The purest night sky: a dark sky park in Northumberland
The renowned English National Park of Northumberland has been acknowledged as one of the premier stargazing locations in the country - an International Dark Sky Park. This designation was granted to the park due to its exceptionally clear night skies in England.
For instance, under favorable weather conditions, even novices can observe phenomena such as the Milky Way, the Northern Lights, and even the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye. That's why National Geographic travel magazine has recognized the park as one of the top stargazing spots in the UK, as reported by Chronicle Live.
One of the park's highlights is the Kielder Observatory, well-known to many North East residents. It was recently nominated for the Best Arts and Business Partnership in 2023 at the North East Culture Awards. The observatory features a blend of scientists and enthusiasts.
Observatory staff mention that astronomy has traditionally been presented in an academic manner, but here they aim to make science accessible through engaging narratives, offering an entertaining experience that fosters curiosity about complex subjects.
Visitors can lodge at the Star Inn in Harbottle. Additionally, the pub provides rooms and cottages for accommodation, serving as a convenient base for exploring the park or any observatory in the vicinity. Thus, tourists are provided with excellent overnight accommodations for stargazing adventures.
"Above Northumberland's legendary ancient landscapes, low light pollution creates optimal stargazing conditions in England's inaugural International Dark Sky Park," states National Geographic.
However, the true jewel of the park is the Kielder Observatory with its observation deck and an array of intriguing events. Visitors can partake in guided observatory tours, lectures, and seminars on space, delving into the mysteries of distant galaxies.