A New Chapter in Stargazing: Kielder Observatory Expands to the Twice Brewed Inn

Kielder Observatory is thrilled to announce a stellar new partnership, taking over residency of the Twice Brewed Inn Observatory - a beloved stargazing venue nestled near Sycamore Gap and Hadrian’s Wall. From 1st September 2025, this exciting expansion marks a significant milestone in bringing world-class astronomy outreach to even more people.

Two Locations, One Passion for the Night Sky

Perched within the expansive Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the Twice Brewed Inn hosts a fantastic 30-seater planetarium and array of dobsonian telescopes, and has run successful stargazing events since its launch in early 2020. Kielder Observatory, which has welcomed over 250,000 visitors since opening in 2008, now hosts more than 20,000 visitors a year alongside our work in schools and other community venues across the region. The Kielder Observatory team will now also run the stargazing events which take place regularly onsite at Twice Brewed, in dedicated astronomy outreach buildings that are onsite adjacent to the Inn, close to the comforts of tasty hot meals, comfortable rooms and a good range of beers on tap.

Leigh Venus, CEO of Kielder Observatory, shared his excitement: “The Twice Brewed Inn gives us an amazing new way to share the night sky. Imagine stepping out from their cosy pub or luxury accommodation straight into a stargazing adventure… with great food, great beer from an award winning microbrewery, and the whole universe waiting overhead. This is the biggest leap forward for Kielder Observatory since we opened back in 2008." And the two venues will offer “different but perfectly complementary experiences,” united by a shared spirit of wonder under some of the UK’s most spectacular dark skies. 

Steve Blair, Manager of the Twice Brewed Inn, couldn’t be more delighted: “We’re really proud of the Twice Brewed Planetarium… located in the heart of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park … This collaboration, linking up with the world renowned Kielder Observatory, will be a new chapter for Twice Brewed stargazing… Together… we’ll go from strength to strength…” 

What’s Next

Kielder Observatory begins operations at Twice Brewed Inn on 1st September 2025. Tickets for Twice Brewed Inn events are booked attwicebrewedinn.co.uk, where you can also book a meal and room at the Inn; and tickets for Kielder Observatory's events can be booked as usual at kielderobservatory.org. With two beautiful rural locations, visitors will have more opportunities to stargaze - whether surrounded by the wild deep forest of Kielder or at the scenic, history-rich land at Hadrian's Wall. From planetarium presentations, in-depth talks and outdoor telescope sessions in atmospheric dark sky conditions, our new venue promises a unique experience enriched by expert astronomers.