Reviews

Public events at the observatory

Kielder Observatory has one of the longest running astronomy events programmes in the country, and from our humble beginnings in 2008, we now run over 700 events each year. There are events for people from all backgrounds and ages and we’re sure you’ll enjoy your time in Kielder.

“Everyone in the team we met were superb - great communicators, enthusiastic, inspirational, and nice people. The event was the highlight of our week up in Northumberland.”

“From the moment we booked the tickets to the time we said goodbye after the event your people were superb - very welcoming and friendly, very enthusiastic and clearly proud of what they do! We stayed in Northumberland for a wonderful week and our 3 hour event starting midnight was the highlight of it. On reflection all 5 of us felt inspired by the experience.”

 

Private events at the observatory

For large groups, we offer the possibility of hiring the full venue so you can create your own bespoke astronomy evening. Schools, scout groups, corporate events have all enjoyed the observatory experience.

 "I just wanted to say thank you so much to the hosts for our session on Monday night. We had an absolutely fantastic time and the students haven't stopped talking about it since! The staff were so knowledgeable and really knew how to engage our students (and answer some of their left-field questions!) We're really hoping we can run a similar trip next year." - Gosforth Acaedmy

“That was a great night (despite the cloud), the topics covered were perfect and the enthusiasm evident.” - Durham Johnston School

“Would just like to say a very big thank you to you and the Kielder observatory team, we had 3 great events even with a lack of stars to see! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and I believe many people will be returning on their own some time.” - Accenture staff event

 

Planetarium visits

We have been working hard over the past few years to develop our fantastic outreach programme, so that those who can’t make it to the observatory can enjoy immersive astronomy inspiration. We have inflatable planetariums that we bring on tour, backed up with interactive science sessions – not just local schools but anywhere with room for it!  

“Our feedback was also extremely positive. The event caused a real buzz around the school with everyone keen to take part and no-one was disappointed. The delivery was age appropriate and engaging. It was seen as a great success by staff and students. In fact our attendance figures were the highest of the year for that week. Coincidence?" - Thornaby Academy

“It was extremely well received and everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed this event. I currently program all of the family events here at Rheged and would be extremely interested in holding a similar event again.” - Rheged Shopping Centre, Penrith

“The KOAS portable planetarium experience allows students to connect with real astronomers, experience the presenters’ enthusiasm for space and increase students’ science capital in ways that are not possible in the standard science classroom…” - Director Children’s and Joint Commissioning Services, Hartlepool Borough Council

“The staff were friendly and approachable, they answered questions proficiently and interacted well with our students. The planetarium was a fantastic resource and really brought excitement to the visit.” - Manor Community Academy, Hartlepool

“Excellent experience for students (and staff) with great feedback from lots of students. A great ‘wow’ factor to engage students.” - Egglescliffe School, Stockton-on-Tees

 

ZOOM sessions

“We send out a feedback survey following each event and this scored 5/5 from all respondents, which is great!" - Newcastle University Students Union

“The people I’ve spoken to really enjoyed it and thought Adam was a great speaker. Our poll results show 100% say they enjoyed the session and 94% would recommend the session to a friend.” - Linskill Trust

 

Other services

If you have any enquiries about other services we can offer, please get in touch. For example, if your group can’t make it to the observatory but you are staying in the Dark Sky Park, we can send an astronomer to you to do a talk and a night sky safari (weather dependent). There’s also plenty digital content such as livestreams on our social media or podcasts.

 


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