Dark Skies

Explore the Dark Skies of Northumberland and County Durham
Stargazing and dark skies Derwent View Cottage

Northumberland and County Durham, especially the North Pennines, offer ideal locations for stargazing and exploring the dark skies thanks to its open landscape and low levels of light pollution.
Our cottage enjoys a prime location 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 see countless stars, planets, and even the Milky Way arching across the sky. In 2024, we have 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.


A year round adventure
Stargazing in the North Pennines and Northumberland is a year-round adventure. Winter’s dark skies reveal distant galaxies and nebulae, while summer offers shooting stars and vibrant star clusters. Autumn brings crisp nights with chances to spot the Andromeda Galaxy. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just starting out, Derwent View Cottage offers the perfect setting for stargazing. With minimal light pollution and clear, open views, it’s an ideal base to experience the beauty of the night skies.
Locations to stargaze
Pow Hill Country Park & Dark Skies
Just a couple of miles from the cottage is Pow Hill Country Park – a great local public spot for stargazing. 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.
Grassholme Observatory – Barnard Castle
A recently opened and purpose built observatory located near Barnard Castle (about 25 miles south of our cottage 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.
Kielder Observatory – Northumberland Dark Sky Park
Northumberland holds the prestigious title of International Dark Sky Park, spanning nearly 1,500 square kilometers of pristine dark skies. Awarded Gold Tier status in 2013, it’s among Europe’s top stargazing destinations. Numerous locations offer fantastic vantage points away from light pollution, with Kielder Observatory being a standout location.
Since its opening in 2008, Kielder Observatory has gained a world-class reputation for stargazing and astronomy education, hosting year-round events, activities, and workshops. Visit their website to discover more about upcoming experiences. For more stargazing locations visit the Northumberland National Park website which offers a comprehensive list.

Stargazing at Derwent View Cottage
While there are many fantastic stargazing spots across Northumberland and County Durham, one of the best things about staying at our cottage is that you don’t need to venture anywhere. The west-facing decking provides an ideal spot for stargazing, offering sweeping views over rolling countryside by day and uninterrupted skies by night.
The cottage is equipped with binoculars and guests can borrow our personal telescopes for an up-close look at constellations, planets, or even the occasional shooting star. Even without equipment, guests may enjoy plenty of sights with the naked eye, including constellations, planets and shotting stars. In 2024, we were lucky enough to witness stunning aurora borealis displays right from the decking.
For those interested in learning more, there are many stargazing apps like SkyView or Star Walk to identify stars, constellations, and satellites. Aurora Watch UK is also a great tool, offering real-time alerts for possible sightings of the Northern Lights.
Guest Astrophotography
We are incredibly grateful to one of our guests, Andy Whittaker for sharing a series of remarkable photos, all taken from the cottage’s decking. Andy is a talented astrophotographer and captured the following breathtaking images of the night sky. His work beautifully showcases the stunning skies above the cottage. We’re delighted for the opportunity and permission to feature his incredible images of the wonders of the night sky visible from Derwent View Cottage.
book your stay

If you’re ready to book your stay at our Northumberland holiday cottage, why not go to our online booking page and rest easy knowing your relaxing holiday break is confirmed. Guest arrivals are on Fridays. Bookings are for a week at a time, however, short breaks can be arranged but please phone to discuss.
You can check availability and book your stay with us instantly, simply click the button below.

We hope to see you soon.

Our Guest Reviews

Amazed how well equipped the cottage is with everything needed to have a relaxing stay. Look forward to visiting again.

Thank you very much for a memorable setting for our 44th Wedding anniversary.
