Discover the wonders of the universe in Northumberland with astronomer Richard Darn. BOOK NOW >

See dazzling constellations, planets, and galaxies above the Northumberland Dark Sky Park with a knowledgeable local astronomer

Northumberland's countryside is a beautiful tapestry of heather-clad moors, rolling hills, and ancient meadows. There are intriguing castles to explore and the crumbling remains of fortifications reveal the county's rich history. But to see one of the county's best attractions, you'll have to look up at the spectacular show in the skies.

Northumberland has extremely low levels of light pollution, meaning the county has the most pristine dark skies in England. This makes it one of the best places in the country to discover the night sky and go stargazing.

On this trip, you'll experience spine-tingling moments in the company of an expert astronomer, Richard Darn. You'll learn all about the awe-inspiring sights you'll see in the Northumberland skies from Richard, who is part of the team that gained International Dark Sky Reserve status for the Northumberland Dark Sky Park.

There are visits to two observatories to look forward to, where you'll access telescopes and binoculars and wander outside under the sparkling skies to see amazing constellations with the naked eye. While at the observatories, there'll be illuminating talks, workshops, and demonstrations with professionals to teach you more about the beauty of the skies above. Between observatory trips, you'll visit one of England's most iconic historical attractions, Hadrian's Wall.

Your accommodation for this trip is the Twice Brewed Inn, a welcoming pub hotel near Hadrian's Wall, surrounded by beautiful scenery in the heart of rural Northumberland. Dine on hearty, home-cooked food and sample their selection of home-brewed ales and spirits. Get cosy by the open fire, sip a pint in the beer garden and discover the onsite Brew House and Dark Skies Observatory.

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Your expert guide

Richard Darn
Astronomer
Richard is an expert astronomer who helped Northumberland become England's first International Dark Sky Park in 2013 having previously assisted in the launch of Kielder Observatory five years earlier.

With numerous TV and radio appearances to his credit, Richard remains a stargazer at heart who loves to share his passion for the heavens.

Price includes

  • Two nights at the Twice Brewed Inn with breakfast
  • Dinner on the first night
  • Private visits to Twice Brewed and Kielder Observatories with astronomer Richard Darn
  • Entrance to Hadrian's Wall information site
  • Company of an expert tour guide throughout

Book now

From
Fri, Fri, Mar 21, 2025
To
Sun, Sun, Mar 23, 2025
Duration
3 Days
Price per person
£599*

* From price is per person, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement: £130pp. Deposit: 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd.

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Standard Double/ Twin

Price (per person) £599.00 * Single Occupancy Supplement £599.00

Standard Double/ Twin 1:

Double occupancy

Standard Double/ Twin 2:

Double occupancy

Standard Double/ Twin 3:

Double occupancy

Standard Double/ Twin 4:

Double occupancy

Standard Double/ Twin 5:

Double occupancy

Standard Double/ Twin 6:

Double occupancy

Standard Double/ Twin 7:

Double occupancy

Standard Double/ Twin 8:

Double occupancy

Single Room

Price (per person) £768.00

Single Room 1:

Single Occupancy

Single Room 2:

Single Occupancy

Single Room 3:

Single Occupancy

Superior Double Room

Price (per person) £623.00 * Single Occupancy Supplement £623.00

Superior Double Room 1:

Double Occupancy

Superior Double Room 2:

Double Occupancy

Superior Double Room 3:

Double Occupancy

Superior Double Room 4:

Double Occupancy

Superior Double Room 5:

Double Occupancy

Stargazer Cabin Room

Price (per person) £623.00 * Single Occupancy Supplement £623.00

Stargazer Cabin Room 1:

Stargazer Cabin Room 2:

Stargazer Cabin Room 3:

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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Twice Brewed Observatory
    Hexham, United Kingdom

    Today you'll arrive in Hexham, where your stargazing adventure begins. You'll meet the rest of the group at the Twice Brewed Inn, a welcoming pub hotel that will be your base as you explore Northumberland.

    You'll have dinner at the hotel tonight with your guide and expert astronomer Richard Darn. Before your first starry encounter this evening, there'll be a quick introduction talk about the local area.

    After dinner, you'll head to the Twice Brewed Observatory for a private visit and a talk, so you can learn more about astronomy in Northumberland.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Kielder Observatory
    Hexham, United Kingdom

    After breakfast, meet your guide, coach and driver for a tour of the surrounding area including a visit to the Roman Vindolanda Fort Museum, Roman Army Museum and Hadrian's Wall site.

    You'll return to the hotel for dinner (not included) before travelling to the Kielder Observatory with Richard. The visit will include a full tour of the facility and the equipment and explanations of how the telescopes and robotic mounts work. Most importantly, there'll be plenty of opportunity for stargazing, using the large telescopes for objects like the planets, star clusters, the moon and step outside to view with the naked eye, looking at constellations, satellites and the Milky Way.

    Meals - Breakfast
  3. Day
    3
    Departure
    Hexham, United Kingdom

    You'll have breakfast at the hotel before checking out as your trip comes to an end.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

Twice Brewed Inn

0
Hexham, United Kingdom

A popular country pub and bed & breakfast in the heart of rural Northumberland.

Set just a stone's throw away from Hadrian's Wall, Twice Brewed Inn is surrounded by some of England's most breathtaking scenery. An ideal pitstop for walkers and families, enjoy home-cooked food and an impressive selection of home-brewed ales and spirits both on tap and in store. Get cosy by the fire, savour a pint in the beer garden and discover the onsite Brew House and Dark Skies Observatory.

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Availability

From
Fri, Fri, Mar 21, 2025
To
Sun, Sun, Mar 23, 2025
Duration
3 Days
Price per person
£599*

* From price is per person, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement: £130pp. Deposit: 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd.

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