Kielder Observatory

In 2013, Northumberland National Park was awarded dark-sky status by the International Dark Skies Association (www.darksky.org). For the best views of the resulting Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, attend a stargazing session at this state-of-the-art observatory. Its program spans night-time observing sessions to family events and astrophotography. Book well ahead, and dress warmly: it's seriously chilly here at night. At the signs towards Kielder Observatory and Skyspace, turn left; it's a 2-mile drive up the track.