As the nights draw in and the skies grow darker, autumn is a magical time to marvel at the heavens above. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply love the wonder of a crisp, clear sky, Durham offers remarkable locations and events to enjoy the cosmos.

Here are five celestial events you won’t want to miss this autumn. Plus where to experience them best across Durham.

Top Autumn Stars and Dark Sky Highlights: What to Watch For

According to forecasts, this autumn promises some spectacular astronomical events: meteor showers, planetary alignments, moon phases, and possibly glimpses of the Milky Way. These are ideal occasions to get outside under dark skies.

1. Meteor Showers

Expect a few opportunities for meteor showers later in autumn. The Orionid meteor shower, for example, is active around late October. The full shower takes place 2 October to 7 November, but the peak will be from 22 October.

Save the Date - other dates to add to your stargazing diary include:

• The Draconids meteor shower peaking on 8 October. Best time to see shooting stars is just after nightfall.
• The Taurids meteor shower takes place from 10 September to 20 November. The Southern Taurids peak on 10 October and 12 November for the Northern Taurids. 
• The Leonid meteor shower. Following the Northern Taurids shower, shooting stars will be visible from 6 - 30 November, peaking around 17 November.
• Geminid meteors, peaking around the night of 13 - 14 December, known as one of the best meteor showers of the year. 

2. Planets on Display

Look out for planets rising after dusk (depending on the month), you may see planets like Jupiter or Saturn in favorable positions, even with the naked eye.

Saturn, the solar system's magnificent ringed jewel, will take centre stage during September, as it will be at its closest to earth and appear at its brightest. While planets like Venus and Jupiter are most visible in the morning sky, Saturn will dominate the evening hours. 

On September 21, Saturn will reach opposition, which means Earth will pass directly between Saturn and the Sun, bringing Saturn to its closest point to Earth for the entire year, making it exceptionally bright and easy to spot. 

3. Full Moon & Moon Phases

The full moon and its phases are always beautiful. Moonlight dramatically influences what else is visible in the sky. Less moon light means we can see more of the stars, espeically the Milky Way, but we also love viewing the bright moon on frosty nights out in the big open skies of the Durham Dales.

The next Supermoon will occur on 5 November, with another on the 4 December. 

4. The Milky Way

In darker, less light-polluted areas, the Milky Way can be seen stretching across the sky, especially in clear autumn nights. You'll be spoilt for choice across the Durham Dales and North Pennines National Landscape, with lots of dark-sky friendly locations to witness this spectacular sight. 

5. Astronomical Events & Alignments

Occasions such as conjunctions (when two celestial bodies appear close together), or special appearances like visible comets or passes of certain satellites, can make for memorable evenings.

Why is the County of Durham is Perfect for Stargazing?

Durham is blessed with many Dark Sky Discovery Sites, especially across the Durham Dales and North Pennines National Landscape. Its open moorlands, reservoirs and rural high places have very low light pollution, making them ideal for seeing stars, planets and more. Facilities such as Grassholme Observatory also provide space, structure and expert guidance. 

Did you know? The North Pennines National Landscape has 16 official Dark Sky Discovery Sites? More then any other protected landscape in the UK!

Top Stargazing Locations in Durham

Grassholme Observatory - A modern observatory set in one of Durham’s darkest skies. Events and workshops for all ages.

High Force Hotel & Waterfall - One of the darkest and most atmospheric locations. The “Stargazing Supper” events are incredibly popular. 

Bowlees Visitor Centre, Cow Green Reservoir, and Derwent Waterside Park- All designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites with open views, and minimal light pollution. 

Hamsterley Forest - Offers large woodland expanses, walking trails, and leaf-coloured autumn scenes by day, dark skies by night.

Check out our handy stargazing location map to discover even more dark-sky friendly locations across Durham. 

Stargazing Events in Durham: What’s On

Autumn in Durham isn’t just for star-watching, there are events, attractions, and natural beauty to enjoy during daylight, and many of these continue into evening or are paired with nighttime programmes.

North Pennines Stargazing Festival 2025

Running from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, this festival includes guided astronomy sessions, stargazing walks, family-friendly events, and themed nights like 

Stargazing Suppers at High Force Hotel

Dine beneath the stars! These events at High Force Waterfall combine a three-course supper with expert-led sky-watching. Perfect for autumn evenings. 

Autumn Foliage and Dark Skies

Combine natural beauty and celestial theatre: daytime walks in places like Hamsterley Forest or Bowlees Visitor Centre to see autumn colours; then stay into dusk for stars.

Grassholme Observatory Events

Workshops, evening talks, and stargazing sessions, especially during meteor shower peaks or full moon phases. 

Top Tips for Sky-Watchers

• Check weather forecasts: clear, dry nights are best.
• Moonlight reduces visibility of faint stars & meteor showers; time your outings close to new moon or crescent phases if possible.
• Dress warmly, as the sun goes down the nights get cold.
• Bring binoculars or a telescope if you have one, but many events provide equipment.
• Plan for darkness: arrive at a dark sky site before dusk to let your eyes adjust.
• Check out our dedicated Dark Skies in Durham page to plan ahead.

Where to Stay: Stargazing Breaks

Durham offers a range of stargazing-friendly accommodation, many of which have been awarded the Dark Sky Friendly Durham status - meaning they go the extra mile to make your stargazing break extra-special and are located in dark sky locations.

From rural guest houses and campsites, to grand country houses and shephers huts. You'll find lots of accommodation where you can admire the night sky from your bedroom!

Plan Your Autumn Stargazing Adventure

Whether you’re drawn by meteor showers, the beauty of the Milky Way, or just enjoying crisp autumn evenings under a starry sky, Durham is a spectacular place to look up. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Mark your calendar with major celestial events (e.g. meteor showers, full moons).
• Choose a official Dark Sky Discovery Site to see the night sky at its very best.
• Combine daytime attractions (woods, waterfalls, botanical gardens) with evening stargazing to get the most from your visit.
• Look out for festival events like the North Pennines Stargazing Festival, stargazing suppers, observatory open nights.

Autumn offers some of the best conditions of the year for stargazing: cooler clear nights, earlier darkness, and a sense that the universe feels a little more accessible. With Durham’s wealth of dark sky sites, events, and natural beauty, there’s every reason to head outdoors and look up.