Dark Sky Friendly Bed & Breakfast
Twenty Seven B&B is in Kielder - the most remote village in England and that means very low levels of light pollution.
Kielder is in Kielder Water & Forest Park which with Northumberland National Park was designated as GOLD tier International Dark Sky Park in December 2013
Twenty Seven is the Dark Sky Friendly B&B in Northumberland Internatioanl Dark Sky Park
With the best dark skies in England & now the largest area of protected dark sky in Europe Kielder is a great place to experience the night sky and all it has to offer.
Whether you just like looking at the stars, are a keen amateur observer, fancy doing some astro-photography or want to make astronomy your career Kielder is the best place to start.
Twenty Seven B&B is in Kielder - the most remote village in England and that means very low levels of light pollution.
Kielder is in Kielder Water & Forest Park which with Northumberland National Park was designated as GOLD tier International Dark Sky Park in December 2013
Twenty Seven is the Dark Sky Friendly B&B in Northumberland Internatioanl Dark Sky Park
With the best dark skies in England & now the largest area of protected dark sky in Europe Kielder is a great place to experience the night sky and all it has to offer.
Whether you just like looking at the stars, are a keen amateur observer, fancy doing some astro-photography or want to make astronomy your career Kielder is the best place to start.
You have a range of options for enjoying Star Gazing at Kielder with Twenty Seven B&B:
- Stay & Gaze - Try some ad-hoc Star Gazing while staying with us
- Dark Sky Discovery Sites - visit one of the local sites
- Astronomy Courses - Join one of our Astronomer led residential courses
- Kielder Forest Star Camp - Spring or Autumn
- People's Star Party - Kielder Campsite
- Dark Sky Friendly - Enjoy an event at the world famous Kielder Observatory while staying at Twenty Seven - after all we are the closest serviced accommodation - only 1 minute drive from the Observatory access road (1.9 miles long)
Stay & Gaze - Star Gazing at Twenty Seven B&B
Terry has been observing the Kielder Skies since the mid-eighties and has recently "got into" astronomy in a small way.
As a designated Stay & Gaze B&B as well as being officially recognized as a Dark Sky Friendly B&B we can help you take advantage of the Night's Sky
The Moon above was taken using an iPad held up to Terry's Celestron telescope on one of Kielder's great clear nights in November 2013
We have a selection of kit and information at the B&B which enables us and our guests to take advantage of ad hoc star gazing from the B&B or close by.
We also have red light torches - to help see your way about without ruining your night vision, which you can borrow as required.
We also have red acetate sheet if you wish to make your own torch temporarily red.
The B&B has a great view of the southern sky from the conservatory and deck. So if it gets a bit chilly you can pop back inside for a cuppa and a warm up.
As a designated Stay & Gaze B&B as well as being officially recognized as a Dark Sky Friendly B&B we can help you take advantage of the Night's Sky
The Moon above was taken using an iPad held up to Terry's Celestron telescope on one of Kielder's great clear nights in November 2013
We have a selection of kit and information at the B&B which enables us and our guests to take advantage of ad hoc star gazing from the B&B or close by.
- A Small telescope
- Binoculars
- Star loungers on the deck - so you can lie back and relax and watch the night's sky and use the bins easily (quilts to wrap up in too )
- Viewing area in the rear garden where you can set up your own 'scopes.
- Selection of Apps on the iPad to help you to:
- identifying the stars visible in the sky,
- plan when and where to see astronomical events such as meteor showers, ISS and satellite passes, iridium flares
- check out moon phases and planetary visibility
We also have red light torches - to help see your way about without ruining your night vision, which you can borrow as required.
We also have red acetate sheet if you wish to make your own torch temporarily red.
The B&B has a great view of the southern sky from the conservatory and deck. So if it gets a bit chilly you can pop back inside for a cuppa and a warm up.
Dark Sky Discovery Sites near to Twenty Seven B&B
Not sure What a Dark Sky Discovery Site is? Visit darkskydiscovery.org.uk for full details, but they are basically the best places in a number of rural & urban areas to see the night sky in the UK.
Of the 100+ Dark Sky Discover Sites (DSDS) in the UK
Kielder has 1 in the village and 4 more within 20 mins drive away for you to enjoy the night's sky from.
or
to find one close to where you live.
