Welcome
Kielder Observatory is a centre for outreach in astronomy located in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, nestled in one of the largest expanse of protected Dark Sky in Europe. The observatory aims to encourage interest and understanding in astronomy with the intention of bringing the wonders of the universe to our guests, enabling people from all walks of life and levels of interest to access the visual splendour of our dark skies.
Our visitors have the opportunity to use telescopes and learn about astronomy with our astronomers, see and touch meteorites, or simply sit in comfort on our deck and marvel at the vista overhead, be it the Moon, the Milky Way, star clusters or even shooting stars.

Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Main classroomIndoor toiletGDAIASir Patrick Moore ObservatoryTop of the track near car parkDecking areaHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
Kielder Observatory is situated in Northumberland, close to the Scottish border, within the Kielder Water and Forest Park. It is situated 2 miles from Kielder Village and Reservoir and 55 miles North West of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, our nearest city. It is not accesible by public transport, however a few local taxi firms serve the area.
Travel by taxi
Parking
The free accessible car park and access track surface is compacted stone. The car park is approx. 100m from the observatory however there is a drop off space directly outside the entrance, as well as a disabled parking space. Please let us know if you need any assistance when you book.


Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
All rooms and areas of the observatory are fully wheelchair accessible with the exception of one of the two telescope turrets which has 6 steps leading to it.
If you have any specific questions about our accessibility, please feel free to give us a call so that we can help you plan your visit.




Getting around inside

Things to See and Do
Main classroom
Presentation during the event will be given in this room, sometimes described as the main classroom. This part of the facilities is fully accessible to wheelchair users.


Public toilet
Indoor toilet
The access to this toilet is relatively flat, and is made of compacted sand and stone. The floor of the toilet is made of concrete.

Shop
GDAIA
The GDAIA (Gillian Dickinson Astroimaging Academy) is also host to our kitchen facilities and gift shop area. It is fully accessible.


Sir Patrick Moore Observatory
This is our main observation turret and is fully accessible to wheelchair users.


Getting around outside
Top of the track near car park
Our smoking area is situated about 50 meters away from the building, to reduce fire risk and for the enjoyment of the events of other guests. A cigarette butt bin is provided.
Decking area
This stargazing decking area benefit from low red light lighting at any timeand is fully accessible.

Customer care support
We provide audio system that can be requested to staff member on arrival.
Emergency evacuation procedures
Our evacuation procedure will be presented to you upon arrival. We are also equipped with a sliding evacuation mattress.
Customer care support