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You are here > Home > What's On > North Pennines Star Gazing Festival

North Pennines Star Gazing Festival

Various locations
County Durham

Tel: +44 01388 528801

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A starry night sky

About

The North Pennines Stargazing Festival is back for 2026 – running between Friday 16 October and Sunday 1 November. This year is the tenth edition of the annual festival. Events are being organised by the North Pennines National Landscape team and a variety of other organisations and businesses – all with expert astronomer guides to help you enjoy the fabulous dark night skies in the North Pennines.

The North Pennines is the darkest mainland National Landscape and is one of the darkest areas in the country. The festival has been running since 2017 to make it easy for people to celebrate the area’s dark night skies.

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Opening Times

Season (16 Oct 2026 - 1 Nov 2026)

Map & Directions

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Highlights...

Friday, 23rd October 2026 - Friday, 23rd October 2026

Saturday, 31st October 2026 - Saturday, 31st October 2026

A telescope silhouetted against a star-filled night sky, with the Milky Way visible in the background.Saturn - Lord of the Rings - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalSaturn – the enigmatic ringed beauty is by far most people's favourite – if you haven't looked through a telescope at Saturn then do not miss this opportunity to do so. With its glorious ring system dazzling the observer it is a veritable observing feast.
more info

Saturday, 31st October 2026 - Saturday, 31st October 2026

A young child looks through the eyepiece of a telescope.Family Astronomy - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalThis is a great way to get children interested in astronomy and science. They will enjoy an interactive talk in the classroom and then will be able to see and touch rocks from space – meteorites. A stunning interactive talk on space stuff in the purpose-built classroom and then weather permitting…
more info

Wednesday, 21st October 2026 - Thursday, 22nd October 2026

Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Saturday, 24th October 2026

Thursday, 29th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026

Star trails in a dark sky above the Grassholme Observatory.Astronomy and Stargazing - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalThe event at Grassholme Observatory, will begin with a welcome from the lead astronomer, Gary Fildes. Gary is a very experienced science communicator and astronomer, and founder of the Kielder Observatory, where he was Director and CEO for over 11 years.
more info

Sunday, 18th October 2026 - Sunday, 18th October 2026

Brightly coloured aurora visible in the dark night sky above Grassholme Observatory and ReservoirAurora Night - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalAfter the welcome Gary, and the team, will take you on a whistle-stop tour of the Universe. Following this, you will be split into groups and, weather depending, start observing the sky, with telescopes and cameras. On certain nights throughout the year, it is possible to see the Aurora Borealis…
more info

Saturday, 17th October 2026 - Saturday, 17th October 2026

A telescope silhouetted against a star-filled night sky, with the Milky Way visible in the background.Dark Sky Astronomy and Stargazing - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalA welcome from the lead astronomer at Grassholme Observatory, Gary Fildes. Gary is a very experienced science communicator and astronomer, and founder of the Kielder Observatory, where he was Director and CEO for over 11 years. After the welcome Gary will take you on a whistle-stop tour of the…
more info

Tuesday, 27th October 2026 - Tuesday, 27th October 2026

Participants in warm clothing gather around a moth trap during a nighttime wildlife survey, illuminated by a bright light.Discover the Creatures of the Night - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalDiscover the hidden creatures of the night on a guided evening family walk from the Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale. Join the North Pennines National Landscape team as we explore the fascinating lives of moths, bats, owls and other nocturnal mammals. Learn how these remarkable creatures…
more info

Friday, 16th October 2026 - Friday, 16th October 2026

A telescope silhouetted against a star-filled night sky, with the Milky Way visible in the background.Experience Our Milky Way - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalJoin the Grassholme Observatory team beneath the dark skies of Grassholme Observatory on Friday 16 October 2026, 8pm to 11pm, for an unforgettable evening exploring one of nature's greatest spectacles – the Milky Way.
more info

Friday, 23rd October 2026 - Sunday, 25th October 2026

A group of people sit on hay bales inside a barn while a speaker gives an astronomy presentation beside a projected image.Star Camp - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalJoin the Star Camp for an astronomical weekend in Teesdale. The camp is perfect for novice astronomers and is great for adults and children (6+ years).
more info

Thursday, 22nd October 2026 - Thursday, 22nd October 2026

Wide-field view of the North America Nebula, a vast cloud of glowing green gas and dark dust scattered with thousands of stars.Why Space Travel is Hard - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalJoin us for an exciting dark skies event in the Langdon Beck Hotel. The evening will be led by Andy Gray – local astronomer and science educator. The evening will start with a talk from Andy Gray on why space travel is hard. Humanity has come a long way in the past 100 years, breaking free from…
more info

Wednesday, 21st October 2026 - Wednesday, 21st October 2026

Group of runners wearing head torches pose together indoors after a night time run.Dark Skies Run - North Pennines Star Gazing FestivalDiscover the freedom of trail running at night, in the company of experienced runners, as we follow the route of the High Force and Bowlees Geotrail. From Low Force we will run the Pennine Way to High Force. After experiencing the atmosphere of this magical place, under the cover of darkness, we…
more info

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