What you Need to Know

What time to arrive

The Observatory opens ten minutes before the event begins. There is unfortunately no waiting area.

How to Get to Kielder Observatory:

From Hexham: Head along A69 towards Carlisle/Haltwhistle/Haydon Bridge/Acomb. Turn right onto A6079 towards Acomb/Chollerford/Bellingham/Rothbury, then left onto B6318. At the roundabout, turn onto B6320. Remain on B6320 until a right turn onto Shilling Pot approaching Kielder. Continue along Shilling Pot towards Kielder Village. At the signs towards Kielder Observatory and Skyspace, turn left up the track, drive 2 miles to the Observatory carpark. For a google map click here.

Driving times (as provided by Googlemaps):

From Newcastle – 90 minutes
From Carlisle – 90 minutes
From Hexham – 60 minutes

Weather & refunds

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

All events go ahead when it's cloudy/rainy. If the roads are impassable due to snow then we will cancel and offer you a place on a different event. We will contact you by the number you've given us when you booked so make sure you're available on the day to take our call! We will also update the front page of our website, facebook page and we will tweet to let you know the event is cancelled. If you don’t hear from us, the event is ON! We only issue refunds if we have had to cancel the event.

What to Bring With You

Warm clothes! The Observatory is located in a remote part of Northumberland and it gets very cold. Do not underestimate how cold you might get – bring your warmest clothing and footwear. Top tip: skiing salapets, warm coat, sheepskin boot liners, gloves and hat do the trick
Cash! The Observatory has a tuck shop selling hot drinks & astronomically themed sugar (Mars Bars, Milky Ways...). Occasionally our talented volunteers bake cakes which sell out faster than the Universe expands.
A Red Torch or Headtorch - an astronomy essential! You will need this to walk around safely, red is important as white light will reduct your (and all others) ability to see the stars. You can buy these from manufacturers such as Petzl or Gerber, or you can tape red cellophane over a normal torch.

Parking

Parking is provided at the Observatory during events so please drive all the way up the track to the car park, which is 2 minutes walk from the Observatory building. The track will be open from 19:30 at the latest.

Contacting Us

If you need to contact us, call 07805638469. You may not be able to get through if we are at the Observatory, as there is limited mobile phone signal there. You can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,