Stargazing At Herding Hill
The dark skies above our 5-star campsite are truly spectacular - perfect for Northumberland stargazing when camping on Hadrian's Wall!
If you’re looking to observe the Northumberland dark skies when camping in Northumberland and combine with a glamping trip in a stargazing pod in Northumberland then Herding Hill Farm is the perfect spot. Our 5-star campsite is less than one mile from the accessible Dark Sky Discovery picnic site at Cawfields Quarry, within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. An easy walk to add to the sense of adventure, the walk to the quarry for Northumberland stargazing on a clear, moonless nights is simply breath-taking.
However if you prefer Northumberland stargazing from your glamping pod or hot tub, Herding Hill Farm is a designated Dark Sky Friendly campsite. Our site is nestled in a valley and there no outside light pollution. We are committed to preserving the darkness and on site we use responsible low level LED lighting so that our guests have the best stargazing experience when staying with us. Our NEW Castle Pods have optional red lighting around their private patio, which helps you maintain good night vision. That's why we think they are great stargazing pods UK.
You can find out more about the best Northumberland stargazing spots for dark sky camping here.
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Around 85% of the UK population has never seen a truly dark sky. The Northumberland National Park is famous for its pristine dark skies. So, for an astro-tourism experience (that won’t cost the universe), head to Herding Hill Farm for unrivalled Northumberland stargazing.
Whether you’re after dark sky camping or a touch of luxury with our glamping Wigwam cabins with outdoor hot tub, Castle stargazing Pods with hot tub or luxury lodge – you can enjoy the beauty of the dark skies right from the comfort of your own pitch. We also offer fire pits for hire to keep you warm whilst you keep a lookout from your stargazing pods UK or touring pitch.
On a clear night, the pristine dark Northumberland skies above our campsite come alive with billions of shimmering stars making up our Milky Way, a plethora of planets, dazzling meteor showers and the glow of galaxies like Andromeda that are out of this world. Perfect for stargazing in Northumberland.
The best time for Northumberland stargazing is during the autumn and winter months, when the nights draw in. This makes stargazing ideal for children as they don't have to stay up too late to enjoy the amazing wonders.
Our campsite with stargazing pods UK is open all year-round so why not try a Winter stargazing glamping trip. You don’t need an expensive telescope, just bring a pair of binoculars and a deck chair. Or if you’re looking to stargaze whilst glamping at Herding Hill Farm, you can stargaze from the warmth and relaxation of your own private outdoor hot tub when you book one of our stargazing pods UK. Choose from our family friendly Wigwam cabins, our Running Water glamping with hot tub North East, adults only Castle Pods with hot tub or our luxury lodge with hot tub. We also have star-gazing kits to hire if you don’t have any binoculars of your own.
Kielder Observatory
Located approximately 1 hour’s drive from our campsite and deep within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and Kielder Forest, Kielder Observatory is a magical and unique visitor attraction. The observatory holds regular public Northumberland stargazing events, inviting members of the public of all ages, to engage in discussions and observations of the Universe. This is done in a friendly, informative and interesting way, through a passionate team of astronomers, guest speakers and volunteers. Why not visit Kielder Observatory before you stargaze in Northumberland to learn more about the Universe – a great activity for both adults and children. Click HERE for more information.
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
Discover the darkest skies in England for stargazing at the Northumberland National Park which was given International Dark Sky status in December 2013 by the International Dark Sky Association. Northumberland is one of the best stargazing spots in the UK as it is said to have the most ‘pristine dark skies’ in England thanks to its location having very low levels of light pollution.
Watch the video clip below to learn more:
Twice Brewed Stargazing
Twice Brewed Inn is a 5-minute drive from Herding Hill Farm and as well as serving great pub food it also has its own Twice Brewed Brewery and Taphouse and is perfect for Northumberland stargazing. The local experts provide a range of courses and stargazing experiences Northumberland including Northumberland "Stargazing and Supper", "Stargazing, Supper and Slumber", "Astrophotography" and "Family Astronomy". New for 2023 is their planetarium. Please note we do not recommend walking back from the Twice Brewed Inn after dark. The Military Road is unlit, has no pavements and is a fast road.
Our Stargazing Tips
- Pick a good time - a crisp, clear, cloudless Winter's evening is best before the moon is fully out. Also check the phases of the moon to understand whether it will be a full moon or not
- Find a spot without any artificial light
- Dress for warmth with extra layers
- Find someplace safe - whilst it needs to be fully dark to appreciate the dark skies ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk when Northumberland stargazing
- Let your eyes acclimatise and avoid shining bright lights; a red light torch is good. Ensure that your phone is red light enabled
- Look up and enjoy - you don't need a telescope to enjoy the stars, simply look up on a clear night to appreciate their scale
- Be patient - make sure you are warm and comfy and sit back to wait
- Download a stargazing app such as Stellarium to help you understand which planets and constellations are what. Locate Polaris or the Pole Star and work from there