When it comes to breath-taking night skies, nowhere in the UK compares to Northumberland. With vast stretches of countryside, minimal light pollution, and tranquil open spaces, it’s little wonder the county has become one of the most sought-after destinations for star gazers.
If you’ve ever dreamed of watching the Milky Way arc overhead or spotting a shooting star from the comfort of a private hot tub, star gazing in Northumberland is an experience you’ll never forget. And when you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, there’s no better choice than the cosy, luxurious lodges at Felmoor Park and Percy Wood Country Park, two of the county’s most peaceful hideaways.
Europe’s Largest Protected Dark Sky Park
Northumberland is home to the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, officially recognised as Europe’s largest area of protected dark sky. Covering nearly 580 square miles across Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park, this vast expanse is celebrated for its outstanding natural darkness and clarity.
Here, you can see up to 2,000 stars on a clear night! A spectacle that’s impossible to experience in most of the UK. On certain nights, you might even glimpse the Northern Lights, a rare treat that occasionally dances above Northumberland’s horizon.
Designated as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association, the region offers some of the best astronomical viewing conditions in the world. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer with a telescope or a casual sky-watcher, either soaking in your luxurious hot tub or sat wrapped in a blanket, Northumberland’s starry skies are guaranteed to leave you speechless.
Why Northumberland is perfect for stargazing
The key to Northumberland’s spectacular skies lies in its combination of low light pollution, open landscapes, and crisp northern air. From late autumn through to spring, the nights are long and dark, creating perfect conditions for seeing constellations, planets, and even meteor showers.
Winter may bring chilly evenings, but that’s exactly when the magic happens. The cooler air is clearer and drier, meaning the stars shine brighter than ever. Pair that with the peaceful quiet of the countryside and you’ve got one of the most serene experiences imaginable.
And when you’ve finished admiring the sky, what could be better than retreating to a warm, private lodge with soft lighting, comfortable furnishings, and your own bubbling hot tub waiting just outside?
Where to Stay When Star Gazing in Northumberland
When planning your trip, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference. Northumberland offers a range of cosy retreats and countryside lodges, but few combine comfort, privacy, and location quite like Felmoor Park and Percy Wood Country Park.
Felmoor Park – Year-Round Comfort Under the Stars
If you’re planning a star-gazing break at any time of year, Felmoor Park is your ideal base. Open year-round and located just off the A1, this tranquil park sits at the heart of the Northumberland countryside, perfectly placed for exploring the region’s Dark Sky areas.
The park is home to a collection of luxury lodges from Hemera Holidays, each designed to be a home-from-home with stylish interiors, modern amenities, and that all-important private hot tub.
Imagine stepping outside after dark, wrapping yourself in a robe, and sinking into warm, bubbling water while the night sky glitters above. The absence of artificial light makes Felmoor Park a wonderful place to watch constellations, spot satellites, or simply lose yourself in the quiet beauty of the cosmos.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need for a cosy night in, comfortable sofas, soft furnishings, and fully equipped kitchens. Some lodges even feature log burners, adding to the warmth and charm of your stay. And because every Hemera Holidays lodge is pet friendly, your furry friend can join you for woodland walks during the day and relax by your side at night.
Percy Wood Country Park – A Woodland Escape (Closed in February)
For those who prefer a woodland setting, Percy Wood Country Park offers a tranquil star-gazing retreat surrounded by nature. Tucked away near the village of Swarland, this park is open most of the year (closed in February) and offers a truly peaceful escape.
The lodges here sit amongst trees and open glades, where you can step outside and gaze up through the branches to see the stars twinkling above. On clear nights, you’ll find the view just as spectacular as anywhere in Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park.
It’s an especially lovely choice for autumn or early winter breaks, when the trees glow with colour by day and the skies sparkle by night. Whether you’re soaking in your hot tub, sitting on the decking with a mug of hot chocolate, or watching the night unfold through the window of your lodge, Percy Wood offers a slower, quieter pace of life that’s hard to beat.
When to go star gazing in Northumberland
While the stars are visible all year round, the best time for star gazing in Northumberland is from October to March, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest.
During these months, you can often spot:
- The Milky Way stretching across the sky.
- Bright planets such as Venus, Jupiter, and Mars.
- Winter constellations including Orion, Cassiopeia, and Taurus.
- Meteor showers like the Geminids and Quadrantids.
For the best experience, avoid nights around the full moon and give your eyes around 15 minutes to adjust to the dark. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of Northumberland’s famous aurora displays, a soft, shimmering green glow on the northern horizon.
Cosy Comfort and Clear Skies
One of the joys of staying with Hemera Holidays is that you can enjoy the very best of both worlds: the tranquillity of rural Northumberland and the comfort of luxury accommodation.
After an evening under the stars, there’s nothing quite like returning to a warm lodge, curling up on the sofa, or taking a final dip in your hot tub before bed. With Felmoor Park open year-round, you can plan your visit whenever the night skies call and enjoy the same cosy comfort no matter the season.
Both Felmoor Park and Percy Wood are perfectly placed for exploring during the day, too. Visit Alnwick Castle, stroll along Druridge Bay, or stop by Northumberland Zoo before the stars appear again.
Book Your Star-Gazing Getaway
If you’ve been dreaming of star gazing in Northumberland, there’s no better time to make it happen. The combination of wide-open skies, peaceful countryside, and cosy accommodation makes this one of the UK’s most enchanting short breaks.
Stay at Felmoor Park for a year-round stargazing escape, or at Percy Wood Country Park for a woodland retreat that captures the best of the season.
Book your stay today at www.hemeraholidays.com and discover why the stars truly shine brighter in Northumberland.