A guide to Stargazing in the North Pennines - 2025
Stargazing In the North Pennines
County Durham, particularly the North Pennines, offers fantastic stargazing opportunities. With its sweeping open moors and low levels of light pollution, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy clear, star-filled skies.
Our cottage is perfectly situated on the Northumberland-County Durham border, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the edge of the North Pennines. On clear nights, you can spot countless stars, planets, and even the band of the Milky Way stretching across the sky. In 2024, we have also been lucky enough to witness one of the best shows of the Aurora for decades – visible with the naked eye from the decking of the cottage.
Activities throughout the year
Stargazing in the North Pennines is an activity that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Winter brings the darkest skies, making it an ideal time to see deep sky objects like distant galaxies and nebulae. In the summer, you’ll still find great opportunities to watch shooting stars and see star clusters. In Autumn the crisp clear nights can provide views of the Andromeda Galaxy.
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or looking to experience the night sky for the first time, Derwent View Cottage and the North Pennines are perfectly placed for exploring the night sky with open, uninterrupted views and minimal light pollution.
Pow Hill Country Park & Dark Skies
Just a short distance from the cottage is Pow Hill Country Park. This is one of the best local public spots for stargazing. Overlooking the tranquil Derwent Reservoir, the park offers open skies with very little artificial light. It’s a peaceful setting where you can sit back and take in the night sky. Pow Hill is designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site and on a clear night the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. For more information about Stargazing in the North Pennines and at Pow Hill, visit the links below;
Blanchland – The Lord Crewe Arms Events
The nearby Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland is a historic coaching inn (now a lovely hotel and restaurant) that frequently hosts stargazing events in partnership with astronomers and local experts. These events offer a guided look at the night sky, often accompanied by storytelling and astronomy tips. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the stars in a sociable setting while enjoying the beauty of a clear, dark sky. To see a list of stargazing events visit the Lord Crewe website or the local ‘gostargazing’ website
Grassholme Observatory – Barnard Castle
This is a recent, purpose built observatory which due to Covid-19 only opened in full in 2021. The venue teamed up with Gary Fildes who was the founder and ex CEO of Kielder Observatory. Located near Barnard Castle (about 25 miles south of our cottage on a lovely drive over the moors and North Pennines). It offers a wide range of events, with high-tech equipment to observe galaxies, planets and stars. It’s a destination suitable for beginners or those wanting to further deepen their astronomical knowledge.
Northumberland International Dark SKy Park
Derwent View Cottage is officially located in Northumberland, (although sits on the border with County Durham!) Northumberland boasts the title of International Dark Sky Park (Northumberland and Kielder Water and Forest Dark Sky Park) which covers nearly 1,500 square kilometers of dark sky. Awarded Gold Tier status back in 2013, it’s one of the best places in Europe for observing the skies. There are numerous places throughout Northumberland to view open skies away from light pollution. Perhaps one of the most renowned is Kielder Observatory.
Kielder Observatory: Opened in 2008, it has developed a world class reputation and hosts regular events, activities and workshops throughout the year. Visit their website to explore the range of activities and workshops on offer.
Twice Brewed Inn: Located just off Hadrian’s Wall on the B6318, is a rural pub with a growing reputation as a stargazing venue. With a dedicated stargazing team, lecture theatre and outdoor telescopes, there are events suited to beginners, families and experienced stargazers.
Stargazing from Derwent View Cottage
Whilst visitors are spoilt for choice between Northumberland and County Durham, one of the best things about staying at our cottage is that you don’t need to go anywhere to enjoy amazing views of the night sky. Our west-facing decking offers a fantastic spot for stargazing. With daytime views over open rolling countryside, it’s also ideal for uninterrupted night skies. There are blankets in the cottage so you can be cosy on the decking with an outdoor table and chairs to enjoy a hot drink while you have a front row seat to the night sky display.
The cottage is equipped with binoculars and we’re happy to lend some of our personal telescopes for guests who want to take a closer look at the stars and planets. Even without any equipment, you can enjoy plenty of spectacular sights with the naked eye—including constellations, planets, and occasional shooting stars. In 2024, we’ve even been treated to stunning displays of the aurora borealis visible without any special equipment.
To enhance your experience, try using stargazing apps like SkyView or Star Walk to help identify constellations, planets, and satellites in real-time. We also use Aurora Watch UK which sends alerts to your phone if activity is likely for the Northern Lights.
Guest astrophotography
One of our recent guests, Andy Whittaker, a keen astrophotographer, captured some fantastic shots of the night sky during his stay. We are incredibly grateful to Andy for allowing us to share these stunning images.
All the photos below in the gallery were taken from the cottage decking and perfectly capture the beauty of our starry skies. We’re delighted for the opportunity to feature Andy’s work and appreciate the chance to share his incredible images and perspective – stunning!
we look forward to welcoming you
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply curious about the beauty above, Derwent View Cottage is ideally situated for unforgettable stargazing experiences in the North Pennines. Visitors can venture to Pow Hill Country Park, explore local observatories, or simply stargaze from the decking. Come for the peace and stay for the wonder – we hope Derwent View Cottage will offer you a wonderful escape under the stars.
Derwent View COttage
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the North Pennines, this one bedroom self catering holiday cottage has stunning views of rolling countryside whilst being in easy reach of major local attractions.
