20 Attractions to Explore Near Kielder Observatory

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Kielder Water

Kielder Water

10.04km from Kielder Observatory

Kielder water is the largest man-made reservoir in Europe, holding 200 billion litres of water. It is the largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom by capacity of water and it is surrounded by Kielder Forest, one of the biggest man-made woodlands in Europe. The scheme was planned in the late 1960s to satisfy an expected rise in demand for water to support a booming UK industrial economy.

Hareshaw Linn Waterfall

Hareshaw Linn Waterfall

24.46km from Kielder Observatory

One of the beautiful waterfalls located in the woods and It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest , designated for its rare ferns and lichen. More than 300 different types of mosses, liverworts and lichen can be found. A magical walk through an ancient woodland, crossing no less than six bridges to reach a beautiful nine-metre high waterfall.

Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park

25.6km from Kielder Observatory

Northumberland National Park is a beautiful greenish area which was home to some of our most peaceful hidden gems, remotest footpaths and most astounding nature. There are around 405 square miles of superb wilderness within the National Park to explore. The landscape is an outstanding mix of high hills, dales and crystal clear rivers and, not forgetting, the magnificent Kielder Water – Europe’s biggest man made lake.

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall

26.94km from Kielder Observatory

Hadrian's Wall is a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire in northern England to stop attacks by Scottish tribes. There were three legions working on it and in 10 years it was nearly finished. Set amongst the wild beauty of Cumbrian and Northumbrian landscapes, it still impresses today and stands as a testimony to the power and reach of the mighty Roman Empire. Today you can explore the Wall’s rich history and its dramatic landscape at over 20 fascinating sites.

Gilnockie Tower

Gilnockie Tower

26.98km from Kielder Observatory

Gilnockie Tower is a stunning example of a 16th century Scottish pele tower. Built some 500 years ago, it was home to Johnnie Armstrong of Gilnockie, a notorious Border Reiver. In 1530 this powerful chieftain was hanged by a Scottish king, his story romanticised by Walter Scott. The tower was rebuilt, but was damaged again by English raids in the 1540s, only to be rebuilt again with a new parapet walk, and a beacon stance on the gable.

Thirlwall Castle

Thirlwall Castle

27.55km from Kielder Observatory

Thirlwall Castle is a 12th-century castle on the bank of the River Tipalt, close to the village of Greenhead. Originally a simple tower the proximity of ready prepared stone quarried from Hadrian's Wall allowed the Thirlwall family to build a structure beyond their modest wealth and was doubtless something of a status symbol for a family aspiring to move up the social ladder.

Cawfield Quarry

Cawfield Quarry

28.6km from Kielder Observatory

Sycamore Gap

Sycamore Gap

29.71km from Kielder Observatory

The Sycamore Gap tree is one of the most photographed in the country. It stands in a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall in the Northumberland National Park. In late 2016 it took the crown for English Tree of the Year in the Woodland Trust’s awards.

Crag Lough

Crag Lough

29.74km from Kielder Observatory

Crag Lough sits immediately below Hadrian's Wall, and is one of Northumberland's finest low to mid-grade crags, offering over 100 recorded routes, the majority of which are in the perennially popular HS to HVS range. At this point Hadrian's Wall is at the top of a line of crags, the Whin Sill, with Crag Lough at the foot of the crags.

Lanercost Priory

Lanercost Priory

30.02km from Kielder Observatory

Lanercost Priory was founded about 1166 by Henry II. When completed in 1220, canons came from the priory in Norfolk, and remained for some 370 years until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, by Henry VIII. The priory is situated at the village of Lanercost, Cumbria, England, within sight of Naworth Castle, with which it had close connections.

