The Dark Skies of Northumberland: where they are and how to protect them

“The lamp once out

Cool stars enter

The window frame.”

– Natsumi Soske (1867–1916)

This Japanese haiku perfectly encapsulates Northumberland Coast’s informative and important campaign, ‘Dark Skies Matter’. Northumberland is well-known for a plethora of reasons, the beautiful coastline, magnificent castles and stately homes, and of course, crystal clear and starry skies.

When guests come and staycation at any one of our seaside Northumberland properties, they are never too far from an opportune stargazing spot or a recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site. Northumberland’s night skies are amongst the most pristine in England, however, we all need to play our part in protecting these breathtaking sights so generations to come can still experience their beauty.

Read on to find out more about the Dark Skies of Northumberland and some easy tips on how to protect them.

What is a Dark Sky?

It may seem like a simple question – we all know the night sky is dark! But this certified phrase represents picture-perfect skies that allow us to see not just the twinkling stars, but on an extremely clear night, even the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. We are able to have these magnificent sights due to Northumberland having very low levels of light pollution, making it one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.

Despite this, light pollution is slowly affecting the Dark Skies of Northumberland. But do not worry, there are ways for residents and visitors to reduce light pollution.

How to Protect our Night Sky

Some outside light is needed when it is nighttime, such as streetlamps or path lighting, however, it is excessive light that creates light pollution. Light pollution comes in three main forms:

Glare – this is caused by excessive brightness of light when viewed against a dark background, such as the night sky, making the stars not as easily seen. This is particularly intrusive in rural areas which usually have minimal light pollution.

Light Intrusion – this occurs when light trespasses beyond the intended area, lighting up places unnecessarily. This can happen when using a high wattage bulb or bulbs that are not intended for outdoor use.

Sky Glow – this happens when lights shine upwards towards the sky and the light reflects off the particles in the air, creating a haze that diminishes our view.

Luckily, there are a number of Dark Sky-friendly lighting solutions and tips to help reduce artificial light at night and protect the tranquillity of the Northumberland night skies.

1. Only turn lights on when they are needed. Whether it is outdoor or even indoor lights, you should only turn on lights for practicality, such as seeing where you are going and providing more visibility. Keeping the number of lights switched on to a minimum will also help to reduce energy bills.

• Only light areas that need to be light. A follow on from the above, using lights for a specific purpose will aid in lessening light pollution. For example, if your driveway or front path is dark, utilise a motion sensor light to illuminate the area without the need for a light to be switched on continuously.

• Always use the correct bulb. You would never use the wrong tool for a job, and so it is important to apply this to your lighting solutions too. If an area is dimly lit and you need some additional lighting, try not to use an excessively high wattage bulb. For domestic outdoor lighting, use a brightness of three watts and less than 3000 Kelvin.

• Use warm lighting, not blue. Related to the above, a bulb with less than 3000 Kelvin will help to reduce blue light emissions which are often associated with LED bulbs. LED lighting can also be harsh and cold, so opting for warm-toned lighting can help to create a cosy environment and add to the beauty of a space.

• Avoid upward-facing lighting. As we have already mentioned, upward-facing lighting can create a light glow on the night sky which affects our ability to see the stars. This can be helped with downward-facing lights or ensuring that any upward-facing lights are dim and covered so they are not aiding to light pollution.

Where to See Dark Skies in Northumberland

As long as you follow the above tips and stay away from street lighting, you should be able to get a clear view of the night sky wherever you are in Northumberland, including our properties in Craster, Northumberland.

But if you are willing to venture out a little further than our seaside homes, you can experience even clearer skies that will leave you wanting more. In 2013, the whole of Northumberland National Park was awarded a designation awarded by the International Dark Sky Association. Now also known as the Northumberland Dark Skies Park, our guests are never too far away from awarding-winning views. Here are some nearby Dark Sky Discovery Sites where you can indulge in the purest Northumberland night skies.

Elsdon Village Hall

Located an hour’s drive from Craster, this ancient village is not only a great place for stargazing, but also for hiking trails, historic buildings, and delicious treats in the Old School House Tearoom.

Park in the Elsdon Village Hall car park and set up on the village green to get the best sight of the breathtaking starry sky. With events taking place throughout the year, and with the local astronomy club happy to arrange activities on request, you will never miss out at this Dark Sky approved location.

Ingram Village Hall

Just a 40-minute journey away, Ingram is a place of natural beauty and rich in archaeological finds courtesy of the local Iron Age hill forts.

With a free car park to utilise, Ingram Village Hall also holds astronomical activities and events throughout the year for local residents and visitors alike to sit together and watch the night sky. Situated on the edge of Northumberland National Park, why not make the most of the trip and plan a nature walk while visiting?

Alwinton Car Park

The name of this next location may seem unassuming, but it is a certified Dark Skies Discovery Site nonetheless! A scenic 50-minute drive from our Craster properties, Alwinton is embraced by rolling hills and is well-known far and wide for its horse riding routes.

After enjoying a hearty meal at the Rose and Thistle pub, park up for the evening in Alwinton’s free car park and observe the beauty of Northumberland’s sky. The same pub also holds stargazing events when weather is permitting, and it is always very popular; stargazing truly does bring people together.

Kirknewton Village Hall

Also a 50-minute drive away, this picturesque village lies at the northern edge of Northumberland National Park. A quaint town with a deep-rooted history dating back to the 12^th century, it is difficult to not be swayed by the charm of Kirknewton.

After a day of taking in the sights and learning more about this ancient land, head on over to Kirknewton Village Hall which has a 24-hour car park, and simply sit back and relax while you wait for dusk to turn to nightfall.

Kielder Observatory

All these locations are perfect for a tranquil evening of stargazing, but if you are willing to travel that bit further for the ultimate experience, look no further than Kielder Observatory.

Located just under two hours away, this remarkable observatory holds over 700 events annually, meaning there are events on most evenings that cater to audiences of all ages. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!

Whether you visit one of these unique and magical locations, or stay closer to home in Craster, you are never far from an unspoilt night sky, especially if we all follow the light pollution tips and tricks.

For further information on our properties and their availability all year-round, contact us on 01829 708693 or email info@catchthebreeze.co.uk. And do not forget to tag us in any pictures you may take and use the #MyCTBR, we love seeing your fabulous pictures and all the fun you have whilst staying with us in our properties.

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