Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder Water is the largest constructed lake in Northern Europe and a tranquil haven for plentiful flora and fauna.

I’ve visited there to take photos of the wildlife, watch a motorsport rally and do some stargazing, but everyone, from walkers and cyclists to lovers of the great outdoors, will adore this rural idyll.

The parkland is dotted with amazing artworks, huge eyecatching sculptures, and ‘designer shelters’, from which to view the incredible vistas. But if art appreciation is not for you, there’s the Birds of Prey Centre, Kielder Observatory, and a great choice of watersports.

For me, a city-dweller, the greatest thing about Kielder is its jaw-dropping dark sky. At home, I can barely manage to spot the North Star, but in darkest Northumberland, a billion stars reveal themselves, including entire galaxies. The skies are so light-pollution free that the observatory has earned Gold Tier status, the highest global accolade.

Overnight parking has been approved by Forestry England and Northumbrian Water at the following locations: Kielder Castle car park, Anglers Arms rear car park in Kielder village, and Elf Kirk View Point. An overnight stay costs £10; your parking ticket can be purchased at the Kielder Castle car park, or at the Anglers Arms.

Parts of the park suffered severe storm damage in last winter’s extreme weather, so it’s best to check the website (www.visitkielder.com) and confirm your intended destination is back up and running.

Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder NE48 1BT

Open All year

Charges Free entry