Some of the best places to see stars in the North Pennines have been designated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
There are more Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the North Pennines than anywhere else in the UK.
The initiative is part of an international programme to protect dark skies initiated by the International Dark Skies Association. Dark Sky Discovery Sites are nationally recognised places that are dark and easily accessible where it is easy to observe the Milky Way or the constellation of Orion with the naked eye.
The idea of the designation is to encourage public engagement with astronomy and physics through star gazing events and visits. We have worked with landowners and local authorities to nominate the top spots for stargazing, and the nominations are moderated by The Royal Observatory in Edinburgh.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership has successfully nominated 16 sites across the North Pennines:
- Allendale Golf Course
- Balderhead Reservoir
- Bowlees Visitor Centre
- Knarsdale Village Hall
- Burnhope Reservoir
- Allen Banks
- Cow Green Reservoir
- Grassholme Reservoir
- Hamsterley Forest
- Hury Reservoir
- Parkhead Station
- Pow Hill Country Park
- RSPB Geltsdale – Clesketts car park
- Selset Reservoir
- Tan Hill
The Stargazing in the North Pennines leaflet includes a map showing where our Dark Sky Discovery Sites are. Also visit Dark Sky Discovery for more information on the sites. Alternatively this link – Dark Sky Discovery Sites Map – takes you directly to an interactive map.