Event Information

During most events, the priority is to stargaze where possible. Our astronomers will keep a watch on the sky for any opportunities to observe throughout the event. The night sky changes throughout the year, so different event themes and observing targets will vary. But rest assured, we know the best places to point our telescopes to get the most phenomenal views of deep sky objects such as star clusters, nebulae and galaxies when conditions are suitable. We’ll also observe from our viewing decks to see with naked eye sights such as the Milky Way and if you’re lucky some shooting stars too! When you’re not looking through the eyepiece of a telescope, our astronomers work hard to ensure you will be thoroughly engaged with tours of the site, along with interactive and educational talks on topics such as meteorites, cosmology or exoplanets. The range and diversity of our talks means that we regularly have multiple return visits from guests keen to gain a greater understanding of the vast and beautiful universe which we inhabit.

The access track to the observatory is two miles long and has a compacted stone surface. The surface can be uneven with a few potholes so please stick to the 15mph speed limit however it is accessible at all times for small city cars and large vehicles such as coaches. It is single lane, so we control traffic flow on the track when events are running. If you do encounter a vehicle heading the opposite direction, reverse carefully to a passing place to allow them to pass. Due to the limitations of the track, we do not allow drop-ins at the observatory and we ask only those with tickets use the track at the time of their event. The track is locked to vehicles outside of observatory event times, however it is open to pedestrians and cyclists during the day.

We have a dedicated car park at the top of the access track about 80 metres from the observatory buildings, which is free for our guests to use. There is space for motorhomes if you are using one to attend your event but please note the access track is locked after the event finishes and there is no overnight parking allowed here. Overnight parking is possible at Skyspace car park (at the bottom of the track) and Kielder Castle car park, tickets are purchased from the Castle carpark ticket machine.

The website events calendar is live and accurately shows availability. Our events are popular, special events, weekends and school holidays especially may sell out far in advance. Due to the limitations of the site, unfortunately it is not possible to add extra places to an event. We have a small office team so we are unable to offer waiting lists for sold out events; cancellations are released on to the website on a first-come-first-served basis.

Due to the late timings and scientific nature of the talks, we recommend our Main Evening and Weekend Late Night Events are best suited for ages 12 and above. Young Explorers is for families with children under the age of 12 and Space Kids for the younger children aged 6-10 with fun interactive activities. We do not currently run any events aimed at children under the age of 6. However no events are restricted by age and we leave this up to parents to decide as they know their children best. All children must be accompanied by an adult and everyone attending needs a ticket. Babies under two years old who are in arms or in a sling do not need a ticket, however if they will be in a buggy you will need a ticket for them as we are very limited on space.

Kielder Observatory is happy to permit assistance dogs/guide dogs on to the site, but regret that no other pets are allowed at the observatory. You are however welcome to leave them in your car in the car park and visit them during the event.

Our events booking page has options for concession tickets. Concessions are defined as follows:

Persons who are registered disabled.

Persons who are aged 65+

Persons under 16 years of age

Children under the age of 2 are free if carried in person or in a sling. The concessionary rate is applicable for all children in a pram or pushchair due to the limited space available in the classroom (we would advise parents that events are in a relatively small classroom for 41 persons, and can last up to 45 minutes -1 hour between breaks, and that whilst we have on-site composting toilets, we have no dedicated baby change facility at this time)

There is no accommodation on site. Some guests will drive home after an event or some will book accommodation in the area, we have a list of local providers here: https://kielderobservatory.org/your-visit/places-to-stay

The observatory is usually closed during the day and the access track is a popular hiking and cycling route. Visitors by foot are welcome to walk around our viewing decks and enjoy the view down the valley and the architecture of our buildings, however please note the observatory is closed during the day and there will be no facilities. Please take any rubbish home with you as there are no bins on site – thank you for your cooperation! We ask you to be off site by the time our guests start arriving for events as they use the outside space for observing. Near the top of the track you will find the fantastic Kielder Skyspace open art installation which is best enjoyed at dawn and dusk; if you are walking or cycling late please ensure you have lights and high viz as the access track will become busy with vehicles.

We have a small gift shop on site which sells astronomically themed chocolate bars and a small range of Kielder Observatory merchandise – all proceeds go towards supporting our charity. We may not have running water but we do accept card payments! Please note there is no café or food facility at the observatory. Our apologies but we cannot accept gift vouchers as payment in the gift shop on site – due to the limits of our systems they are online use only.

If you have any additional questions you can contact us by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our office (open during normal office hours) on 0191 265 5510.

Please be aware that we allow visitors to record film and take photographs throughout their visits and these may be posted on social media. We take photographs, and film videos and time lapses for use on social media. We also have password protected IP cameras on site to monitor the weather. Only staff are permitted to access images from the livestream.

