Stargazing at Linden Hall: No gazing, no problem on a fascinating night in Northumberland

There is something truly fascinating about the cosmic world, the sheer incomprehensible vastness of it is as intriguing as it is awe-inspiring. Just what exactly is out there?

Well, thanks to the experts at Kielder Observatory, you can now have a far greater understanding of the universe with Stargazing at Linden Hall. It will have even the most sceptical of you contemplating life beyond earth by the end.

The place to be

To have such an effective window into space right on our doorstep in Northumberland is not something we should take for granted. It is the best place for stargazing in England - not an opinion, it’s science.

Kielder Forest in Northumberland, home to the Kielder Observatory, has the darkest skies in England, optimal for stargazing. 40 miles to the east are the picturesque 450-acre grounds of Linden Hall.

While anyone who has been up in certain parts of Northumberland on a clear night will know just how breathtaking looking up into the night’s sky and into the Milky Way can be - the reality of English weather often gets in the way.

Star-grazing

Upon arriving at the restored Georgian mansion of Linden Hall on a wet and cloudy evening, we knew the chances of seeing any stars were slim. But a warm reception at the Linden Tree Pub awaited with a ‘star-grazing’ self-serving curry buffet; including naans, samosas and chutneys, followed by a rich Milky Way mousse dessert.

A simple but tasty pre-gaze meal, although there wouldn’t be much gazing on this occasion.

Houston, we have a problem!

You’d think stargazing without the gazing would be a write-off, fortunately Kielder Observatory expert Dan Monk came well prepared with a presentation - almost as if it’s happened before!

On a cold, wet and cloudy autumn night, not having to leave the cosy surroundings of the rustic Linden Tree Pub was not something we were complaining about - ‘another pint please’.

A nicely-paced period after the meal, the presentation began. You hear presentation and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d be sitting through a 90 minute lecture.

But anyone from an absolute space novice to an amateur astronomer will take great value from Dan’s talk. Kielder’s expert astronomer and passionate astrophotographer delivers it with punchy enthusiasm and engaging visuals - you may even get to touch a space rock.

And by the end of it, you’ll know your James Webb from your Hubble and your meteors from your meteorites. But more than that, you could even come away with a refreshing new perspective on life itself.

Why are we here, what else is out there? All questions you will be thinking whilst picking your jaw off the floor.

To have Dan’s expert insight with the backdrop of a starry Northumberland sky will have undoubtedly enhanced the experience, but it’s one we would highly recommend, whatever the weather.