

Parking is only available if you have book on to an event at the observatory. There are spaces right outside.

Contributed by Sandra Clemens

I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.

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