Getting to Kielder Observatory 

Visiting the observatory is where the adventure really begins. We know you’ll enjoy your journey in through the spectacular Northumberland countryside and your arrival in the deep pine forests of Kielder surrounding the stunning Kielder Water reservoir. The access track to the observatory lifts you slowly through the dark forest until you emerge high on Black Fell with the observatory on one side and stunning views of either the North Tyne valley, in daylight, or the pristine dark skies to take your breath away.

Please note that visiting the observatory during the evenings is only possible if you have booked an event ticket. We are not open to visitors who are not booked on events. To book your event ticket, please have a look on our events page.

The observatory is clearly signposted from the main “C200” road, do not turn off this main road until you see the observatory sign. For those of you with a Sat Nav the nearest postcode is NE48 1EJ however the area is remote and Sat Navs or Google Directions can be unreliable and may leave you lost – stay on the main road and look for the observatory signpost!

Alternatively you can use What3words here - https://w3w.co/tickles.path.tangling, if you switch to satellite view you can see the observatory and car park quite clearly.

Sometimes it is necessary for the gate that allows access up the forest track to be locked — if you arrive to find the gate locked please park in the nearby car park and await a member of staff.

Enter your postcode below to get customised driving directions to the Kielder Observatory road entrance (observatory further 2 miles up forest track):

Nearby Facilities

Kielder village also has a petrol station which has 24/7 service using a credit or debit card, and is less than 2 miles from the observatory itself. The town of Bellingham which is 20 miles away also has a small supermarket, open until 8pm most weekdays for essentials you may wish to collect on the way to the observatory. If you are in Kielder earlier in the day, the village shop is also available for similar items.

 Accessibility

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.

Kielder Observatory | AccessAble

Click here to view the Kielder Observatory Access Statement

You can also view our 360 Tour, which provides a great insight into our spaces and additonal accessibility information and tools. 

View 360 Tour of Kielder Observatory