Of the 100+ Dark Sky Discover Sites (DSDS) in the UK
Kielder has 1 in the village and 4 more within 20 mins drive away for you to enjoy the night's sky from.
- The closest is at Kielder Campsite - 10 minutes walk from the B&B and host to the Kielder Forest Star Camps (see below)
- The next is at Elf Kirk Viewpoint overlooking Kielder Water - 9 miles drive south of us (10mins drive)
- Tower Knowe Car Park - very close to ElfKirk (12 mins drive)
- Hawkhope Car Park - a mile from Tower Knowe across the Kielder Water Dam (15 mins drive)
- Falstone Village Hall - 11 miles south from us (15 mins drive)
or
to find one close to where you live.
Astronomy Courses at Twenty Seven B&B
Introduction to Astronomy Course for Beginners
Are you getting into Astronomy and want a small bespoke course with qualified, experienced astronomers who can delivery what you need and want?
Get in touch and we will attempt to meet your requirements ...
Are you getting into Astronomy and want a small bespoke course with qualified, experienced astronomers who can delivery what you need and want?
Get in touch and we will attempt to meet your requirements ...
Setting Up Your New Telescope Course
Example from a previous course : |
A 6 hour Hands-On residential course using your own telescope with our own Astronomer,
in the comfort of the B&B. Does this sound familiar:
The course is lead by a qualified, experienced Astronomer in a comfortable, safe and friendly environment at the B&B in Kielder in Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. You will have the opportunity to learn how to confidently and competently set up and use your own telescope, so that when you get it back home you know you can make the most of observing your night skies. This course is ideal for absolute beginners with a telescope. If you have a telescope and want to get started in amateur astronomy – start now by getting in touch. If you are familiar with the night’s sky & using binoculars but are wanting to get the most of your own ‘scope - now is the time to take time to develop your stargazing skills. Details for “Setting Up Your New Telescope” course Times: 17:30 – 23:30 (5:30pm – 11:30pm) Course Size: 4 – 8 participants Course Venue: Twenty Seven B&B, Kielder,Northumberland. NE48 1EQ accommodation: 1 Family room, 2 Double Rooms Course Dynamic: This is a small, bespoke, practical course aimed at adults or adults with their own children who all wish to get 6 hours of hands-on tuition & experience with your own telescopes. suitable for couples, a family, Parent & Child, small party of individuals, single persons. The course is Residential at the B&B and is priced to included 1 night’s B&B accommodation. Evening Meal Option too. The course will involve mostly indoor work with as much outdoor star gazing as the weather conditions allow. The course is designed to work even if it is cloudy and no stars are visible. If the sky is clear this will be an added bonus. INTERESTED Send an email to Terry to register your interest, tell us what you would like to gain from the course and get your questions answered. Go on - Do It NOW if you are interested in a bespoke, dark sky Astronomy learning experience that will give you the skills you want to keep on stargazing at Home. Please Note This course is aimed at beginners to telescopes. If you are interested in other aspects of astronomy, star gazing or the night sky or are more experienced and want to learn an additional skill or consolidate your knowledge tell us and we will craft a course for you, whether its Solar Observing during the summer, Astro-photography in the Autumn or just "Getting to Know the Nights Sky" anytime. |
Star Gazing at Kielder Observatory
Kielder Observatory Events
As many of our visitors include a visit to a Kielder Observatory event we hope this information will help you.
The Observatory is open for pre-booked events only - please book on-line - note popular events book up between 6 weeks and 6 months ahead so get organised!
Please read information on the KielderObservatory.org website and any information you receive from them when you book your event - this will be fully up to date and will help you enjoy your visit to the full.
We are the closest place to stay to the observatory but it is still a short distance away from the B&B.
By car (2.5miles) 10 minutes if you have done the drive before , 15 minutes if it's your first visit or if weather is bad.
Head South out of the village for half a mile to the Kielder Sky space & Observatory turnoff.
Follow this forestry track 0.1 miles to the lower car park and first gate - the gate will be opened half hour before an Event Start Time.