We are now accepting group bookings on our public events. The website will allow up to 12 tickets per order, if your group is larger than this please get in touch so we can make sure we best tailor your experience. Please note orders of more than six tickets our cancellation terms go up to 14 days' notice. If you'd prefer to have the facility to yourself for your group you can find information on private events here: Private Bookings

PLease note we currenty have no wheelchair accessible toilet onsite - we hope to have this resolved soon. We have two unisex toilets on site. Please be careful not to drop anything down the loo as it will have to become part of the ecosystem! We have no running water so we provide hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands.

All of our events go ahead whatever the weather unless severe weather such as deep snow prevent access to the observatory. When it is cloudy or raining it will not be possible to observe through the telescopes so we will run our well-rehearsed backup plan of extra talks and other activities to bring the universe alive and answer all your astronomical questions. During adverse weather, we keep a close eye on the weather forecast and updates regarding road closures, etc. and will cancel the event if we deem it unsafe to continue. We never take the decision to cancel lightly but if we do have to cancel an event we will notify you via email, text and phone call and offer you the choice of either a full refund or a voucher to rebook. We will contact you by the number and email address you've given us when you booked so make sure you're available on the day to take our call. We will also update our Facebook page and also notify people via Twitter to let you know if an event is cancelled. We strongly recommend all visitors to check local weather and road access updates before setting off as the area is remote and conditions can deteriorate rapidly without warning. You can cancel your booking for a transfer voucher up to 7 days before the date of your event, full details available here: https://kielderobservatory.org/contact/terms.

All events are ticketed and tickets are purchased in advance through our website calendar (https://kielderobservatory.org/our-events). We do not sell tickets through third parties. When your booking is complete, the website will immediately send your tickets as a PDF attachment to the confirmation email. If you do not see this email please check your spam folder, then contact the office to check your booking has been confirmed. Please double check the time and date of your booking as they are only available for a specific event!  To help the environment we would appreciate if you didn’t print your tickets, instead you can save them to your phone and show them when you arrive at your event, but please remember to download it before arrival as there is very little mobile signal in the area.  We are unable sell tickets on the door.

o To help the environment we would appreciate if you didn’t print your tickets, instead you can save them to your phone and show them when you arrive at your event, but please remember to download it before arrival as there is very little mobile signal in the area.  If you don't have this, we will still be able to validate your booking at the door with your name and mobile phone number.

o Warm clothes. The observatory is located in a remote part of Northumberland and it gets extremely cold. Do not underestimate how cold you might get – bring your warmest clothing and footwear. We have a wood burning stove keeping the classroom warm and cosy and serve a hot drink during main and late events.

o Suitable torch - red light is ideal for getting around under our exceptionally dark skies, but you are also welcome to use any normal torch such as a mobile phone to help you from the car park to the observatory, all we ask is that you point it downwards so that it doesn't interfere with other guests' night vision

o For refreshments, the observatory has a tuck shop selling astronomically themed sugar (Mars Bars, Milky Ways...) and we are able to accept cash or card payments for these items. Just one thing to remember, we make the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted... one not to miss!

o In summer (about May-September) we may have a lot of midges on site depending on the weather; we have lots of insect repellent on site for our guests to use or you may want to bring your own.

o An open mind... your imagination is the only limit to what you will discover at Kielder Observatory.

Please arrive at the top car park next to the observatory about 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of your event.  When you arrive at the Observatory, please wait inside your car until a member of staff escorts you to the building.

Plan your journey to allow plenty of time for the local country roads and driving up the 2-mile access track to the car park which has a 15mph speed limit. The access track is opened approximately 30 minutes before the start of each event, unless there is an before yours in which case a member of staff will be marshalling traffic flow and will give you directions when to drive up. If you arrive early and the bottom gate (about 100 metres from the main road) is locked, please wait in the bottom car park until a member of staff opens the gate. We recommend you check weather and road closure updates for your route before setting off.

Update - we currently have no wheelchair accessile toilet onsite, we hope to have this resolved soon. The observatory is all level or ramped except for one of our telescope turrets which has six steps. The other two telescope rooms on site are wheelchair accessible and the Sir Pat 16” telescope has a low mounting for wheelchair users. If you are a wheelchair user, please leave a note on your event booking, or drop the office a message, prior to your visit so the event team on the evening are aware. The car park is approx. 80 metres from the observatory building and the surface is not tarmacked, so anyone who cannot manage the walk can be dropped off at the observatory entrance before the car is parked in the car park. If they are the driver they can park the car next to the observatory however we are limited on space so please let us know beforehand so we can ensure everyone gets the access they need. We run special Relaxed Astronomy events for those who may need slower, quieter events to feel comfortable.

You can view a 360 Virtual Tour of our site here: Kielder Observatory (mpembed.com)

We have worked with AccessAble so you can find out about our facilities before you visit. AccessAble’s surveyors assessed our venue to create a Detailed Access Guide. Check out the Detailed Access Guide to Kielder Observatory.

Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area in our car park. There is a designated cigarette butt disposal bin - Kielder is a working forest so please dispose of butts responsibly.