Tour of the North: Half Term stargazing events at The Twice Brewed set to delight families
North East families are being invited to make October half term out of this world thanks to a series of early evening stargazing events in Northumberland.
North East families are being invited to make October half term out of this world thanks to a series of early evening stargazing events in Northumberland.
The Twice Brewed Inn, which sits on one of the most dramatic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall, has scheduled a number of special evening sessions designed to bring the wonders of the night sky to life for family groups during the school holidays.
Having re-launched their popular stargazing packages earlier in the Autumn, the astronomy team at The Twice Brewed – headed up by Wil Cheung – have been delighted with the number of people who have taken up the chance to make the most of its Dark Sky Park location.
With Covid-19 restrictions limiting bookings to single household groups, each group is currently allocated its own telescope – and accompanying astronomer – in order to allow socially distanced observing to take place safely.
And the sessions have proved so popular, The Twice Brewed has just taken delivery of another three telescopes.
Wil, a former volunteer at Kielder Observatory and ambassador for UK Astronomy, said: “Guests have loved having their own telescope and we now have 12 available during the sessions. We have a huge amount of space at the back of the pub, so social distancing is no problem!
“We often get asked whether children are welcome – or whether the events are suitable for them. Which of course they are.
“Kids are fascinated by the night sky and love using our telescopes, so with half term coming up – and the clocks going back meaning it gets darker earlier – we thought it would be the perfect time to book in a series of earlier evening events designed especially for children and families.”
Provided the skies – and more importantly, the clouds – are behaving themselves, groups will be able to stargaze and explore the solar system and wider universe, looking at planets, star clusters, nebulas and galaxies.
There will also be fun talks, animations and practical tasks for youngsters to enjoy – and the adults can of course get involved too.
Half Term Family Stargazing will take place at The Twice Brewed Inn at 6pm from Tuesday, October 27th to Saturday, October 31 when there will be a special Blue Moon session in honour of Halloween. For more information and to book, visit
Keep Updated
Sign up to receive HLN straight to your inbox, for free, twice a week.