(If the road is snowy follow the instructions given by Observatory staff)
Continue to follow the main track uphill passing Kielder Sky-space at 1.5 miles from the main road, pass through the second gate at 1.6 miles and onto Observatory car park at 1.9 miles from the main road.
Park here and walk the last 0.1 mile to the Observatory.
Enjoy your visit.
On foot (2.5 miles via vehicle track or 2.4 miles using a shortcut start) - the route is a constant uphill and 2.5 miles from B&B - 1 hour minimum - longer if you are not used to walking this distance regularly.
To state the obvious: it is dark at night in Kielder -
to overstate the obvious: it is very dark at night in Kielder. Especially outside the Summer months.
You will need a torch to light your way - we recommend a wind up torch or a supply of batteries to last 3 hours +your time at Observatory.
If you are walking the shortcut you should be very confident walking in pitch dark using a torch as the terrain is steep and rutted.
Remember there is no mobile phone coverage on the route and only very poor signal at the Observatory. So do not rely on its use.
There are local taxi services in the North Tyne Valley who may be able to assist your journey to the Observatory
Tarset Taxis - 01434 240835
Bellingham Taxis - 01434 220570
As many of our visitors include a visit to a Kielder Observatory event we hope this information will help you.
The Observatory is open for pre-booked events only - please book on-line - note popular events book up between 6 weeks and 6 months ahead so get organised!
Please read information on the KielderObservatory.org website and any information you receive from them when you book your event - this will be fully up to date and will help you enjoy your visit to the full.
We are the closest place to stay to the observatory but it is still a short distance away from the B&B.
By car (2.5miles) 10 minutes if you have done the drive before , 15 minutes if it's your first visit or if weather is bad.
Head South out of the village for half a mile to the Kielder Sky space & Observatory turnoff.
Follow this forestry track 0.1 miles to the lower car park and first gate - the gate will be opened half hour before an Event Start Time.
(If the road is snowy follow the instructions given by Observatory staff)
Continue to follow the main track uphill passing Kielder Sky-space at 1.5 miles from the main road, pass through the second gate at 1.6 miles and onto Observatory car park at 1.9 miles from the main road.
Park here and walk the last 0.1 mile to the Observatory.
Enjoy your visit.
On foot (2.5 miles via vehicle track or 2.4 miles using a shortcut start) - the route is a constant uphill and 2.5 miles from B&B - 1 hour minimum - longer if you are not used to walking this distance regularly.
To state the obvious: it is dark at night in Kielder -
to overstate the obvious: it is very dark at night in Kielder. Especially outside the Summer months.
You will need a torch to light your way - we recommend a wind up torch or a supply of batteries to last 3 hours +your time at Observatory.
If you are walking the shortcut you should be very confident walking in pitch dark using a torch as the terrain is steep and rutted.
Remember there is no mobile phone coverage on the route and only very poor signal at the Observatory. So do not rely on its use.
There are local taxi services in the North Tyne Valley who may be able to assist your journey to the Observatory
Tarset Taxis - 01434 240835
Bellingham Taxis - 01434 220570
Kielder Forest Star Camp at Kielder Campsite
Kielder Campsite hosts two Star Camps each year running 5 nights Wednesday to Monday.
One in the Spring and one in the Autumn
Visit kielderforeststarcamp.org for full details of what they do, how you can participate and what the date of the next event is.
Most people camp on the site for the duration of the event but you are most welcome to participate if you are staying with us
and as we are only 10 minutes walk away we are within easy reach.
You can also drive to the site ( 5 minutes ) - subject to RED LIGHT RULES - especially if you have telescopes and equipment to transport.
A great way to meet enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable amateur astronomers with an event day on the Saturday at Kielder castle
with guest speakers and trade stands.
One in the Spring and one in the Autumn
Visit kielderforeststarcamp.org for full details of what they do, how you can participate and what the date of the next event is.
Most people camp on the site for the duration of the event but you are most welcome to participate if you are staying with us
and as we are only 10 minutes walk away we are within easy reach.
You can also drive to the site ( 5 minutes ) - subject to RED LIGHT RULES - especially if you have telescopes and equipment to transport.
A great way to meet enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable amateur astronomers with an event day on the Saturday at Kielder castle
with guest speakers and trade stands.