Housesteads Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall

Housesteads Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall

30.35km from Kielder Observatory

Housesteads is the best preserved of the thirteen permanent Roman army posts along the length of Hadrian's Wall, the famous barrier built to keep the northern tribes out of the settled Roman south. The site is owned by the National Trust and is in the care of English Heritage. Finds can be seen in the site museum, in the museum at Chesters, and in the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Windy Gyle

Windy Gyle

32.54km from Kielder Observatory

Windy Gyle is the fourth highest of the Cheviot Hills and the only one over the magical 2000 feet mark to which Scotland can lay half a claim Standing at a height of 619 metres. This area, oozes history, where for centuries armies fought bloody battles, families stole cattle from one another and violence was a way of life. There are good views from the summit north towards the Scottish Borders, Eildon Hills and Edinburgh and south across the southern Cheviot Hills to the North Pennines.

Featherstone Castle

Featherstone Castle

32.91km from Kielder Observatory

Featherstone Castle, a Grade I listed building, is a large Gothic style country mansion situated on the bank of the River South Tyne about 3 miles southwest of the town of Haltwhistle in Northumberland, England. It has played an important role in the battles between the English and the Scots. Originally a 13th-century hall house, a square three-storey pele tower was added in 1330 by Thomas de Featherstonehaugh.

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge - National Trust

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge - National Trust

34.76km from Kielder Observatory

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge make up the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland. This wilderness garden was created by Susan Davidson who lived at nearby Ridley Hall in the 19th century. The property has been designated a site of special scientific interest for its rich flora and fauna. There is a large suspension bridge which has been ruined by the flooding of January 2005.

Chesters Roman Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall

Chesters Roman Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall

37.85km from Kielder Observatory

Chesters Roman Fort is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain - wander around the unusually well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers' quarters.Spend a day out wandering around the unusually well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers' quarters. You'll find hundreds of ancient artefacts beautifully displayed with e-readers to guide you around the John Clayton museum.

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

38km from Kielder Observatory

The Famous Blacksmiths Shop, situated at the heart of Gretna Green village, is the world-famous, historic home of the anvil wedding and has been at the centre of runaway love, since the Marriage Act of 1754. Audio-visual displays bring to life the drama of Gretna Green runaway weddings and there is also a fascinating collection of memorabilia and artefacts from the days when couples crossed the border to take advantage of Scotland's lenient marriage laws.

The Cheviot

The Cheviot

40.44km from Kielder Observatory

The Cheviot is the highest point in the Northumberland National Park at 815 metres. One of the iconic attractions in this area offering spectacular views and also the area enjoys a general right to roam under both the English Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Scottish Land Reform.

Linhope Spout Waterfall

Linhope Spout Waterfall

42.19km from Kielder Observatory

Linhope Spout is a popular waterfall walk in the Ingram Valley in Northumberland that is perfect for families of all ages.This spectacular waterfall tumbles 18 metres down a rock face to the plunge pool below. The waterfall can only be reached on foot by way of a short, scenic walk from the end of the public roadway west of Ingram.

Hedgehope Hill

Hedgehope Hill

42.59km from Kielder Observatory

Hedgehope Hill is set three miles east of the main Cheviot watershed and can beor via a longer route from Linhope to the south. it is best climbed from Langleeford in the Harthope Valley, over which it looms. The Harthope valley is accessible by a minor road from near Wooler to the northeast. A slightly gentler climb, though a longer distance, is from Linhope in the Breamish valley, approaching from the south east.

Carlisle Castle

Carlisle Castle

42.65km from Kielder Observatory

Carlisle Castle is a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine centuries. Uncover a fascinating history through lively exhibitions, offering an insight into William Rufus, Mary Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. the castle still plays a prominent role in Cumbria as one of its best-loved landmarks. With an exhibition, a program of guided tours, beautiful medieval carvings, a dungeon, a picnic area, a unique gift shop, and being so close to Hadrian's

Map of attractions near Kielder Observatory

Know more about Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory

Black Fell, Kielder, Hexham NE48 1EJ, UK

Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory which is second to none. Sited in the largest gold tier-protected dark sky park in the whole of Europe, the stargazing can be breathtaking: the ‘Kielder moment’ is very special, the moment that visitors look up at the glittering skies and realise that they’re completely connected to this vast cosmos, yet utterly unique within it.