Look up to the Skies!

Over the next few months, if you’re staying with us in​​ The Steadings, The Byres or Charlton Gate, you’ll be right at the heart of the action of the incredible Dark Skies Festival, Northumberland Dark Skies Exhibition and CPRE Star Count.

The stunning properties, which are right at the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and just eight miles from Kielder Observatory, are the perfect base for you and all the family to enjoy the fantastic programme of events happening over the next few months.

The events, organised by Northumberland’s five core observatories, CPRE (The Countryside Charity) and the National Park Authority, will see a series of displays, workshops and exhibitions happen all across the region.

The Dark Skies Festival runs until February 28th with Northumberland: Battlesteads, Kielder, Stonehaugh, Twice Brewed & Allenheads observatories all hosting their own astronomy talks, moon watches and star gazing events.

In addition to this, the CPRE Star count kicks off on February 26th, looking to people across the country to become ‘Citizen Scientists’ and assist the CPRE in officially counting the number of stars within the constellation Orion.

Don’t forget, if you’re staying in ​​The Steadings, The Byres or Charlton Gate, you’ll be at a clear advantage under the dark Northumberland skies to get the full family involved and submit your final count.

Lastly, you can enjoy the Northumberland Dark Skies Exhibition taking place at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre until April. The free exhibition is aimed at families with children aged 8-11 and young astronomers who want to learn more about the night sky.

Tickets aren’t needed and you can simply show up at the exhibition on the day. With a collection of displays on what to look out for, a gallery of landscape night-time photography and hands-on activities to enjoy, there really is something for everyone.

To learn more about the events happening across the skies, head to https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/northumberland-dark-skies-festival/ and to plan your trip with Wooden Star Cottages, select from our list of properties here