With a host of new stargazing events, specialist accommodation and dedicated packages on offer in 2017, astro-tourism is the latest staycation trend.  Make the most of the dark skies this winter with one of these astronomic breaks. 

EVENTS TO SET THE STARS ALIGHT

It's not surprising that Kielder Observatory's Aurora Nights (throughout February) are its most popular events. A bucket-list experience for many, The Northern Lights have influenced both religious beliefs and folklore for millennia and this event looks at just what causes this spectacular natural phenomenon. While a glimpse of the elusive lights cannot be guaranteed, this evening leaves participants clued up on both the science behind the Lights and how best to spot them. You'll also enjoy a tour of the Observatory, see the telescopes and chat with the team of astronomers. The team will be on hand to answer all your questions and to help you use the super-powerful telescopes to observe a range of objects, including craters on the moon, distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Visit the observation deck and gaze at the glittering stars of the Milky Way all from one of Europe's darkest locations. Throughout February in Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland. From £22 per person.  
www.kielderobservatory.org

Started in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour is a grassroots 'Lights Off' movement that unites people to protect the planet and now engages more than 7,000 cities and towns worldwide. Celebrate this year's Earth Hour on 25 March with a stargazing walk led by professional astronomer Robert Ince against the stunning backdrop of Grizedale Forest. £10 for adults, £5 for children. Booking essential.
www.forestry.gov.uk/grizedale

As well as events held in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, this year's Dark Skies Festival (18-26 February) will also encompass the South Downs National Park for the first time. Launched last year, the Dark Skies Festival celebrates our night skies. Choose from a full programme of activities including cycling, walking and even caving at night; attending a stargazing party or learning more about star constellations. This year's event is filled with family-friendly activities with a state-of-the-art, multimedia, indoor planetarium; rocket workshops and a series of stargazing events and talks. Most activities are under £5, many are free.
www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk 

STAY SOMEWHERE OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD

From May 2017, guests will be able to stay in brand new luxury lodges within Kielder Waterside Park and will have access to their very own Dark Skies Pod. There'll be five new five-star lodges on the banks of Kielder Water, each sleeping up to six guests and featuring a swim spa, stargazing pods, BBQ huts, hot tubs, games consoles, Bluetooth speakers, underfloor heating and a deck/patio area. Prices start at £665.00 per week and £415 for a short break ( 3 – 4 days).
www.kielderwaterside.com 

Elsewhere in Northumberland, Battlesteads is the country's first hotel to have its very own on-site observatory. Set under very dark skies at a Dark Sky Discovery Site, the observatory is available to all guests staying in Battlesteads' five eco-lodges and is fully equipped with the latest telescopes chosen for their technical prowess and ease of use. The hotel organises regular events at the Observatory, including Aurora hunting, Shooting Star suppers and Astrophotography, and also offers private parties.  Luxury lodges from £170 per night, B&B.
www.battlesteads.com

The Big Sky Tipi Holidays site in East Sussex was selected for its clear skies, free from light pollution due to its position between marshland and the sea. The site is still a working Observatory and educational visitor attraction, with all the original telescopes still in use. Located 5 minutes' walk from Herstmonceux Castle, which is the site of the original Greenwich Observatory and now the Observatory Science Centre. The Big Sky part of this site's name is a nod towards the beautiful star-scape and guests can gaze at the heavens on an outdoor bean bag or sat around the campfire. A three-night stay costs from £240 (low season) / £260 (high season).
www.bigskytipiholidays.co.uk

STARRY STARRY NIGHTS: STARGAZING PACKAGES

Stargazing Weekends at the Island Planetarium, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
24 February and 24 March
Stargazing newbies and serious amateur astronomers alike will love the Stargazing Weekends held at the Island Planetarium on the Isle of Wight. Weekends will be held on weekends of 24 February and 24 March, dates chosen for their proximity to the New Moon to maximise the darkness of the night sky. With talks and stargazing on the Friday and Saturday evenings, and talks and sun-gazing on Saturday and Sunday mornings, this is a brilliant way to learn about October planets and the constellations that cross our vistas. These cost £50 per person for the weekend including all talks from planetarium astronomers and use of telescopes. Nearby accommodation includes The George Hotel and Norton Grange Coastal Village.
www.islandastronomy.co.uk

Surrounded by cliffs on a particularly beautiful stretch of The Cornish Coastal Path and the Roseland Peninsula, The Lugger Hotel in Portloe is perfectly located for some south coast stargazing. The hotel's overnight stargazing package includes a midnight stargazing session, complete with a full-stocked personal hamper comprising cosy blankets, a thermos of Green & Blacks hot chocolate, freshly baked bread, a torch and a stargazing guide.  From £179 per night including dinner, bed & breakfast and a stargazing hamper.
www.luggerhotel.co.uk

The twice-yearly star parties at Kelling Heath in North Norfolk are attended by hundreds of astronomers from all over the country – the autumn event is considered Europe's largest star party. Set in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside, well away from intrusive lighting, the Park enjoys some of the darkest skies in the area. The Park has sensitive night time lighting to minimise polluting the conditions and thus campers are able to marvel at not just the Milky Way but at elusive galaxies they've not seen before. The spring star party will run 19 – 26 April, with the main activities taking place over the weekend of 22-23 April. Advance booking is a must for this hugely popular event.
www.kellingheath.co.uk  

For more holiday and weekend break inspiration check out www.visitengland.com  

Ends

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