Kielder Water and Forest Park covers 230 square miles.  It produces 25 per cent of all the England's domestically grown timber, is   home to 70% of all England's red squirrels and counts wild goats, goshawks and buzzards amongst its residents.   

But more to the point--it's got some of the nation's least light polluted skies! Small telescopes seem to swell in aperture as tough targets glow against an inky backdrop. See the image below for the proof of the pudding!
 

Aside from the usual mix of clear skies and rainy ones, celestial phenomena at previous Star Camps have included the Milky Way shining through cloud, a display of the Northern Lights and a vibrant performance of Orionid meteors.

Kielder Campsite has a good range of facilities, including laundrette, pay phone, hot and cold showers, toilet disposal point, dish washing room and children's play area. A warm room will be open so campers can get the chill from their bones during observing sessions.

Just five minutes walk from the campsite, you'll find the Duke's Pantry Tea-room at Kielder Castle which is operating extended opening times during Star Camp. It serves excellent home-made meals. The Angler's Arm pub is also a short stroll away. To find out more about other local attractions click

Kielder is 17 miles north west of Bellingham (pronounced "Belling--jum").  Click here for a map.  There's very little mobile phone reception, which many find a blessing.