Important travel update – road closure before your visit

Tarset Tyne Bridge (C198) - CLOSED

Dates: 20th April and 19th June 2026 (24/7 closure)

What's happening:

Road works will close Tarset Tyne Bridge on the C198, affecting travel into Kielder from the east and south (via Bellingham).

Who is affected

• Visitors travelling via Bellingham
• All vehicles using the C198 during the closure period

X Visitors travelling southbound from Scotland are NOT affected

Our recommended diversion route (standard vehicles only)

From Bellingham:

• Take B6320 southbound
• After crossing the river, turn right towards Hesleside
• Continue for 4 miles
• Cross Chirdon Burn bridge
• Turn right at the T-junction
• After 1/2 mile turn left to rejoin the main road signed for Kielder
• Continue for 13 miles
• Turn off the C200 when you see the brown "Kielder Skyspace and Observatory" sign

Important notes about this route:

• Single-lane sections with passing places
• Drive with care
• NOT suitable for large or heavy vehicles, including motorhomes, large trailers, caravans due to load limit on Chirdon Burn bridge

Alternate diversion for large vehicles

Follow signed routes via:

C198 → C199 → B6320 → A68 → A6088 → B6357 → C200 (and vice versa) 

**Please allow extra journey time when using the A68 route.**

Please remember to wrap up warm! It may be colder than you expect. Our classrooms are heated by woodburning stoves but the telescope room is unheated.

We have a unisex toilet on site that is not wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are available 24/7 in Kielder Village, halfway between Kielder Castle car park and Kielder Castle (three miles from the observatory). We are working to making one of our toilets wheelchair accessible.

Kielder Observatory merchandise is available to buy during your visit or online here. Browse selected items on our online store, or the full range is available on site.

Due to the observatory's remote location, please check a live update provider such as one.network for roadwork, traffic and weather updates before your journey.