Attractions to Visit

Nestled in the Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland, Kielder Observatory is a spectacular experience for all the family. At nearly 580 square miles, our dark sky zone, known at Northumberland and Kielder Water & Forest International Dark Sky Park, is the second largest area of protected night sky in Europe. Here the stargazing can be breath-taking: 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. Like the deck of a ship sailing above the landscape, the Observatory provides astronomers with a permanent facility in the heart of Northumberland. It is part of the art and architecture programme that has turned Kielder Water and Forest Park into an open-air gallery over the last 10 years. The observatory hosts events to suit everyone: there are family events to entertain young explorers; relaxed events for people with different abilities; introductory events; legends behind the constellations events; and events focusing on phenomena such as the aurora, our moon, dark matter, and exoplanets. Access to the Observatory is for ticket-holders only: booking is essential and can be done via the website. The access track is 2 miles long, uncased and single lane so is only opened for events one hour before to ensure traffic up and down the track is managed properly. Visitors can walk up to the Observatory during the day and enjoy the spectacular views but there are no facilities available during the day. Close to the Observatory is James Turrell's Kielder Skyspace, a circular sculpture which is illuminated by a combination of natural and artificial light. Skyspace can be accessed via the track to the Observatory. During dusk, the LED lighting system is triggered and as the exterior light changes - the effect is a rich and unforgettable display of tone and colour. Kielder Observatory — a beacon for dark skies. Come and find your infinite inspiration. For more information about Northumberland International Dark Sky Park see our Dark Skies page. Come here to: Learn about the night sky and use the powerful telescopes. Meet experienced astronomers and learn how to take stunning photographs of distant objects in the Universe. Experience meteor showers (shooting stars) and other celestial events. Kielder Observatory is also part of the art and architecture programme. Find out more about its striking design here.

Windermere Jetty has a stunning collection of steamboats that hold history to the Lake District World Heritage Site. The has 40 vessels which tell the story of boating on Lake Windermere from 1780. Everything at Windermere Jetty links back to the lake. If you have done the museum, don’t forget what is most important, food. Make sure you visit their brand new lakeside café which offers spectacular views (whatever the weather). The Experience The working steamers and the conservation workshop supply the smells, sounds and sights of life on the lake, and their exhibitions tell the many stories of south Lakeland’s boats, builders, owners and users. Finally, don’t forget to take a trip out on the lake with their Heritage Boat Trip to finish off your trip! You can book the trip here

The Lake District’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife inspired Beatrix Potter to write her much-loved stories. Come and explore this wonderful landscape where the tales are brought to life.

Step aboard the most popular boats in the Lake District. Relax and enjoy the stunning Windermere scenery. Combine a cruise on traditional ‘steamers; and modern launches with walks, visitor attractions and Lakeland villages. Windermere Lake Cruises operates over 100 daily scheduled sailings on the lake at the height of the summer and they vary between 30 minutes and 90 minutes. Popular cruises connect Bowness, Brockhole and Ambleside (Red Cruise) and offers stunning views across the Lakeland fells. All our cruise tickets allow you to break up the journey and disembark at each stop, explore the local area and then return on a later sailing. Pick the Yellow Cruise to explore the southern half of Windermere with regular sailings between Bowness and Lakeside, ideal for visiting Lakeland Motor Museum, Lakes Aquarium and Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway. The seasonal Green Cruise allows visitors to travel across to the quiet western shore and explore Wray Castle in a traditional wooden launch. If you’re stuck for time or want to sample the sights and sounds of Windermere, hop on the Blue (Islands) Cruise from Bowness. This 45 minute circular cruise includes a fascinating commentary on the history of England’s largest natural lake.