- Play Hard
- 14th Feb 2024
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- 6 minutes
9 romantic stargazing stays and experiences in Dark Skies, Northumberland
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Retreats that are written in the stars. Northumberland is officially one of the best places to stargaze in the UK.
Image credit: Dan Monk
Can you get more romantic than a stargazing experience? Well, Northumberland is officially one of the best places to stargaze in the UK.
Think of escaping to the picture landscape of Northumberland, enjoying an intimate astronomical adventure into the celestial wonders above – the ultimate date night, right?
And the best part? There’s almost no light pollution. As you watch the sunset, the night sky is lit up by twinkling stars. Thinking cosying up beside a firepit under a blanket or sharing a telescope in distant galaxies.
Northumberland National Park boasts 572 square miles that have been awarded Gold Tier status for their pristine dark skies – making it the largest International Dark Sky Park in Britain.
And it’s time to thank your lucky stars, as we’ve put together a list of places to stay in Northumberland, ranging from medieval castles to luxury glamping pods.
THE ULTIMATE STARGAZING EXPERIENCES IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Starry Knights at Langley Castle
When: Tuesday 5th March 2024 from 3pm
Price: from £380 per couple
Langley Castle is rolling out the red carpet for a celestial evening: Starry Knights. Expect a delicious three-course meal at their 2AA Rosette restaurant, followed by a midnight jaunt to the Kielder Observatory via luxury coach.
Nestled in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, it’s like having the cosmos at your doorstep. After stargazing, retreat to Langley Castle for a cosy cheeseboard and nightcap in the Drawing Room.
Twice Brewed
When: Various weekly dates
Price: from £39 per person
Ready for an out-of-this-world experience? Join the Stargazing team at the Twice Brewed Inn in Northumberland for an unforgettable night. You’ll be treated to a dazzling view of the Milky Way and beyond, thanks to minimal light pollution.
Prepare for an enlightening presentation followed by a guided tour of constellations using top-notch telescopes. Before retiring to your cosy pub for wine before a comfy bed to discuss your celestial discoveries.
HLN TOP TIP: If the weather’s not cooperating, they’ve got indoor activities and a planetarium to keep you enthralled.
Stargazing at Linden Hall
When: March 1st and April 5th 2024 from 6pm
Price: from £43 per person
Immerse yourself in the magic of Northumberland’s Dark Skies across Linden Hall’s vast 450 acres, guided by experts from the renowned Kielder Observatory. But before you embark on your celestial journey, fuel up with a hearty ‘star-grazing’ dinner at The Linden Tree, our cosy onsite pub.
Afterwards, it’s time to explore the cosmos with a guided tour. When you return, warm up with hot tea, coffee, or indulgent hot chocolate by the log-burning fire before sinking into a cosy bed for the night.
Lord Crewe Arms
When: Saturday 16th March 2024 from 7pm
Price: from £45 per person
Visit the Gatehouse for an enlightening stargazing session with the one and only Andy Gray, a true expert on the night sky. Before heading to the garden (weather dependent) for a peek through telescopes, snuggle up in cosy blankets with a hot drink to warm up.
After, indulge in a hearty stew and a scrumptious pudding in The Gatehouse. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch sight of the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle and to make special memories together.
Image Credit: September Chronicles
STARGAZING STAYS IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Matfen Hall
Price: from £239
Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Matfen Hall is a countryside retreat to experience a life of luxury.
Set in over 300 acres of enchanting parkland and rich in heritage and under the darkest of skies, this luxurious hall has a range of stunning rooms, plenty of dining destinations, a spa and fitness suite and a championship golf course.
Ilderton Dod Barns
Price: from £140
Escape to Ilderton Dod Barns for a serene stargazing retreat. Nestled in a remote 1600s hill farm, experience stylish accommodation amidst heavenly views.
With spacious interiors, cosy log burners, and well-equipped kitchens, relax in comfort. Explore the darkest parts of Northumberland’s skies with provided binoculars and flasks.
Northumberland Cottages Ltd
Price: from £400 (four night minimum)
Experience luxury stays at Northumberland Cottages, boasting stunning views of the Cheviot Hills. With the Northumberland National Park on your doorstep, indulge in walking, cycling and wildlife encounters.
Embrace the magic of dark skies with stargazing opportunities. Explore three acres of private gardens, watch wildlife from the summer house, or play tennis.
Hadrian’s Holidays
Price: from £380 per couple
Discover these luxury lodges nestled near the Hadrian’s Wall trail. Hosts Catherine and Nigel extend a warm welcome at Four Wynds, ensuring a memorable getaway. Choose between B&B or self-catering options in these well-equipped lodges.
Enjoy spacious en suite bathrooms with roomy showers, underfloor heating, WiFi, and amenities like a fridge, microwave, kettle, and TV.
Herdman Huts
Price: from £90 per night (minimum two night stay)
Nestled on a farm bordering Northumberland and County Durham, these romantic stargazing shepherd’s huts offer modern comforts in an idyllic countryside setting.
With stunning views of Derwent Reservoir and proximity to Blanchland village, reconnect with simplicity while enjoying well-equipped kitchens, cosy interiors and homemade breakfast options.
To discover more things to do in Northumberland check out Visit Northumberland’s website.
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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