From astronomy events to staycations in a Dark Sky Friendly accommodation, it has never been easier to discover the wonder of the night sky.  As Northumberland prepares to celebrate the second anniversary of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the skies above Northumberland in November. 

See

Catch a Falling Star! Astrophotography Workshop

Ingram Village Hall, Ingram NE66 4JJ

Friday, 13 November 20:00 - 22:00

Ingram's Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Breamish Valley is one of the best places to view the starry skies of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park.

At this event, organised by The Sill, local and renowned astro-photographer Ian Glendinning will help you develop the skills to capture all that beauty above, sharing useful tips and techniques. The Valley Cottage Cafe will be serving hot food and drinks before the event.

Pack a camera, wrap up warm and get ready to find out why Northumberland is just as good with the lights off!

Learn

Kielder Observatory Comes to Newcastle

The Vermont Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ

Sunday 22 November 7:00pm - 9:30pm

After several years of hosting events at the Observatory, the Kielder Observatory team are bringing the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park experience to towns and cities across the UK.  The skies might not be as inky black, but this event offers the chance to discover how to interact with the universe no matter where you are.  It will introduce some of the mind boggling concepts science is trying to unravel, through images, talks, and of course telescopes!

Stay

Battlesteads, Wark NE48 3LS

Multi-award winning Battlesteads is renowned for its superb food, warm and welcoming hospitality and outstanding 'green' credentials. Friendly and family run, the stone-built pub, hotel and restaurant has recently become a Dark Sky Discovery Site, thanks to the addition of its own Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory. 

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a Shooting Star Supper.  Discover the origins of shooting stars and learn how to collect micrometeorites in your own back garden, whilst enjoying the comfort of home cooked, locally-sourced food.  Shooting stars are visible throughout the night, so extend your visit with a stay at the hotel.  Late breakfasts are available for anyone who's had a wild night out stargazing.

Battlesteads are located on the edge of the Northumberland National Park – Conde Nast's top National Park in England. As well as the Gold-status dark skies, Battlesteads is a short way from iconic walks such as Hadrian's Wall Path and the Pennine Way. 

Win

You can help to celebrate the beauty of the dark skies with the 2015 Northumberland Dark Skies Photography Competition.  Send your images to info@northumberlandtourism.co.uk and include information of where and when you took them before Monday 30th November for the chance to win a family ticket for a Kielder Observatory 'Family Astronomy' event. 

For more information on stargazing in Northumberland and any of the above, please go to www.visitnorthumberland.com/nlandstars 

For further information on any of the events or to discuss press opportunities, please contact Bethany Gallacher at bethany.gallacher@northumberlandtourism.co.uk or 01670 794526.